Galvez - Thesis About OWF
Galvez - Thesis About OWF
Galvez - Thesis About OWF
A Thesis
Presented to the
In Partial Fulfillment
by
GALVEZ, KEVIN C.
January 2017
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research would not be possible without the involvement of the following:
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, our Almighty Creator, for the wisdom, strength, and patience, He
To my ever supportive adviser, Dr. Marissa Baldecir, CPA, for sharing her time
and knowledge to improve my thesis and for always being there to guide me in the
To the panelists, Dr. Melanie De Ocampo, Dr. Lauro Cipriano Silapan, and the
chairman, Dr. Marites Khanser, for giving comments and suggestions helpful for the
To Mr. Rene Argenal, for helping me in the methodological and statistical aspect
of the study.
Director of POEA Regional Center for Visayas for granting my survey request and Ms.
Marina Villaflores, Supervising CEO of POEA Region VII, for assisting me to conduct
the survey within the office premises and Ms. Fenita Berdon, Public Information Officer
of POEA Region VII, in retrieving the latest data for OFW deployment.
pretesting request and Mr. Reynaldo Jacalan for accommodating and assisting me during
the pretesting of the research instrument held at OWWA Region VII office.
day heroes of our nation, who wholeheartedly participated and shared pieces of their
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Special thanks to Ms. Grace Guerra and Dr. Edhel Miro, for the assistance in the
To my close friends, my vibrant cheer leaders, thank you for all the
encouragement.
To my mother, Narcisa Galvez, for the unconditional love and for constantly
who is currently working in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for 22 years, a simple
thank you is not enough for all the love and sacrifices you made for our family, this one's
KEVIN C. GALVEZ
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ABSTRACT
The study evaluated how Overseas Filipino Workers and their households allocate
remittances in Cebu, Philippines through determining their socio-economic profile,
current household's remittance allocation actions, investment experiences of managing
remittances received and factors that affect investment decisions on education.
Review of literature was made with the following topics; i) Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs); ii) remittances management; iii) personal and household finance; and
iv) topics about investments on education. The theoretical framework utilized for this
study was the Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988).
The study found out that most respondents were young, married professionals,
earn PHP30,001 to 70,000, follow a monthly budget plan, save PHP 10,000 or less
monthly, don't have any multiple loans nor credit cards, spend more on basic necessities,
covered with insurance, own several properties, manage business and don't have any will.
In addition, factors moderately influence the financial decision to invest for education.
The study concluded that remittances, OFWs' main income, are influenced by
other factors, which are crucial factors to consider on investments for education. In
addition, younger OFWs don't prioritize investing and most of the respondents don't
understand the true importance of sharing. Furthermore, younger OFWs also tend to
invest on personal development while older OFWs have more diversified investment
portfolios.
The study recommends that the proposed strategies for investments on education
should be discussed to OFWs and their household through Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA), the government's main organization tasked to ensure OFWs'
welfare. These actions will improve agency's existing re-integration program.
Key words: Overseas Filipino Workers, Remittances, Personal and Family Financial
Planning Framework, Personal Finance, Investments on Education
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
APPROVAL SHEET ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
ABSTRACT v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF FIGURES viii
LIST OF TABLES ix
Chapter
1 INTRODUCTION 1
THE PROBLEM 4
DEFINITION OF TERMS 7
2 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND 10
Theoretical Framework 25
Conceptual Framework 32
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 35
Research Environment 35
Research Respondents 36
Research Instruments 37
Research Procedures 39
Gathering of Data 39
Treatment of Data 39
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4 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION OF DATA 41
Investment Experiences 66
Summary 95
Findings 96
Conclusions 98
Recommendations 99
BIBLIOGRAPHY 101
APPENDICES
A Transmittal Letter (Request for OFW Population) 107
B Transmittal Letter (Request to Conduct Survey POEA) 108
C Transmittal Letter (Request to Conduct Survey OWWA) 109
D Survey Questionnaire 110
E Interview Guide 118
F Curriculum Vitae 122
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LIST OF FIGURES
viii
LIST OF TABLES
3 Gender 41
4 Age Group 42
5 Civil Status 42
6 Educational Attainment 43
7 Number of Dependents 44
8 Household Size 44
12 Employment Destination 48
20 Existence of Loan 54
21 Type of Loan 54
28 Existence of Insurance 60
29 Type of Insurance 60
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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Monetary Fund (2013), remittances have increased rapidly to become a significant source
of national income, making the country, third, in Asia. On 2012, personal remittances
continued to grow in U.S. dollar terms, reaching US$23.8 billion. Philippines also topped
country's GDP is made up of the increasing incoming remittances (Bayangos & Jansen,
2009). This is due to the fact that majority of the remittances received were utilized for
household consumption and it impacted the GDP growth rate, positively (Tchantchane et
al., 2013).
Remittances, the funds that migrants send back to their families of origin, also, are one of
the most consequential impacts of migration for migrant-sending communities (Lu &
Treiman, 2006). In the past, most OFWs were men. However, as years progress, more
Filipinas have become labor migrants, and currently more than one half of overseas
workers from the Philippines are women (Go, 1998; Tyner, 2002; cited by Semyonov and
technology and strong international labor market connections, there is an evident increase
of workers migration around the globe (Atienza and Webb, 2013). Filipino workers are
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not an exception to this trend, what set them apart from other migrant workers are their
values were also added strengths of being an OFW (Macaraeg, 2005). According to
Tullao and Cabuay (2012), the main motivation of Filipinos to work abroad is their
yearning to increase their source of income. In working overseas, OFWs also seek out
new opportunities not only in improving their earning capacity, but also in being exposed
According to Custodio and Ang (2012), it's also a strategy for many household in
developing nations to work abroad. The recipient family in the home country supports the
decision of the migrant worker and anticipates to receive higher income to finance the
family's needs. This inclination continue to be a relevant factor of the Philippine growth,
especially among households with OFWs, the percentage is progressively rising (Orbeta,
2008).
output method . The input method (accounting point of view) evaluates the resources
utilized by families, students, and the state to education. On the other hand, output
better standard of living enjoyed by the more educated relative to the less educated. The
comparison between the education inputs and outputs leads to measures of efficiency in
the use of resources. Moreover, expenditures on education (the input side) are treated as
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investment in human capital. The value of such investment is measured by the returns it
yields over the lifetime of a more educated person relative to a less educated one (output
side), over and above the investment costs (Psacharopoulos, 2006). According to Lucas
(1998), human capital formation is vital on the economic growth in long-run. From an
economic perspective, a higher income gained from the higher skills will bring more to
the graduated student. This response requires that the investment in one’s education
should truly be a capital investment, an investment that will generate revenue to the one
that has the capital. Although this condition depends not only on the capital acquired
through graduate education, but also on other factors, mainly those affecting the market
situation. Moreover, investment in education is the result of choice, both at the levels of
society, the state and the individual, a choice which is necessarily accompanied by giving
up something else, that is a choice that has an opportunity cost (Voiculescu, 2009).
Elaborated by Lashgari (2010), the return on investment of human capital would open
more doors for discoveries, innovations, new products and well-educated professionals.
Most studies revealed that majority of remittances were mainly consumed and
only small percentage were saved or invested productively (Chami et al., 2003). Chaaban
and Mansour (2012) agreed and mentioned that migrants' household prioritized daily
household needs like fuel, light, and water. However, the effect of remittances on other
equally significant categories like education and medical care, needs more exploration
(Tabuga, 2008).
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Hence, the study will endeavor to examine how remittances were currently
allocated by Overseas Filipino Workers and their recipient household using the Personal
and Family Financial Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988) in Cebu, Philippines to
further investigate what relevant factors affect financial decisions to not only spend
remittances on basic consumption but also prioritize other equally important investments
including education.
THE PROBLEM
Workers (OFWs) and their households and documented their respective investment
1.2 Size;
1.3 Income;
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2.1.1 Obtaining;
2.1.2 Planning;
2.1.3 Saving;
2.1.4 Borrowing;
2.1.5 Spending;
2.1.6 Protecting;
2.1.8 Sharing
received;
2.2.1 Income;
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Significance of the Study
Given the fact that remittance is the most important source of finance for the
Philippines (Tchantchane et al., 2013), this study would be beneficial to the following:
that mainly cater to the needs and wants of the OFW market, that the information
gathered on this study will provide them insights on how they can attract and retain their
respective target market through looking on the current market's saving, spending and
investing patterns.
Overseas Filipino Workers. The modern day heroes of the country, who worked
hard to provide the needs of their families, that they understand the essence of investing
their earnings wisely not only for private consumption but also for other relevant
OFWs' respective family members and loved ones. The direct recipients of the
remittances, that they can effectively manage the hard-earned funds by not only putting it
to savings but also by initiating other significant investments which includes education.
Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). They continue to support and protect the
welfare of the OFWs around the world and encourage OFWs' recipient families not only
Students and Researchers. This study will be helpful as a reference for additional
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Universities, Colleges and other educational institutions. They consistently keep
on providing quality education that will empower the present generation and the
DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following are the terms that are used in this study, defined operationally:
needs, wants, and goals. Based on the Personal and Family Financial Planning
Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988), these actions are obtaining, planning, saving,
Career situation is the state of the person's financial situation and decisions
Dependents are persons who rely from the Overseas Filipino Worker's financial
support and they may or may not reside under the same house.
demand, and prices that influence personal spending, saving, and investing patterns.
Family situation refers to the different life cycle stages and factors like age,
marital status, and ages of children, that requires distinct and diverse financial priorities.
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Household is an organization of one or more persons who share a dwelling and
manage financial and other resources intended for each member's welfare.
The household size is the number of persons living together under the same
Income are funds earned and obtained from employment or through investments.
Investment strategies are set of tactical financial rules, actions, or processes that
in order to achieve a desired state in the future, specifically designed to meet their
purchase and acquire assets or opportunities related to human capital development, with
the goal of increasing appreciation and generating higher income in the future.
Needs and values are basic and distinct necessities, wants, principles and the like
that shape and influence individual's way of living and financial decisions.
business profits.
Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs are Filipinos who are presently and
temporarily out of the Philippines to fulfill an international work contract for a specific
length of time or who are presently at home on vacation but still has an existing contract
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The Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework is a financial
discussed the importance of personal financial planning management for individuals and
households through identifying their unique financial position to achieve their specific
Protecting is acquiring of adequate insurance coverage for the person, his family
through various kinds of channels including banks, other financial institutions, friends
and relatives.
property to others.
The six factors refer to factors that affect personal financial efforts and decisions.
