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“Diaspora, An Exchange for A Dream” A Reflective Essay by Lourenzo Manimtim


“Bakit nga ba’y tilay wala ng natira? — nag-aabroad sila.”

A very powerful thought-provoking statement. Gloc-9s song “Walang Natira” reflects with the harsh reality faced by the Filipino people and why did they go to abroad because of the difficult life and economic struggles here in the Philippines. This essay will answer and ponder the question, why do Filipinos need to go to abroad?

Napakaraming Guro, Enhinyero, Karpintero at Kasambahay dito sa saamin? Ngunit bakit tila walang natira? Nag-aabroad sila. With the harsh realities and lack of financial opportunities here in the Philippines. To cater the needs of their families with the financial constraints experienced in the Philippines. Many Filipinos of all professions take the risk and go outside of the country in the hopes of a good high earning job and provide financial stability for their families. Professionals such as Engineers, Teachers, Maids, Doctors, Nurses, Seafarers and more. Almost all kinds of Filipino professionals’ ventures and migrate beyond our borders to seek and hope for a better life and a better future for themselves and their families. Nag-aabroad sila. Gloc-9s song about the emergent and imminent diaspora of many Filipinos reflects to the harsh reality of life, politics, and economic opportunities here in the Philippines. It vividly reflects that the Philippines does not have enough opportunities and enough salaries to support the high expense and evolving life here in the Philippines.

Lupa kong sinilangan, ang pangalan ay Pinas, Ngunit bakit parang puno na ang prutas ay pitas? The Philippines is a melting pot of the world. With different cultures being adapted and influence the Filipino culture. It makes the Philippines a great source and a wealth of Skills and Talent. However, even amongst this talent with the pinuong ungas, sila ang nakikinabang (greedy leaders, and their corruption). This leaves the country and government systems to be mismanaged leading to the corruption and waste of valuable resources supposedly for the benefit of the Filipino people. Many Filipino professionals, therefore, leave and seek greener pastures into other countries and use their skills for the sake of financial stability and provide for their families— Brain Drain.

Wala nang natira, Filipino Teachers, Doctors, Engineers, etc. work abroad for the benefit of their families in the Philippines and benefit the country where they work— Brain Gain, by capitalizing and utilizing their skills for further development of their countries.

Dolyar ipapalit sa Piso, Ganyan ba ang kapalit ng buhay ng Pilipino?  Filipinos leave the country for the sake of better opportunities and greener pastures. Leading to Brain Drain and Brain Gain. But what is the catch? What are the consequences? Filipinos take risks when they fly to work in another country. Filipinos, certainly, risk of leaving their family behind. To work abroad for the sake of earning money for their children to finish college and get a degree and buy the things their children desires. To earn money abroad just so to have a remittance and send money back in the Philippines. They indeed earn quite the amount of money and save enough for their future. However, it comes in the risk of separation and abandonment. Many young migrant children faced disinhibition or disconnection with their parents. As said in the song, Ganyan ba ang kapalit ng buhay ng Pilipino? Lilisanin ang pamilya ang amo na kahit na sino? This can be interpreted in many ways. But the unifying thought is that Filipino Migrant Workers leave important people behind in exchange for work and serve other people.

             “Napakaraming tama dito sa atin ngunit bakit wala nang natira.” In all implications, Filipinos do not want to leave the Philippines, most especially because of their family. But with the difficulties faced by many Filipinos in the way of life here in the country. It is an inevitable factor for Filipinos to leave the country, and work to other states with a higher economy, more powerful currency, and better pay. Which a single dollar, can already buy food for the whole family. And a few hundred dollars, can already support spare leisure and fun for the family. If the Philippines were to be a better country that invests and support the industries for the sake and welfare of the society then there will be more Filipinos that will stay in our country, No Brain Drain and lesser Brain Gain. Filipino Professionals will work and support our country and build our economy, they will not need to leave anymore and go— diaspora.

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