Based on the Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988),
these factors are income, needs and values, family situation, career situation, economic
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Chapter 2
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
remittances management both in the global and local contexts. It also reviews literature
compensation packages and benefits (Rivera & Reyes, 2011). According to study made
abroad, equivalent to around 10 percent of the total population, 18 percent of the working
age population, and 25 percent of the labor force. The population of Filipinos overseas
grow from 7 million (1997) to 10.5 million (2011), fueled by relevant increase in
migration. Moreover, more than 10 percent of households have at least one Overseas
Filipino Worker family member. According to Lukas and Stark (1985), decisions linked
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According to Sicat (2012), OFWs were generally classified to two types: land-
based workers and sea-based workers. Land-based workers are OFWs on a temporary
work visa and usually holds a contract of work that is consummated before leaving the
country. Land-based workers were categorized to highly paid professionals and skilled
workers. For highly paid professionals, they can bring their respective families with them
for the duration of their contract since they have adequate provision for family living
support abroad. Furthermore, skilled workers, on contrary, do not bring their families
with them given the fact that their wage can hardly cover their families' living expense,
so it's a practical decision to let their families stay in the Philippines. On the other hand,
Sea-based workers are seamen and mariners who are working in passenger vessels,
container vessels, tanker vessels, and bulk carriers for merchant trade, navigating in the
relatives and friends trigger the likelihood of locals on working overseas through
study conducted by UN-INSTRAW (2008) also confirmed that influence for migration
and overseas employment is highly motivated by relatives and friends since Filipinos are
Authority, the largest number of OFWs came from Region IVA, commonly known as
CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) comprising 17.9 percent
of the total OFWs population. Followed by Region III, Central Luzon (15.1 percent) and
National Capital Region (11 percent). On the other hand, the smallest number of OFWs
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came from Caraga (1.7 percent) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (1.5
percent). In addition, male OFWs outnumbered their female counterparts, with male
OFWs comprising 50.3 percent of the total OFWs population. Female OFWs were
younger that male OFWs, with more than half (53.8 percent) of the female OFWs under
the age range of 25 to 34 years. In comparison, male OFWs under this age range made up
42.1 percent. For leading destination of OFWs, Saudi Arabia (22.1 percent) was still the
top choice among OFWs. Other preferred destinations were United Arab Emirates (15
percent); Singapore (7.3 percent); Qatar (5.8 percent); Hong Kong (5.1 percent) and other
countries in Western Asia (5 percent). Among occupation groups, laborers and unskilled
workers (30.8 percent) was the biggest group of OFWs. The other large occupation
groups of OFWs were the service workers and shop and market sales workers (16.7
percent), trades and related workers (12.9 percent), plant and machine operators and
assemblers (11.7 percent), and professionals (11.6 percent). More than half of the female
OFWs were unskilled workers (51.4 percent) like household helpers, cleaners, launderers
and related workers. Among the male OFWs, the largest groups were the trades and
related workers (25.1 percent), and plant and machine operators and assemblers (21.5
percent).
Remittances
income of the Philippine economy. Almost 95 percent of households that include at least
one OFW report receiving remittances. Remittances have doubled from its annual rates
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since 2002. Moreover, remittances continued to rise and set a record breaking $23.8
billion, in U.S. dollar terms, in 2012. The growing number of OFWs in the locality
indicates that incoming remittances in the Philippines are contributed by the large number
of employed migrants overseas: more migrant workers in a specific area connotes more
Tuaño-Amador et al. (2007), there were three main components why there is an evident
increase of remittances from OFWs around the world over the years: (1) increase of
number of employed workers and immigrants, as what the OFWs and migrants' stocks
showed; (2) changes in skill sets and competencies of OFWs through increase in
employment rate in service-related industries and white-collar jobs overseas, and (3) the
remittance market, accessibility for recipient families, and promoting financial literacy
including savings and investments initiatives for OFWs and their loved ones. The
priority behind sending remittance is for supporting the household and investment comes
Authority (2015), the total remittance sent by OFWs during the last quarter of 2015 was
estimated at 163.2 billion pesos. These included cash sent home (118.7 billion pesos),
cash brought home (35.3 billion pesos) and remittances in kind (9.1 billion
pesos). Moreover, majority of OFWs sent their remittance through banks (67.4 percent)
while the rest through agencies or local offices (3.1 percent), door-to-door delivery (2.3
percent), friends or co-workers (0.5 percent) or through other means (26.8 percent).
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For volume of remittances sent, OFWs working in Asia had remitted the largest
amount at 87.6 billion pesos, or an average of 56 thousand pesos per OFW. OFWs
working in North and South America remitted an average of 86 thousand pesos per OFW
and OFWs working in Europe remitted an average of 78 thousand pesos per OFW.
Of the total cash remittance sent by OFWs, the remittance sent by laborers and
unskilled workers comprised the biggest share at 19.2 percent or 22.9 billion pesos, or an
average remittance of 38 thousand pesos per OFW who is an unskilled worker. The total
remittance of OFWs working in Asia, comprising 81.2 percent of all OFWs, accounted
for 73.8 percent of the total cash remittances. From other countries, the percentage
shares are as follows: North and South America, and Europe (9.9 percent), Australia (3.9
cash remittances, in U.S. dollar terms, $24.3 billion, was mainly divided to two
categories: land-based (77 percent) and sea-based (23 percent). In terms of geographic
diversification of host countries, the share of cash remittances from Americas, where
United States and Canada belong, consistently lead the highest contributor of cash
remittances (45.9 percent), followed by Middle East (21.9 percent), Europe (15.4
percent), and Asia (14.6 percent). On the other hand, Oceania (2.1 percent) and Africa
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Household Finance
or more people who share a dwelling and share financial and other resources intended for
the well-being of its members. It requires more involvement and sharing to qualify as a
household when there are multiple members. In addition, the household is the principal
organization intended to handle the financial and other personal activities of one or more
people and to foster the achievement of their goals (Samuelson, 1956; Becker, 1981). The
influence its financial, legal, and tax situations. Financial efficiencies can result from
and economies of scale: if two people work they reduce the risk of a cut-off in income in
completed more quickly and with higher quality. Sharing of fixed costs for shelter and
Altfest (2007), looking through a micro level perspective, several theories can be
examined. The theory of consumer choice describes the method through which people
select goods and services to satisfy their needs. Furthermore, a wider array of goods and
services are presented to the consumers in modern times. However, the consumer don't
have the capability and resources to avail them all, so he will decide which specific items
will he buy based on certain preferences. Those preferences come from utility, used in
economic theory to quantify satisfaction that a particular item presents. (Altfest 2007).
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According to Modigliani (1980), the life cycle theory of savings can be derived
from the theory of choice. The life cycle theory of savings shifts from the theory of
choice's hard-to-measure utility to concrete money terms. The theory assumes that utility
can be measured in money terms and presents a specific premise about how people make
decisions. Moreover, it states that the spending decisions are based not on the amount of
income currently earn but on the total amount expected to earn over the entire life cycle.
The life cycle theory of savings also stated that once the consumers established their
lifetime resources, they try to maintain a constant level of expenditures throughout their
respective life cycle; they try to maintain the same standard of living over their lives. The
life cycle approach has great significance for households since it states that households
are not impulsive consumers who spend all the money they generate. Instead, households
are planners whose actions extend beyond their current resources and pleasurable
activities to their future needs and assets. The simple form of the theory assumes, like the
theory of choice that risk and inflation are not present and that people act logically to
pursue their goals. According to the life cycle theory of savings, borrowing generally
takes place early in the household's life, when income is low. With that, household can
raise their consumption expenses and then attempt to even it out over their lives. As the
income rises, household pay off their debt and save for retirement. In retirement, when
work-related revenues have stopped, savings are steadily liquidated to maintain their cost
of living. At death, there are no assets remaining. In essence, the goal is to "die broke".
theory. The theory states that the household acts as a manufacturer of commodities used
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household can be viewed as producers of goods and services any time of the day. Some
add directly to revenues, others support revenues through, keeping the household healthy
and ready during the time allocated to work. The rest of the time and money is devoted to
pleasurable activities. This was described as the household enterprise, which is an entity
that engages in certain tasks for an end result. The household enterprise attempts to run
possible for activities that the household enjoy doing. Therefore, a household is a leisure-
personal financial planning: (1) investments should be viewed as part of a portfolio, not
should not analyze return alone but also analyze return on risk: the higher the risk, the
higher the potential return; and (3) overall risk is influenced by the degree of
diversification among assets in the portfolio: the more dissimilar the assets are or the
lower the correlation among them, the lesser the risk for the portfolio. However, the
stocks and bonds. OFWs can be classified as investors. OFWs have gone overseas to
build up life-time assets and looks for best opportunities to utilize the earnings. Given the
knowledge and networks in the home country, the desire to eventually return and have
some investment opportunities at home is high. This behaviour may lead to a procyclical
pattern in remittances as investment opportunities at home are better when the economy
is booming. The portfolio of the OFW is likely to contain financial and non-financial
assets of the home and of the host country. If the boom in the home country is
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accompanied by a recession in the host country, the investor will shift to home assets but,
if the business cycles of home and host country are synchronized, no adjustments will be
theory. The household has various assets that can be utilized to earn more. These valuable
assets are categorized separately including financial assets (stocks and bonds); earning
power of employment; home ownership; and household equipments to save time, money,
and provide pleasure. On the other hand, certain obligations are also vital to total
portfolio management which includes financial liabilities like mortgages and credit cards,
fixed-expenditure obligation like maintenance, bills, and the like. These assets and
obligations form a household portfolio. The revenues less the overhead expenditures is
the return or profits of the portfolio. TPM's focus is to provide the highest return possible
for the household portfolio, given the resources and risk preferences (Altfest, 2007).
Monetary Fund (2013), more than half of the household respondents confirmed that they
including food, electricity, and the like, as well as, education and health care. Moreover,
remittances cover salaries for local nannies and workers attending the needs of the OFWs'
dependents like children and elderly family members. Migrant parents consider giving
good education to their kids, a necessity. On the other hand, migrant children prioritize
the health and medical needs of their aging parents. If basic needs are already obtained,
investments for housing through acquisition or renovations are the next objectives of
OFWs and their families. Furthermore, purchase of appliances and luxury products
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permit OFWs and their respective families to differentiate their social status in the
community. Remittances are also wisely allocated for investments on real estate,
agricultural land, education, healthcare and pension plans based on the surveys initiated
As stated in PSA's Overseas Filipino Survey (2015), a total of 1.9 million OFWs
sent cash remittances to their families. Of this number, 40.7 percent were able to set aside
savings from their cash remittances. In addition, about 42.2 percent OFWs who had
remitted cash to their families had savings from cash remittances sent in 2012. Regardless
of the amount of the cash remittances sent, for every ten OFWs, six (61.7%) were able to
save less than 25 percent of the total amount received, two (21.6%) were able to save
from 25 percent to 49 percent of it, and about two (16.7%) saved 50 percent or more. In
households have access to formal banking, this propose a relevant role for remittances in
Every person, family, or household has a unique financial position, and any
financial activity must also be carefully planned to meet specific needs and goals. A well
rounded financial plan can enhance the quality of life and lessen dissatisfaction. The
financial affairs by avoiding excessive debt, bankruptcy, and dependence on others for
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economic security; improved personal relationships resulting from well communicated
financial decisions; and sense of freedom from financial worries by looking to the future,
anticipating expenses and achieving personal economic goals (Kapoor et al., 2012).
Furthermore, Tabuga (2008) pointed out that studying the micro level effects of
remittances on direct households perspective are seemed vital and essential to assess
savings and expenditure behaviors of the recipient families are indication if remittances
Investments on Education
According to Markowitz (1952), there are two major dimensions connected to the
concept of investment: time and portfolio. The time dimension can be linked to the idea
that investment models can be utilized on either an ex ante basis (initial investment
investments). On the other hand, the portfolio dimension is related to the idea that
investment models can be used to aid decisions involving single or many components.
Investment models within this framework involving the two dimensions, must be
effective to deal with costs and benefits considering time and conditions of risk or
imbursements and spendings but also give consideration on the economic benefits and
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opportunity costs involved (Fiegenbaum and Thomas, 1988, cited in Cornachione, 2010
).
According to Swanson and Holton (2001), the human capital theory, which
emphasized the value of education, defined human capital as the knowledge, expertise,
and skill one accumulates through education and training. There were three evident key
relationships and assumptions represented: the first relationship represents the concept of
production functions as applied to education and training and the assumption is that
investments in education and training result in increased learning; the second relationship
represents the human capital relationship between learning and increased productivity
and the assumption is increased learning leads to increased productivity; and the third
relationship represents the human capital relationship between increased productivity and
increased wages and business earnings and the assumption is greater productivity result
in higher wages for individuals and earnings for business. In addition, citizenship
processes are affected by education and enhanced social efficacy. The basic theory
underpinning human capital is very simple: the formation of human capital entails the
sacrifice of resources today for the sake of a stream of benefits in the future (Becker,
1964; Mincer, 1974, cited in Psacharopoulos 2006). Becker (1993) also stated that "firm-
specific" human capital, which pertains to the expertise obtained through education and
specific to a particular firm from a "general-purpose" human capital, which refers to the
knowledge gained through education and training in areas of value to a variety of firms
management.
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As quoted by Psacharopoulos (2006) on his study, the concept of investment in
"A man educated at the expense of much labor and time . . . may be compared to one . . .
expensive machine...The work which he learns to perform . . . over and above the usual
wages of common labor, will replace the whole expense of his education." According to
higher earnings, labor market flexibility, greater mobility, higher productivity, greater
consumer efficiency, healthier family, lower crime rates, better social cohesion and voter
and intellectual endeavors have created income for individuals and their organizations.
Income resulting from employment at public and private enterprises comprises the
primary source of funds for many individuals. Human labor and knowledge has further
created value added for business enterprises (Greenspan, 2007, cited in Lashgari, 2010).
approach (the costs a person incurs while studying can be compared with the benefits one
enjoys as a graduate and the costs are the forgone earnings, tuition, and other out-of-
pocket expenses for the student and his or her family, and the benefits are the difference
in post tax earnings between more and less educated workers of the same age) or through
looking to the whole country or state's perspective (the state spend on education, and the
benefits are realized in terms of the presumably higher productivity of the more educated
workers and the cost is much higher than what individuals pay for their education
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investment portfolio including age, wealth, and education or human capital should be
taken into consideration. These characteristics greatly affect the investment choices
among varying age groups, wealth, and those endowed with human capital such as
According to Lashgari (2010), the return on human capital investment would lead
to discoveries, innovations, new products and well educated students. Furthermore, the
evaluation of the role of human capital in enhancing the firm’s performance is validated,
assessing the behavior of domestic and international common stock prices, investment
funds. Among the observations include (1) investors paying attention to human capital
were more likely to earn superior return and (2) the stock of human capital and the phases
of the life cycle would both appear to influence individuals’ asset allocation. In addition,
the level of schooling associated with the most externalities has already been considered
in order to correct the hierarchy of the returns to education. According to Birdsall (1996),
the returns to higher education probably are underestimated, given the assumed
externalities university graduates bring to the economy. On the other hand, if externalities
by level of schooling are considered, then primary education probably has the highest
Education can enhance a person's quality of life and stated that improving
capital expenditure that yields a return on human asset that requires educational planning:
programming of direct financial and time resources that enables household members to
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improve their capabilities, typical through enrolling at a college or university (Altfest,
2007).
that sets out the goals, costs, and best method for achieving the educational objectives
desired. The process is expressed on series of steps that serve as building blocks for the
totality of the theory. The first step is to establish educational goal, the second step is to
calculate the cost of education, the third step is to project the potential for financial aid,
the fourth step is to estimate the total cost for parents, the fifth step is to determine best
savings structures, the sixth step is to establish investment policy and finally, the last step
is to estimate the amount of annual funding needed. At this point, all the quantitative
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Theoretical Framework
Figure 1. Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988)
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Personal and Family Financial Planning
All through existence, individuals and families have necessities that can be
utilized in the study is the Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework developed
by Kapoor, Dlabay and Hughes (1988) that defined personal financial planning as the art
and science of managing money to work for the individual or the family and live within
their means. Furthermore, financial planning is the process by which the person or the
family take control of their financial situation, through recognizing that they have unique
financial position to meet their specific needs and goals (Kapoor et al., 1988). In addition,
maximization and optimization refer to the mechanism through which individuals obtain
the highest possible satisfaction from an activity. Exposed to range of preferences and
limited resources, people make decisions designed to maximize utility and optimize
financial decisions. Kapoor et al. (1988) emphasized that personal financial planning
1. Income. Income level influences financial planning by not directly basing the
amount of income available but on how current resources can be utilized, this will
2. Needs and Values. Basic needs and wants for daily living affect the spending
and saving decisions depending on resources available; some people spend their
entire income on consumption items like food, clothing, and furniture while other
26
save and invest portion of their income or purchase insurance to achieve a degree
of financial security. These habits reflect the specific values and goals of the
one's financial planning. Age, marital status, and ages of children influence
from the married couples. In addition, Table 2 illustrated the financial activities
Table 1.
27
Table 2.
decisions will be depending on the availability of work and the salaries and wages
they obtained.
5. Tax Situation. Just as the individual depend on wages or other income to pay
living expenses, the government plays a vital role in terms of tax revenues and
financial decisions.
28
spending and saving patterns may vary depending on inflation, employment,
components:
employment or business profits. The capacity to boost income will result from
financial resources is the main basis of one's financial plan since resources will
for saving and investing for financial security is vital key in planning. Efforts
made to anticipate expenditure and other financial decisions can help lessen
uncertainties.
for long-term financial security. Once the essential savings component has been
established, extra funds saved can be utilized for relevant investments that present
better returns.
29
4. Borrowing refers to sustaining control over credit buying habits. Management
financial goals. Moreover, overuse and misuse of credit lead to personal economic
challenges.
the person's family and their properties. Oftentimes, this financial necessity is an
available including stocks, real estate, education, and rare coins, depending on the
methods can aid an individual to choose course of action for funding current and
Thus, financial planning is not only individual and family centered, but also future
oriented. A comprehensive financial plan can enhance the quality of life by reducing
30
uncertainty about future needs and resources. Furthermore, this blueprint for financial
security helps foster sense of well-being and fulfilment in completing the preferred way
of living (Kapoor et al., 1988). In addition, knowing the motivation and allocation
process which lead to programs and trainings to aid migrants make better financial
31
Conceptual Framework
32
The conceptual framework of the study employed the Personal and Family
Financial Planning Framework developed by Kapoor, Dlabay and Hughes (1988). OFWs
size, income and age of both OFWs and members of the household. According to Alfest
(2007), the household is the organizational structure that incorporates all financial
activities: it signifies logical financial actions and draws personal financial planning
objectives together. As remittances were accepted and managed by the households, some
protecting, investing and sharing. These major financial actions are influenced by
dynamic personal, social, and economic factors that affect financial decision for
investments on education.
is an asset purchased with the hope that it will generate higher income or appreciate in the
future (Swanson and Holton, 2001). Moreover, the six factors: income, needs and values,
economic conditions, family situation, career situation and tax situation, that affect
Based on the findings, the researcher proposed investment strategies to OFWs and
their respective families, enabling them to utilize remittances productively not only for
Tabuga (2008) emphasized that evaluating closely the micro level impacts of
33
investment behaviors will indicate if remittances are wisely utilized or not. Emphasizing
the social and economic importance of human capital theory, Becker (1993) mentioned
the economist, Alfred Marshall's dictum that "the most valuable of all capital is that
invested in human beings". Regardless of the application, education and training are the
most important investments in human capital (Becker, 1993, cited in Swanson and
Holton, 2001). According to Atienza and Webb (2013), although studies on remittances
in the Philippines continue to increase through the years, majority of the researches
economic growth as a nation while very few give greater emphasis to the allocation of
remittances of OFWs between short term household support and longer term investments.
34
Chapter 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The study used a descriptive research design which includes elements of both
quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The term descriptive research refers
to the type of research question, design, and data analysis that were applied to evaluate
how Overseas Filipino Workers and their household allocate remittances using the
Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988), in order to
Research Environment
researcher on April 2016 during the Entrepreneurship and Business Planning Seminar
hosted by Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) at their Visayas Office, 2nd
Floor, DOLE 7 Building, Gorordo Avenue corner General Maxillom Avenue, Cebu City,
to a total of 30 respondents, who are vacationing and previous OFWs coming from
different provinces in Visayas. Reliability and validity of the items in the questionnaire
The actual survey was conducted on May-June 2016 in Cebu City, Philippines,
for Visayas, situated at the ground floor of the DOLE Building (old Insular Building),
corner General Maxilom Avenue and Gorordo Avenue Cebu City. POEA provides
35
assistance to Filipino migrant workers through industry regulation, employment
POEA Regional Center for Visayas also accommodates the needs of OFWs from
Research Respondents
using Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988), the
respondents of the study were the walk in Overseas Filipino Workers who are processing
36
System within the office premises of the Philippine Overseas Employment
design was employed through conveniently identifying the respondents available on the
The number of participants was determined using Sample Size to Estimate the
𝑧2𝛿2
𝑛= 2
𝐸
margin of error. Using a 90% confidence level (z = 1.645), δ = 0.50, and E = ±5%,
1.6452 0.502
𝑛= = 271
0.052
Thus, the required sample size for this study is 271 OFWs.
Research Instruments
The research instruments that were used in the study are survey questionnaire and
37
The first section sought to know the social-demographic background of the
respondents including the number of dependents, household size, income, age of the
concerning the eight financial planning allocation actions. Respondents indicated whether
each response was “strongly agree”, “agree”, “neither agree nor disagree”, “disagree”, or
involving factors based on Kapoor's Framework: Income, Needs and Values, Family
Situation, Career Situation, Economic Conditions, and Tax Situation, influencing the
eight financial allocation actions. Respondents indicated whether each response was
whether each response was “great influence”, “moderate influence”, or “not an influence”
On the other hand, an interview guide was used by the researcher to document
selected households was chosen based on the family situations and profiles stated on the
theoretical framework of the study. According to Kapoor et al. (1988), family situations
are classified into either Singles, Young Couples, Traditional, Moderns, Empty Nesters,
or Retirees.
38
Research Procedures
information relevant in answering the statement of the problem. The researcher briefed
the respondents of the nature of the study and solicited their participation. Returned and
accomplished survey questionnaires were collated. Separate interviews were also made to
few selected OFWs to document investment experiences. Literature review was also
carried out in the study through academic journals, books and online sources to provide
Treatment of Data. Data collected from the survey were treated with
conceptual framework of the study and were sorted, tallied and tabulated for statistical
Microsoft Excel where responses of the participants were coded using numeric variables.
These were imported to SPSS or Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences for
statistical analyses.
dependents, size, income, age of OFWs and age of the household members, descriptive
statistics was also employed using means and standard deviations, and interpreted by
39
(http://grants.nih.gov/grants/peer/guidelines_general/scoring_system_and_procedure.pdf)
but in the reverse scoring procedure. The following ranges were adopted:
To assess the specific factors including income, needs and values, family
situation, career situation, economic conditions and tax situation, that affect financial
These were then interpreted using the following ranges adopted on the reverse scoring
All statistical analyses were generated using SPSS and statistical significance was
evaluated at the 0.05 level. Ultimately, the analyzed and interpreted data gathered from
survey and interviews are the basis of the proposed investment strategies for education to
40
Chapter 4
This chapter presents the findings of the study with descriptive interpretations and
implications. Furthermore, this chapter discusses the results based on the research
Table 3.
Gender of Respondents
Frequency Percent
Male 166 61.3
Female 105 38.6
Total 271 100
It is evident that majority of the Overseas Filipino Workers who participated for
the study were male, who comprises 61% of the total respondents while 39% who took
the survey were females. Moreover, these coincides with recent findings of Philippine
Statistics Authority (2015) that there are more male OFWs than their counterpart in
41
Table 4.
Frequency Percent
Less than 25 years old 28 10.33
25 - 34 116 42.80
35 - 44 77 28.41
45 - 54 37 13.65
55 years & above 13 4.80
Total 271 100
Table 4 illustrates that majority of the OFWs who took the survey are between 25
to 34 years old, which makes up 43% of the total respondents. In addition, 28% are
OFWs between 35 to 44 years old, 14% are OFWs aged between 45 to 54 years, 10% are
OFWs who are younger than 25 years old and 5% are OFWs who are 55 years old or
older. Furthermore, the findings of the study agree with recent Overseas Filipino Worker
survey results of Philippine Statistics Authority (2015) that the said age bracket has the
Table 5.
Frequency Percent
Single 114 42.1
Married 138 50.9
Domestic Partnership 4 1.5
Widowed 5 1.8
Divorced/Separated 10 3.7
Total 271 100
As can be seen in Table 5, more than half of the total respondents are married
OFWs, followed by single OFWs at 42%, and the remaining number of respondents are
42
composed of OFWs who are either divorced, separated, widowed or in a domestic
partnership. Having more married OFWs imply that financial decision making will not
only involved around personal needs and wants but will also be impacted with relevant
factors concerning their dependents' welfare that will affect the allocation of remittances
earned.
Table 6.
Educational Attainment
Frequency Percent
High School Graduate 35 12.9
College 175 64.6
Vocational/Technical 56 20.7
Graduate School 5 1.9
Total 271 100
technology and medical related courses, 21% were able to finish vocational and technical
courses, 13% are high school graduate and the remaining 2% acquired post graduate
degrees. According to Custodio and Ang (2012), majority of these OFWs who are college
graduate are reasonably young, flexible and undoubtedly capable of doing more. Most of
technical fields. Although highly educated, there is also an alarming fact that there is an
increase in number of college graduates who are currently working in domestic and
services category that entails mismatch of acquired training and jobs needed abroad.
43
Table 7.
Number of Dependents
Frequency Percent
1-3 persons 161 59.4
4-6 persons 90 33.2
7-9 persons 17 6.4
10 or more persons 3 1.1
Total 271 100
As specified in the study, dependents are persons who rely from the Overseas
Filipino Worker's financial support and they may or may not reside under the same
house. As shown in Table 7, more than half of the respondents supports one to three
persons as their dependents for the remittances they send, 33% provided their earnings to
four to six persons and the remaining number of respondents offer their financial
assistance to seven or more dependents. In addition, these dependents are persons not
only within the family circle but also are relatives and friends that the OFWs are
currently helping.
Table 8.
Household Size
Frequency Percent
1-3 persons 72 26.6
4-6 persons 155 57.2
7-9 persons 33 12.2
10 or more persons 11 4.1
Total 271 100
The household size, defined in this study, as the number of persons living together
under the same house in the Philippines who directly receive the OFW remittances show
that 57% of the respondent's household are four to six persons big, 27% consists of one
44
to three persons, 12% are made up of seven to nine persons, and the remaining 4% have
ten or more persons residing under the same roof. The typical four to six persons
household size is a composition of the spouse, one or more children, at least one relative
like the parents and siblings of the OFWs or his spouse, or non relative like a helper or a
nanny.
Table 9.
Majority provided their fathers, mothers, spouses, and their children as their
grandchildren, relatives including niece, nephews, cousins and non relatives including
45
helpers, nannies, and close friends, as their additional dependents. According to Root
(2005), the Filipino household are highly collective, hierarchical and family oriented.
These culture instilled with the Overseas Filipino Workers made them extend their help
and support not only within their respective families but also to their relatives and
friends.
In terms of household size, the dependents residing together under the same
OFW's house, are mainly composed of their parents, siblings, spouses and children. This
indicates that most dependents are living under the same household directly affects the
Regarding the current educational status, most of the OFWs' dependents that are
studying were either their siblings or children. Some respondents also support the
schooling of their other relatives. This reveals that most respondents prioritize their
children's educational needs and gives high importance to education for their younger
dependents. Moreover, most of the dependents who are not the direct children of the
respondents who are currently studying are either in High School or College level, so
According to Kapoor, Dlabay, and Hughes (1988) who developed the Personal
and Family Financial Planning Framework, there are eight financial planning actions:
46
The ranges for the mean were based on the standard guide developed by NIH Scoring
System:
Obtaining
Table 10.
Frequency Percent
below-10,000 4 1.5
10,001-30,000 97 35.8
30,001-70,000 104 38.4
70,001-140,000 44 16.3
140,001-250,000 21 7.8
250,001-500,000 1 0.4
Total 271 100
PHP 30,001 to 70,000 pesos while 35.8% of the respondents earns PHP 10,001 to 30,000
pesos and 16.3% receives PHP 70,001 to 140,000 pesos, as shown in Table 10.
Moreover, most of the respondents earning PHP 30,001 to 70,000 and PHP 10,001 to
30,000 income brackets are working in Middle East, while respondents who receive PHP
70,001 to 140,000 every month are the OFWs who are employed in sea-based jobs, as
what is shown in Table 11. These findings agree with the recent data of the survey
47
conducted by Philippine Statistics Authority (2015) that there are more cash remittances
Table 11.
Employment Destination
Gross Monthly Sea- Africas Total
Americas Asia Europe Middle Oceania
Income based East
below-10,000 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 4
10,001-30,000 11 2 1 24 1 58 0 97
30,001-70,000 26 2 4 10 7 55 0 104
70,001-140,000 16 0 4 3 4 15 2 44
140,001- 11 0 4 0 2 3 1 21
250,000
250,001- 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
500,000
Total 67 4 13 38 14 132 3 271
Table 12.
Employment Destination
Frequency Percent
Sea-based 67 24.7
Africas 4 1.5
Americas 13 4.8
Asia 38 14
Europe 14 5.2
Middle East 132 48.7
Oceania 3 1.1
Total 271 100
48
Table 13.
Frequency Percent
0-2 years 55 20.3
3-5 years 91 33.6
6-8 years 53 19.6
9-11 years 39 14.4
12 years and above 33 12.2
Total 271 100
As what is presented in Table 12, 49% of the respondents are working in Middle
East into industrial sector, service, healthcare and commercial industries, 25% are sea-
based, into maritime and hospitality related type of work, 14% are in Asia, currently
employed in teaching, service, and corporate fields and both 5% are in Americas and
Europe under service and health care related jobs. According to Heydarian (2016),
Middle East is the top destination for deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers due to
the region's booming demand of foreign labor for jobs related to field of medicine, real
working overseas for 3 to 5 years, 20% are employed both for 2 years or less and 6 to 8
years and 14% for have been deployed abroad for 9 to 11 years. Furthermore, most of
the respondents revealed that they are still working under the same companies, which
49
Table 14.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
Most of the respondents rated 'agree' (4.20) for their overall view regarding
allocation action for obtaining in terms of job satisfaction, willingness to learn new skills
or knowledge for career mobility and expansion of sources for income. These denote that
most of the Overseas Filipino Workers today value their work and gave importance to
their main source of living. The findings also reveal that OFWs are open to new
Planning
Table 15.
Frequency Percent
Yes 220 81.2
No 51 18.8
Total 271 100
50
Table 16.
Frequency Percent
Weekly 21 7.7
Biweekly 4 1.5
Monthly 186 68.6
Bimonthly 9 3.3
No Budget Plan 51 18.8
Total 271 100
Table 15 validates that 81% of the respondents follow a budget plan. In addition,
69% have a monthly budget plan, 8% have a weekly budget plan and 3% have a
bimonthly budget plan, as what is illustrated in Table 16. The findings reveal that most
OFWs and their household at the present time have control over the remittances they
received through strategically allocating their income mainly for their families' financial
Table 17.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
51
Planning, one of the financial planning actions, refers mainly to budgeting of
income effectively and efficiently. Most respondents rated 'agree' (4.06) to their current
allocation action of planning which involves following a monthly budget plan, allocating
some of the remittances they earned to their savings or investments, and keeping their
financial records organized. These behaviours imply that most Overseas Filipino Workers
and their households are knowledgeable enough to plan where to allocate the remittances
Saving
Table 18.
As what is shown on Table 18, more than half of the respondents allocate PHP
10,000 or less to their savings every month. Also, approximately 35% save PHP 10,001
to 30,000 every month, 8% set aside PHP 30,001 to 70,000, and the remaining 1%
deposit PHP 70,001 to 140,000. This confirms that there is a large and growing number
of Overseas Filipino Workers in the Visayas Region that are actively allocating their
52
coincide with the most recent survey results of Philippine Statistics Authority (2015) that
there was an increase of number, from 35.9% to 40.2%, of Overseas Filipino Workers in
Visayas that allocate funds to savings from the remittances that they earned.
Table 19.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
My family have more than one savings account. 3.70 1.116 Important
alarming 'neutral' (3.50) response was provided, in terms of their overall perception about
their current allocation action for Saving. This may indicate that some Overseas Filipino
Workers currently do not prioritize saving the remittances they earned due to some
factors like their age group, civil status or gross monthly income that may affect their
financial decision.
53
Borrowing
Table 20.
Existence of Loan
Frequency Percent
Yes 106 39.1
No 165 60.9
Total 271 100
Table 21.
Type of Loan
Frequency Percent
Personal Loan 69 25.5
Car Loan 13 4.8
Housing Loan 18 6.6
Business Loan 4 1.5
Others 2 0.8
No Loan 165 60.9
Total 271 100
Table 22.
As what can be seen in Table 20, approximately 61% of the respondents don't
have any existing loans. On the contrary, 25% have personal loans, 7% have housing
54
loans, 5% have auto loans, and the remaining 2% have either business or other type of
loans. Also, 17% of the respondents allocate PHP 5,001 to 10,000 to their existing loan,
8% pay PHP 10,001 to 15,000 and 7% set aside PHP 5,000 or less for loan payments
compensate for their existing loans or they also borrow money so that they have
something to spend for their transfer expenses abroad. In addition, with these debts
burdening them, a sad reality is that they fail to save. Mandap (2016) also added that
unexpected family emergencies and high placement fees that some agencies demand,
Table 23.
Frequency Percent
Yes 109 40.2
No 162 59.8
Total 271 100
Table 24.
55
Table 23 confirms that approximately 60% of the respondents don't have existing
credit card account. On the other hand, 17% allocate PHP 5,000 or less to their monthly
credit card dues, 9% pays PHP 5,001 to 10,000 and 6% set aside PHP 10,001 to 15,000.
This shows that most of the respondents don't prioritize having credit cards due to some
factors like family situation and income that affect their financial decision.
Table 25.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
I go for loans with the lowest interest rates. 3.96 1.090 Important
Even if the respondents rated 'agree' (3.53) in terms of their general perception of
borrowing including assessment of income and interest rates for loans, they responded
'neutral' (2.51) towards having one or more credit cards which means that possessing one
or more credit cards may or may not affect their financial decisions. The findings reveal
that there are increasing number of financially literate OFWs today in terms of loan
credit card management. According to Rapisura (2016), before borrowing, OFWs should
56
consider if they are using the funds for productive purposes, the income from the project
is the greater than the interest, the installment should not exceed 20% of the OFW's
regular income, the funds will be used for a necessity rather than a want and the loans are
Spending
Table 26.
The household's monthly spending refers to how the OFWs' families allocate the
remittances they received for their expenditures and other financial obligations. Also, the
spending allocation were classified to: Food and Beverages, Utilities, Household
Educational Needs, Rent and Other Expenses (Entertainment, Travel, Salaries of helper,
etc). Table 16 indicates that most of OFWs' household allocate the remittances they
received to food and beverages, which is realistic and understandable since it's a basic
57
necessity for survival. Utilities, household operations, communication, clothing and
personal care come in second, third, fourth, and fifth ranking for spending which are also
relevant requirements for living nowadays. Utilities and household operations refer to
bills for light, water, gas, fuel and alike, payment for repair and maintenance of
appliances, and household maintenance and repairs (bulbs, laundry soaps, etc.).
Communication expenses are costs for phone bills, internet subscription or monthly
plans. Clothing and personal care pertains to expenditures for garments, apparels and
more on basic necessities which validates the top priorities of the respondents for
consumption.
On the other hand, it was quite alarming that educational needs which refers to
tuition fees, study allowance, books, school supplies, and other educational supplies only
ranked 8th overall in allocation, considering that some of the respondents have
dependents who are currently studying. Rent and other expenses (entertainment, travel,
salaries of helper, etc,) came in 9th and 10th respectively since not all respondents are
renting their place, have their own helper or do additional random activities that might
incur expenses.
58
Table 27.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
resources to expenditures and financial obligations. As presented in Table 27, most of the
respondents rated 'agree' (3.54) to their current allocation of remittances for Spending. In
addition, they also responded 'agree' (4.38) that they prioritize what is currently needed of
their respective families. On the other hand, most of these respondents, answered 'neutral'
in spending for higher prices in getting quality products or services and allocating funds
in entertainment and leisure more than once per month. These indicate that these
households can also spend the remittances they receive not only to what they need but
59
Protecting
Table 28.
Existence of Insurance
Frequency Percent
Yes 182 67.2
No 89 32.8
Total 271 100
Table 29.
Type of Insurance
Frequency Percent
Life Insurance 70 25.8
Property Insurance 3 1.1
Auto Insurance 7 2.6
Health Insurance 100 36.9
Others 2 0.8
No Insurance Coverage 89 32.8
Total 271 100
Table 30.
60
As can be seen in Table 28, approximately 67% of the respondents have one or
more insurance coverage while 33% didn't have any coverage. Presented in Table 29, out
of the respondents who confirmed, 37% have health insurance, 26% have life insurance
and the remaining respondents have either insurance coverage for property, auto or other
type of insurance. In addition, Table 29 also verified that 19% of the respondents allocate
PHP 5,000 or less of their monthly earnings to their insurance, 17% pay PHP 5,001 to
PHP 10,000, and 16% set aside PHP 10,001 to PHP 15,000. This is a clear indicator that
more Overseas Filipino Workers nowadays are conscious and aware of the importance of
insurance that makes them feel safer and more secure for themselves, their loved ones,
and their properties, especially that they are working far away from their families.
Table 31.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
My family and I are covered for life and health 3.52 1.180 Important
risks.
Fairly
Protecting 3.39 1.19 Important
Although more than half of the respondents have existing insurance coverage,
they responded 'neutral' (3.39) for their overall perception about their current allocation
action for Protecting. This implies that Overseas Filipino Workers may or may not
prioritize financial decisions on being covered despite being aware of the relevance of
61
this allocation action. However, they collectively answered 'agree' (3.52) that they feel
secure about themselves and their families covered for life and health risks.
Investing
Table 32.
Existence of Investment
Frequency Percent
Yes 134 49.4
No 137 50.6
Total 271 100
Table 33.
Type of Investment
Frequency Percent
Business 58 21.4
Real Estate 62 22.9
Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds, etc. 6 2.2
Education 5 1.8
Others 3 1.2
No Investment 137 50.6
Total 271 100
Table 34.
62
As depicted in Table 32, 51% of the respondents don't have any investments. On
the other hand, 23% have existing investments in real estate, 21% have business, and the
remaining have either investments in education, mutual funds, stocks, bonds or other
types of investments. Furthermore, 14% of the respondents allocate PHP 5,001 to 10,000
to their respective investments, 12% set aside PHP 10,001 to 15,000, and 10% use PHP
5,000 or less. The findings reveal that most of the Overseas Filipino Workers currently
don't prioritize investing as part of their financial decisions but there is a good number of
OFWs who mostly invest their earnings to real estate, agricultural lands and small to
Table 35.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
63
As illustrated in Table 35, majority of the respondents rated 'agree' (3.94) on their
view regarding allocation action for investing even more than half of them don't have any
existing investments. This means that there is an opportunity for more initiatives through
education and awareness on the importance of investing, knowing that majority of the
respondents were young adults, highly educated, earning more than enough, and gives
Sharing
Table 36.
Frequency Percent
Yes 63 23.2
No 208 76.8
Total 271 100
Table 37.
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
64
Table 36 confirms that approximately 77% of the respondents don't have any
existing or updated will, for the orderly transfer of their properties to their dependents, in
case anything will happen to them. In addition, shown in Table 37, the respondents
collectively answered 'disagree' (2.42) in reference to their current allocation action for
Sharing which proves that they gave less importance to this relevant financial action.
The findings also reveal that majority of the respondents are currently not into the idea of
making last will and testament since in Filipino culture, it's usually associated with
"death" or "loss" of a loved one. However, it's important to have an updated will and
testament to ensure that one's assets are distributed systematically according to the
testator's preference through the said financial instrument. Without this legally binding
document, courts will have the authority to decide the beneficiaries and distribution of the
65
Investment Experiences of Overseas Filipino Workers and their Households
investments for education vary from one person to another since they come from
different family profiles with different financial priorities. According to Kapoor et al.
(1988), family situations are classified into either Singles, Young Couples, Traditional,
Moderns, Empty Nesters, or Retirees. Based on these family situations, selected Overseas
officer in a leading broadcasting company in the country. After working for almost three
66
years on his first employer, he decided to take a big leap by working overseas. After
and media company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As a satellite engineer, his work
responsibilities include setting up production for live coverage for news, sports and other
events and ensuring that there is a system for real time delivery for their regular
television channel clients. The second to the youngest of the Miralles family, it was a
challenging experience for Gusper since this is his first time to be working far from his
family for a long period of time. Being close to his father and other seven siblings, his
first year was indeed a struggle. He mentioned that there was a big difference in culture
Gusper is satisfied with his current salary and he send remittances to his father
and siblings on a monthly basis within Php 30,000-40,000 range depending on the current
exchange rate. Furthermore, he allocates 20% of his monthly earnings to his personal
savings account. His main expenses are mostly allocated for food, travel, leisure and
entertainment since his board and lodging are shouldered by his employer. He also loves
travelling and exploring neighboring Asian countries during his available time. He only
keep one credit card account and he has no existing loans. Moreover, his insurance
agricultural land in the Philippines and he is also enrolled to short online courses for
certificates needed for his profession and career growth. According to Gusper, once he
has enough savings, he will definitely go back here in the Philippines to start a business,
67
Story 2. Victor Jonee Mabaquaio and Chiara Nituda-Mabaquaio
(Young Couples)
Figure 5. Researcher with Mr. and Mrs. Mabaquiao during the interview
Happy couple Victor and Chiara just tied the knot last year. Chiara is working as a
marketing officer in a leading commercial bank in the Philippines for five years while
assigned in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for nine years. The newly married couple admitted that
it was a bit challenging to have a long distance relationship but they make sure that they
Coming from big families consisting of five children, both of them are middle
child. 28 year old Chiara was a graduate of a degree in Business Administration while 34
year old Vic took Mechanical Engineering as a course in college. They met through a
68
common friend and in an instant, their personalities go along with each other. After two
According to Vic, their combined gross monthly income ranges from Php
monthly income is allocated to their savings. They also set aside monthly payment for
their loan for their new car. Since they don't have any kids yet, their monthly expenses
were allocated to food, clothing, utilities, travel and entertainment. They don't pay any
rent since they are currently living on the second house of their parents. Chiara also
mentioned that their health insurance coverage were both covered by their respective
employers but Vic voluntarily allocate some of his earnings to his personal life insurance
policy.
Since Chiara is in the finance and banking industry, the couple's current
investments are related to stocks and time deposits. "I tried to analyze the current
financial trends in the banking industry and see what new products and services can we
go into", Chiara said. They started investing to stocks on 2014 while they begin their
time deposit accounts this year. The primary factors that influence their financial
decisions to their current investments are the needs and values (at an early age they were
taught the value of saving and managing money) and career situation (they are satisfied
with their current employment). Furthermore, Chiara elaborated that they are also
planning to get a condominium on the next three to five years and open a small business
69
Story 3. Maria Lourdes and Santiago Soriao (Traditionals)
Since 1996, Santiago has been working as a Senior Mechanical Technician in the
industrial city of Jubail, located in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia. As a supervisor, he is
mechanical and hydraulic- and diesel-powered equipment. He also trains interns and
50 year old Santiago, graduate of Marine Engineering married 47 year old Maria
Lourdes who has a degree in Management on 1998. They have two children, 23 year old
Jennifer, already graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and 20 year old
Carlos, still studying college with course in Civil Engineering. Maria Lourdes is a
housewife and she manages their variety store in their humble home in Carcar.
70
Santiago mentioned that his gross monthly income is within Php 100,000-
130,000. He allocates 20% of this to his savings and he also sets aside 50% of his
earnings for remittances to his family in the Philippines while the remaining portion is
allocated for his personal expenses, board and lodging in Saudi. Soriao family follows a
monthly budget plan consisting of food, clothing, utilities, educational needs (for Carlos'
school expenses), household operations, their sari-sari store's operational needs and their
current car loan, which they pay Php13,000-15,000 per month. Moreover, Santiago's
health insurance was covered by the company and he added his wife and his children as
dependents.
Working overseas for twenty years, Santiago was able to acquire several
agricultural lands in the southern part of Cebu including rice fields and coconut
plantations. On 2010, they opened a small sari-sari store with only few basic items and
eventually, it grow to a medium variety store, selling not only basic items but also milled
rice and cooked food. Santiago also considered his children's educational achievements
an investment for his hard work and sacrifices working abroad. "As long as my children
finish their college and find a good job, I am happy and contented", said Santiago during
the interview. Upon asking if Santiago has any plans for new investments in the future,
Furthermore, he will try to see what businesses are not yet existing in Carcar to check
more business opportunities. He also mentioned that he might retire in the next two or
three years.
71
Story 4. Ara and Neri Ligtas (Moderns)
Married couple Ara and Neri are both working as teachers in an international
school in Tromsø, Norway. They are working overseas for 8 years and they have a lively
Coming from big families, both eldest, 36 year old Ara finished a degree in
Secondary Education and completed Masters in Education while 39 year old Neri
before working abroad. "Applying as teacher in Norway requires specific number of units
to be a qualified and enrolling to post graduate education combined with our job
experience and good academic credentials secured our chances of being employed.",
Ara mentioned. She is currently handling middle school with subjects including Science,
English, and Math while Neri is teaching majority of subjects in primary school. The
72
couple were able to acquire working family visa and they were able to bring Rania in
Norway.
once converted in Philippine Peso is more than Php 500,000. Furthermore, they allocate
30% to 40% of their earnings to their savings consisting of their primary bank accounts in
a leading bank in Norway and their secondary bank accounts in the Philippines. They
The Ligtas family follow a monthly budget plan allocated for food, clothing,
transportation , household operations, travel and leisure. They don't spend in education
and housing since this are all provided free by their company. They have an existing car
loan in Norway and housing loan in Cebu, Philippines. They allocate 10%-15% of their
paying her life insurance in Philippines while they have property and auto insurance in
house and lot in Mandaue and several agricultural lands in the northern part of Cebu. Ara
elaborated that their income plays a relevant role in making financial decisions for
investments. In the mean time, they are focusing to save more from their earnings
because they are planning to open a primary school for children here in the Philippines
73
Story 5. Lani and Regino Mesina (Empty Nesters/Retirees)
Figure 8. Researcher with Mr. and Mrs. Mesina during the interview
Regino Mesina, 64 years old, initially worked on a textile company in Manila for
10 years. Unfortunately, his employer filed bankruptcy and the company eventually shut
down in 1997. A father of three students at that time, Regino, don't know what to do
since their main source of income was gone and he have a hard time finding a stable job
since he didn't finish college. Regino was in his third year taking up Mechanical
Engineering when he decided to marry Lani, his high school sweetheart and build a
family. They were blessed with three beautiful children: Marie, Jun, and Gino.
A good friend refer him to work overseas. On 1999, He got hired as a forklift
operator on a warehouse based in Doha, Qatar. His duties and responsibilities include
transferring goods, supplies and materials from one place to another including shelves,
trucks, and pallets, adhering to safety standards, documenting orders and maintaining
inventory levels. His gross monthly income ranges from Php50,000-80,000. He was able
74
to allocate some for his savings and most of his earnings were sent to his family every
month.
With his job in Qatar, Regino was able to let his children finish their studies:
Marie was able to get a degree in Secondary Education and is currently teaching high
school, Jun finished a degree in Marine Engineering and is a seaman and Gino took up
children have already their own respective families and they already have five
grandchildren. Aside from fulfilling his children's dream, he was able to secure house and
Regino decided to retire last 2014. He said that it was a little bit different since he
and Lani were the persons in the house and somehow, he missed his little children's
laughing and loudness. "It's like we just got married again!" Regino chuckled. Receving a
monthly pension, both the couple are satisfied with their finances and they have a small
sari-sari store to combat boredom. They still follow a weekly budget plan for food,
utilities, and medical care. They visit their children once in a while either during their
birthdays or holidays.
75
Table 38.
Both are working as teachers in Moderns -Titled two-storey house and lot
Tromsø, Norway. They have one
daughter. -Several agricultural lands
76
As presented in Table 38, findings revealed that investment preferences varied
from one Overseas Filipino Worker to another depending on their socio economic profile
including age, civil status, and income. In addition, older OFWs have more diversified
portfolios compared to the younger ones. It also evident that older OFWs tend to invest
opportunities. Furthermore, increasing number of OFWs also find new avenue for
learning new skills and knowledge through education and training. On the other hand,
younger OFWs have the tendency to invest more on opportunities for personal
development and career growth. It is also noticeable that OFWs and households that are
more financially literate are more open to allocate remittances to riskier type of
investments.
77
Factors Affecting the Allocation Actions
developed by Kapoor, Dlabay, and Hughes, there are six relevant factors affecting the
eight financial planning actions of the remittances received: Income, Needs and Values,
Family Situation, Career Situation, Economic Condition, and Tax Situation The ranges
for the mean were adopted from the standard guide developed by NIH Scoring System:
78
Table 39.
Income affects how I/my family get 2.502 .5435 Moderate Impact
our earnings.
Income affects how I/my family save 2.498 .5366 Moderate Impact
money.
"moderate influence' (2.2975) to the eight financial planning actions. The same
perception is valid to each, specific actions. The results suggest that remittances, OFWs
and their households' main income, has moderate impact on their financial decisions
which mean that financial planning can be directly influenced by the remittances that
they manage every month, affecting how they utilize their current resources. Moreover,
these reveal that there is an opportunity to evaluate whether they are handling their
79
income wisely or they need to increase income through investments, additional education
Table 40.
Perceptions on the degree to which Needs and Values affect the Allocation Actions
Needs and values affect how I/my 2.114 .6651 Moderate Impact
family get our earnings.
Needs and values affect how I/my 2.321 .6414 Moderate Impact
family budget our earnings.
Needs and values affect how I/my 2.365 .6111 Moderate Impact
family save money.
Needs and values affect how I/my 2.055 .7154 Moderate Impact
family borrow funds (loans, credits.)
Needs and values affect how I/my 2.280 .6167 Moderate Impact
family spend funds for consumption.
Needs and values affect how I/my 2.070 .6373 Moderate Impact
family allocate funds for investments.
(2.1577) all eight allocation actions, including the individual evaluation of each actions.
These indicate that the household's need and values have moderate impact on the
respective family's financial decisions in terms of managing the remittances that they
80
received. In addition, the respective families' innate habits and customs play an important
Table 41.
Perceptions on the degree to which Family Situation affects the Allocation Actions
Std. Interpretation
Mean Deviation
81
Family situation is a factor that involves the age, marital status, and family members. The
respondents rated that it 'moderately influence' (2.2731) the allocation actions. Upon further
evaluation, the respondents answered that family situation 'greatly influence' (2.517) planning
over other allocation actions. This implies that households budget their income based on their
age, their marital status, their family member's age, and the number of family members to either
spend, save, or invest the remittances that they received. Thus, the findings confirm that the
factor has an impact and financial decisions and priorities may vary from one respondent to
Table 42.
Perceptions on the degree to which Career Situation affects the Allocation Actions
Std. Interpretation
Mean Deviation
82
As presented in Table 42, as perceived by the respondents, career situation
'moderately influence' (2.2837) all allocation actions. In terms of specific rating to each
financial planning actions, all is of 'moderate influence' except for the impact of career
situation in obtaining, which they rated as 'great influence' (2.550). This confirms that the
OFWs and their respective households rely heavily on their employment as their main
Table 43.
Perceptions on the degree to which Economic Condition affects the Allocation Actions
Std. Interpretation
Mean Deviation
83
Evaluated and rated by the respondents, economic conditions 'moderately
influence' (1.9825) all eight financial allocation actions. Moreover, the rating of
'moderate influence' is applicable for individual evaluation of each actions. This proves
that changing economic circumstances here in the Philippines and their respective
prices have moderate impact on how Overseas Filipino Workers and their household
manage remittances.
Table 44.
Perceptions on the degree to which Tax Situation affects the Allocation Actions
Std. Interpretation
Mean Deviation
Tax revenues and collections by the Govt affect 2.074 .7059 Moderate Impact
how we get our earnings.
Tax revenues and collections by the Govt affect 1.989 .6965 Moderate Impact
how we budget our earnings.
Tax revenues and collections by the Govt affect 1.978 .7094 Moderate Impact
how we save money.
Tax revenues and collections by the Govt affect 1.948 .6973 Moderate Impact
how we borrow funds (loans, credits.)
Tax revenues and collections by the Govt affect 1.952 .6895 Moderate Impact
how we spend funds for consumption.
Tax revenues and collections by the Govt affect 1.834 .6926 Moderate Impact
how we allocate funds for insurance coverage.
Tax revenues and collections by the Govt affect 1.889 .6904 Moderate Impact
how we allocate funds for investments.
84
Generally, tax situation, as rated by the respondents, 'moderately influence'
(1.9350) all allocation actions and the said rating is also the answer for each actions.
According BIR’s Revenue Memorandum No. 1-2011, through the virtue of tax
reciprocity, the Overseas Filipino Worker's income from overseas employment is exempt
from income tax. Majority of the respondents are aware of this but they felt the
Government's reputation and image contributes a lot in the current tax situation of the
85
Factors Affecting Investments on Education
The six factors: Income, Needs and Values, Family Situation, Career Situation,
Economic Condition, and Tax Situation under the Personal and Family Financial
Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988) affect the financial decisions of an individual
Table 45.
Perceptions on the degree to which the Six Factors affect Investments in Education
Std.
Mean Deviation Interpretation
Moderate
Factors Influencing Investments on Education Impact on
2.1734 .55930
Financial
Decisions
86
Income
is their main source of living, it plays a significant role in investing: the greater the
remittances earned, the more propensity to invest. This premise may also be applicable to
investments for education considering some contributing components: time and portfolio.
According to Markowitz (1952), the aspect of time dimension entails initial investment
existing investments. If the OFW's income is low, it is a hindering factor but if the
income is high, it is a triggering factor for the household to invest for education. As the
amount of acquired remittances increase, more likelihood that the household will invest
In the aspect of needs and values, the respondents answered that this factor
influence from family, friends, and colleagues is the pressure of conforming to some
social norms shaping one's financial behavior (Atienza and Webb, 2013). In addition, the
same opinions from peers impact remittance management including allocation decisions
to invest (Clark and Drinkwater, 2007, cited in Atienza and Webb, 2013). Thus, needs
and values influence Overseas Filipino Workers and their household to invest. They have
a higher intention of investing if the people surrounding them are on same perspective:
87
giving high importance to education, expecting good returns in the future, especially for
Family Situation
The respondents provided that family situation has a moderate impact on their
decision for remittance allocation to investments for education. This denotes that there
will be different financial reasons or priorities depending on age, civil status, or number
of dependents. Regardless of the reason, it will still boil down to one's family's viewpoint
on importance of education. For example, a single OFW might be interested to enroll for
new courses to add new skills for competence and career mobility while a married OFW
with kids might prioritize sending their children to school to ensure that they will have a
good future. McMahon (1997) also added that highly literate families are healthier, more
productive, and more efficient in the community. Based on respondents' profiles in the
Career Situation
In terms of career situation, the respondents also collectively replied that the
factor has a moderate impact on their personal choices in investing for education.
Majority of the respondents are highly educated and they rely heavily to relatively higher
salaries and wages overseas they earned as their main source of income. McMahon
(1997) mentioned that being highly educated entails employability, higher earnings, labor
market flexibility, greater mobility, and higher productivity. Given these benefits of
88
investments for education to one's career, employment and competence, it has a relevant
Economic Condition
According to Yang (2006) Overseas Filipino Workers tend to adjust their financial
decisions considering the current economic conditions of the country. When migrants
sense that the Philippine economy is booming, they set aside larger amount of their
remittances, intended for investment purposes. Moreover, the quantity and allocation
preference for specific investments like education will also be affected by economic
performance and exchange rate (Carling, 2008, cited in Atienza and Webb, 2013). Thus,
education.
Tax Situation
investment to education, based on the rating of the respondents. Tax situation involves
how the Government manages applicable tax revenues and collection to the Overseas
Filipino Workers and their household. According to Abrea (2015), the Philippine
Government, specifically Bureau of Internal Revenue, should look for effective ways to
simplify the process and to reach out to more taxpayers who are willing to allocate fair
contributions. Section 23 of the tax code also mentioned that the OFW’s income sourced
from his overseas employment is exempt from income tax. Even though OFWs are not
89
required to file for Income Tax Return as long as they are registered to Philippine
Overseas Employment Administration, they are still required to process tax return if they
have registered business and other sources of income in the Philippines. In addition, other
type of taxes may be applicable for financial activities of OFWs and their respective
household within the country. Considering these given facts, tax situation influences
90
Proposed Investment Strategies for Investments on Education
Table 46.
91
Investment strategies for investments on education are set of tactical financial
rules and policies that will guide Overseas Filipino Workers and their households in
capital development, with the goal of increasing appreciation and generating higher
As presented in Table 46, they should first set their investment objectives, which
should be specific and measurable. In addition, OFWs and their households should also
consider how much remittances they need to allocate, how long will it take before they
can obtain the return, the economic condition of the Philippines and the country of
deployment, and their financial stability within the course of their endeavor.
Once the specific financial objectives were realized, OFWs and households
should assess their existing financial status. Moreover, to ensure that they are financially
ready and capable of investing, families should examine their current remittance
human capital and time. These steps will guide them in initiating a personalized
equipped by investment strategies. Shown in Table 47, are the proposed investment
strategies for Overseas Filipino Workers and their respective households that will aid
92
Table 47.
YOUNG COUPLES 1. Share and discuss comprehensively to spouse, short and long term
financial goals. Furthermore, review individual and combined
Likelihood of Investing to financial history, including bank accounts, credit reports or loan
Education: Moderate ⟺ payments. Doing this, couples will have a mutual basis on what
Education for dependents investment option they can consider knowing their financial status and
(non obligatory) this will also help them re-evaluate their financial capacity if they
want to expand and grow the family.
EMPTY NESTERS/ 1. Reassess existing portfolio through financial checkup to see status
RETIREES of current investments and consider tactical options for investment
management: to either maintain (sustainability) or terminate (harvest
Likelihood of Investing to returns).
Education: Low ⇩
Discretion to invest on 2. Finalize estate planning, will and testament, to have an orderly
Education for relatives, distribution of properties and disposal of estate at death.
scholars, etc.
93
As illustrated in Table 47, Singles, Traditionals, and Moderns have high
likelihood of investing to education due to the fact that this is a recognized priority under
their respective financial situation, for self and family development. On the other hand,
Young Couples have the tendency to consider and try out various investment options
depending on their financial objectives and capacity since they are still expanding while
Empty Nesters and Retirees should concentrate more on finalizing estate planning to
In the long run, circumstances may impact financial activities of OFWs and their
household, influencing their financial goals and decisions. These changes will also affect
the implemented investment program that they made. The families can either adapt or
As a golden rule in investment, one should not put all the eggs under one basket,
hence, one should distribute the eggs to different types of basket. Aside from
concentrating to only one investment, Overseas Filipino Workers should explore different
investment opportunities to allocate the remittances that they earned considering income,
risk, safety, growth, and liquidity. They can also acquire helpful and legitimate
94
Chapter 5
SUMMARY
The study evaluated how Overseas Filipino Workers and their households
managing remittances received and factors that affect investment decisions on education.
Review of literature was made with the following topics; i) Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs); ii) remittances management; iii) personal and household finance; and
iv) topics about investments on education. The theoretical framework utilized for this
study was the Personal and Family Financial Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988).
selected OFW households based on family situations identified by Kapoor et al. (1988),
classified into either: Singles, Young Couples, Traditional, Moderns, Empty Nesters, or
Retirees.
The study found out that most respondents were young, married professionals,
earn PHP30,001 to 70,000, follow a monthly budget plan, save PHP 10,000 or less
monthly, don't have any multiple loans nor credit cards, spend more on basic necessities,
covered with insurance, own several properties, manage business and don't have any will.
In addition, factors moderately influence the financial decision to invest for education.
95
The study concluded that remittances, OFWs' main income, are influenced by
other factors, which are crucial factors to consider on investments for education. In
addition, younger OFWs don't prioritize investing and most of the respondents don't
understand the true importance of sharing. Furthermore, younger OFWs also tend to
invest on personal development while older OFWs have more diversified investment
portfolios.
The study recommends that the proposed strategies for investments on education
should be discussed to OFWs and their household through Overseas Workers Welfare
FINDINGS
Most OFWs were young adults who were married and currently earning an
income range within PHP 30,001 to 70,000. The household size, the number of persons
living together under the same house in the Philippines, consists of four to six persons.
The data for dependents were analyzed separately since it covered all persons who are
relying from the OFW's financial support, whether they are residing or not under the
same house. Majority of the respondents provided their direct relatives and immediate
families as their dependents. These includes their fathers, mothers, spouses, brother,
96
Household's Remittances Allocation Actions
According to Kapoor, Dlabay, and Hughes (1988) who developed the Personal
and Family Financial Planning Framework, there are eight financial planning actions:
majority of the respondents were college graduates, working three to five years overseas
and were earning the income range within PHP 30,001 to 70,000 from their employment
in countries in Middle East. For Planning, most of the respondents follow a monthly
budget plan for managing the remittances they received. For Saving, most of them save
PHP 10,000 or less of their earnings per month. For Borrowing, more than half don't have
any existing loans nor credit card accounts. On the other hand, the remaining respondents
have existing personal loans and credit card and they pay PHP 10,000 or less every
month. For Spending, most of the households allocate their monthly income to basic
necessities like food and beverages, utilities and household operations. For Protecting,
majority have health and life insurances and every month they pay PHP 5,000 or less for
their coverage. For Investing, half of the respondents don't have any existing investments
while the other half own real estate properties or have businesses and they set aside PHP
5,001 to 10,000 per month for their respective investments. Finally, for Sharing, majority
of the OFWs don't have any existing or updated will, for the orderly transfer of their
97
Investment Experiences
depending on their socio-economic profile including age, civil status, and income. Older
OFWs have more diversified portfolios compared to the younger ones: older OFWs tend
younger OFWs have the tendency to invest more on opportunities for personal
All six factors: Income, Needs and Values, Family Situation, Career Situation,
Economic Condition, and Tax Situation under the Personal and Family Financial
Planning Framework (Kapoor et al., 1988) have moderate impact on the financial
CONCLUSIONS
influenced by the other five factors (needs and values, family situation, career situation,
economic condition, and tax situation). This is a crucial and relevant factor to consider
for financial decisions on investments, including investments for education: if the OFW's
income is low or enough, it's a hindering factor but if the income is high, it's a triggering
factor. When the amount of acquired remittances increase, there is also a big probability
that the household will invest for education with the anticipation of improving one's self
98
Although they know the importance of planning and saving for financial security,
other allocation actions. Furthermore, most OFWs across all age ranges don't understand
the true essence of sharing, to prepare them for an organized transfer of assets to the
dependents, in case anything might happen, considering the fact that they are working far
opportunities for personal development and career growth while older OFWs have more
RECOMMENDATIONS
After a comprehensive analysis of the findings and conclusions of this study, the
the lead government organization tasked to ensure the welfare of the OFWs
and their dependents. In addition, the agency's services include Social Benefits
Reintegration Program.
99
2. Based on the profile of the OFWs and their household, OWWA, should
consistently educate OFWs and their families the value of investing, sharing
and other financial planning action through increasing their online presence by
having an interactive website and active social media profile through adding
video blogs, infographics, and regular web conferences to teach them on how
they can manage the remittances productively. OWWA should also consider
introducing different avenues for investing aside from the conventional ones.
to profile OFWs based on age groups and family situation to ensure that
suitable investment options will be discussed during the seminar for specific
of the agency which involves the preparation for the return of OFWs into the
3. Finally, for future researchers who want to utilize this study as reference, the
and preferences.
100
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Workers, Philippine Population Review, 1: pp 103-123
United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of
Women (UN-INSTRAW). (2008). Gender, Remittances and Development : The
Case of Filipino Migration to Italy. Retrieved May 18, 2015, from
http://www.fidafrique.net/IMG/pdf/PhilippinesReportFinal.pdf
Yang, D. (2006). Why Do Migrants Return to Poor Countries? Evidence from Philippine
Migrants' Responses to Exchange Rate Shocks', Review of Economics and
Statistics, 88 (4), pp. 715-735. Retrieved August 31, 2016 from
http://www.nber.org/papers/w12396.pdf
Internet Sources
Abrea, M. (2015). #AskTheTaxWhiz: Are OFWs required to file income tax returns?
Retrieved August 30, 2016 from http://www.rappler.com/business/211-
governance/106343- askthetaxwhiz-ofw-tax-woes
105
Elmer, E.M. (2001). The Psychological Motives of the Last Will and Testament.
Retrieved August 28, 2016 from
http://www3.telus.net/eddyelmer/Artics/willsfu.htm
Hapal, D.K. (2016). #OFWTips: Getting out of bad debt. Retrived August 30, 2016 from
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/balikbayan/141827-ofw-tips-getting-out-of-
bad-debt
Heydarian, R.J. (2016). Philippines’ Labor Export Policy in the Middle East: Time for a
Big Rethink. Retrieved August 30, 2016 from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-javad-heydarian/philippines-labor
export_b_8945604.html
International Monetary Fund. (2013) Philippines: Selected Issues. IMF Country Report.
Retrieved April 10, 2015, from
http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr13103.pdf
Mandap, D. (2016). Debt bondage: The scourge of OFWs. Retrieved August 30, 2016
from http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/balikbayan/voices/65373-debt-ofws-hong-
kong
106
APPENDIX A
September , 2015
Greetings!
I would like to request from your office assistance in my data gathering. I need to know
the following information:
1. Current population figure of OFWs in Cebu Province
2. Possible master list of OFWs names and addresses here in Cebu
Data gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Should you need to contact me,
please feel free to call me at my mobile phone number 0933-644-5794 or email me at
[email protected]
Yours sincerely,
KEVIN C. GALVEZ
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APPENDIX B
March , 2016
Greetings!
In connection with this, I would like to seek for your assistance in gathering the necessary
data essential for my study through conducting an OFW survey within your office
premises. I would need ___ respondents, if possible, to answer the survey questionnaire.
Attached is a copy of the research instrument for your reference.
Data gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Should you need to contact me,
please feel free to contact me at my mobile number 0933-644-5794 or email me at
[email protected]. Thank you very much.
Sincerely yours,
KEVIN C. GALVEZ
Researcher
Noted by:
108
APPENDIX C
March , 2016
Greetings!
In connection with this, I would like to seek for your assistance in gathering the necessary
data essential for my study through conducting an OFW survey within your office
premises. I would need ___ respondents, if possible, to answer the survey questionnaire.
Attached is a copy of the research instrument for your reference.
Data gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Should you need to contact me,
please feel free to contact me at my mobile number 0933-644-5794 or email me at
[email protected]. Thank you very much.
Sincerely yours,
KEVIN C. GALVEZ
Researcher
Noted by:
109
APPENDIX D
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear Respondent:
KEVIN C. GALVEZ
Researcher
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESPONDENT NUMBER: ____
Instructions: Please provide answers to ALL questions and by putting a check (✓) on the
box of your answer. Do not leave any question unanswered.
1. Social-demographic Background
0-2 years 3-5 years 6-8 years 9-11 years 12 years and above
110
1.7 Gross Monthly Income (PHP)
below-10,000 140,001-250,000
10,001-30,000 250,001-500,000
30,001-70,000 500,001-above
70,001-140,000
1.8 How many person/s are living in your house in the Philippines?
1-3 persons 4-6 persons 7-9 persons 10 or more persons
1.10 Do you make and follow a BUDGET PLAN for expenses and financial
obligations? Yes No
If YES, proceed to 1.10A
If NO, proceed to 1.11
1.11 How much of your monthly earnings (PHP) are allocated for SAVINGS?
below-10,000 140,001-250,000
10,001-30,000 250,001-500,000
30,001-70,000 500,001-above
70,001-140,000
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1.12 Do you have any loan/s? Yes No
If YES, proceed to 1.12A and 1.12B
If NO, proceed to 1.13
1.12A If Yes, what type of loan/s? (You can select more than one.)
Personal Loan Housing Loan Others, please specify.__________
Car Loan Business Loan
1.12B If Yes, how much of your monthly earnings (PHP) are allocated to your loan
payment?
below-5,000 20,001-25,000
5,001-10,000 25,001-30,000
10,001-15,000 30,001-above
15,001-20,000
1.14 SPENDING PATTERNS: To the best of your knowledge, how much of your monthly
income (PHP) is allocated to:
PHP
Food and Beverages
Clothing and Personal Care
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)
Transportation (Fare, Vehicle Maintenance & Fixtures, etc.)
Communication (Phone, Internet, etc.)
Medical Care
Educational Needs (Books, Tuition fee, Supplies, etc.)
Household Operations (Bulbs, Laundry Soap, etc.)
Rent (Apartment, Condo, etc.)
Others, please specify: _______________________________________
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1.15 Do you have any insurance coverage/s? Yes No
If YES, proceed to 1.15A and 1.15B
If NO, proceed to 1.16
1.15A If Yes, what type of insurance coverage/s? (You can select more than one.)
Life Insurance Auto Insurance Others, please specify._________
Property Insurance Health Insurance
1.15B If Yes, how much of your monthly earnings (PHP) are allocated to your
insurance?
below-5,000 20,001-25,000
5,001-10,000 25,001-30,000
10,001-15,000 30,001-above
15,001-20,000
1.16A If Yes, what type of investment/s? (You can select more than one.)
Business Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds
Real Estate Education Others, please specify.____________________
1.16B If Yes, how much of your monthly earnings (PHP) are allocated to your
investment/s?
below-5,000 20,001-25,000
5,001-10,000 25,001-30,000
10,001-15,000 30,001-above
15,001-20,000
1.17 Do you have any WILL for the orderly transfer of your property to your dependents,
in case, anything will happen? Yes No
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2. Financial Planning Allocation Actions. Instructions: Please indicate your agreement
with the following statements by putting a circle (O) on the number of your answer. Use
the following legend:
1 - Strongly Disagree
2 - Disagree
3 - Neutral
4 - Agree
5 - Strongly Agree
OBTAINING
1. I am satisfied with my present job overseas. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I am willing to be train and learn new skills and 1 2 3 4 5
knowledge for career advancement or promotion.
3. I have plans in the future, to increase my income 1 2 3 4 5
through sourcing from other investments aside from my
current employment.
PLANNING
4. My family follow a monthly budget plan for my 1 2 3 4 5
earnings.
5. I ensure that portion of my monthly budget is allocated 1 2 3 4 5
to savings or investments, aside from daily expenditures
6. I keep my financial records organized including 1 2 3 4 5
receipts, statements or tax forms.
SAVING
7. My family have more than one savings account. 1 2 3 4 5
8. I am confident that I have sufficient savings, in case of 1 2 3 4 5
emergency.
9. I am willing to invest some of my savings to high risk, 1 2 3 4 5
high return type of investments.
10. My family save reasonable amount of our earnings to 1 2 3 4 5
the bank to secure my dependents' future educational
needs.
BORROWING
11. I see to it that when I borrow funds, it's appropriate to 1 2 3 4 5
my income.
12. I go for loans with the lowest interest rates. 1 2 3 4 5
13. My family have one or more credit cards. 1 2 3 4 5
SPENDING
14. My family is willing to pay for a higher price as long 1 2 3 4 5
as we get the best quality or service.
15. My family go shopping/dining out/travel more than 1 2 3 4 5
once per month.
16. My family only prioritizes daily consumption 1 2 3 4 5
necessities than things that are not really needed at the
moment.
PROTECTING
17. I have adequate insurance for my home and 1 2 3 4 5
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possessions.
18. My family and I are covered for life and health risks. 1 2 3 4 5
INVESTING
19. I am planning to allocate funds for additional 1 2 3 4 5
investments like business, real estate, stocks or bonds in
the future.
20. My family give high importance to investments on 1 2 3 4 5
education.
21. My family allocate reasonable amount of our 1 2 3 4 5
earnings to the dependents' current educational needs.
22. My family invest reasonable amount of earnings to 1 2 3 4 5
educational plans to secure dependents' future
educational needs.
SHARING
23. I already prepared a will and its updated. 1 2 3 4 5
24. I already prepared for the orderly transfer of my 1 2 3 4 5
property to my dependents, in case anything will happen.
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investments.
16. Needs and values affect how I will decide to distribute my properties 1 2 3
to my dependents.
FAMILY SITUATION
17. The age and number of my family members affect how I/my family 1 2 3
get our earnings.
18. The age and number of my family members affect how I/my family 1 2 3
budget our earnings.
19. The age and number of my family members affect how I/my family 1 2 3
save money.
20. The age and number of my family members affect how I/my family 1 2 3
borrow funds (loans, credits.)
21. The age and number of my family members affect how I/my family 1 2 3
spend funds for consumption.
22. The age and number of my family members affect how I/my family 1 2 3
allocate funds for insurance coverage.
23. The age and number of my family members affect how I/my family 1 2 3
allocate funds for investments.
24. The age and number of my family members affect how I will decide 1 2 3
to distribute my properties to my dependents.
CAREER SITUATION
25. Employment affects how I/my family get our earnings. 1 2 3
26. Employment affects how I/my family budget our earnings. 1 2 3
27. Employment affects how I/my family save money. 1 2 3
28. Employment affects how I/my family borrow funds (loans, credits.) 1 2 3
29. Employment affects how I/my family spend funds for consumption. 1 2 3
30. Employment affects how I/my family allocate funds for insurance 1 2 3
coverage.
31. Employment affects how I/my family allocate funds for investments. 1 2 3
32. Employment affects how I will decide to distribute my properties to 1 2 3
my dependents.
ECONOMIC CONDITION
33. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I/my family get our 1 2 3
earnings.
34. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I/my family 1 2 3
budget our earnings.
35. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I/my family save 1 2 3
money.
36. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I/my family 1 2 3
borrow funds (loans, credits.)
37. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I/my family spend 1 2 3
funds for consumption.
38. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I/my family 1 2 3
allocate funds for insurance coverage.
39. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I/my family 1 2 3
allocate funds for investments.
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40. Changing supply, demand, and prices affect how I will decide to 1 2 3
distribute my properties to my dependents.
TAX SITUATION
41. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I/my 1 2 3
family get our earnings.
42. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I/my 1 2 3
family budget our earnings.
43. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I/my 1 2 3
family save money.
44. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I/my 1 2 3
family borrow funds (loans, credits.)
45. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I/my 1 2 3
family spend funds for consumption.
46. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I/my 1 2 3
family allocate funds for insurance coverage.
47. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I/my 1 2 3
family allocate funds for investments.
48. Tax revenues and collections by the Government affect how I will 1 2 3
decide to distribute my properties to my dependents.
117
APPENDIX E
INTERVIEW GUIDE
Date of Interview:_______________
RESPONDENT'S INFORMATION
Educational Attainment:
High School Graduate Vocational/Technical
College Graduate Graduate School (Master's, Doctoral)
118
relative/non-relative as long as
they rely for financial support)
6. Do you make and follow a If Yes, proceed to no.7
budget plan for your expenses If NO, proceed to no.8
and financial obligations?
7. What is your budget plan Weekly
coverage? Biweekly
Monthly
Bimonthly
Others: _____________
8. How much of your monthly below-10,000
earnings (PHP) are allocated for 10,001-30,000
30,001-70,000
your savings?
70,001-140,000
140,001-250,000
250,001-500,000
500,001-above
9. Do you have any loan/s? If Yes, proceed to nos.10 and
11
If NO, proceed to no.12
10. What type of loan/s? (You Personal Loan
can select more than one.) Car Loan
Housing Loan
Business Loan
Others: __________
11. how much of your monthly below-5,000
earnings (PHP) are allocated to 5,001-10,000
your loan payment? 10,001-15,000
15,001-20,000
20,001-25,000
25,001-30,000
30,001-above
12. To the best of your 1. Food and Beverages
knowledge, how much of your 2. Clothing and Personal Care
monthly income (PHP) is 3. Utilities (Electricity, Water,
allocated to: Gas)
4. Transportation (Fare, Vehicle
Maintenance & Fixtures, etc.)
5. Communication (Phone,
Internet, etc.)
6. Medical Care
7. Educational Needs (Books,
Tuition fee, Supplies, etc.)
119
8. Household Operations (Bulbs,
Laundry Soap, etc.)
9. Rent (Apartment, Condo, etc.)
10. Others: ____________
13. Do you have any insurance If Yes, proceed to nos.14 and
coverage/s? 15
If NO, proceed to no.16
14. What type of insurance Life Insurance
coverage/s? (You can select Property Insurance
more than one.) Auto Insurance
Health Insurance
Others: _________
15. How much of your monthly below-5,000
earnings (PHP) are allocated to 5,001-10,000
your insurance? 10,001-15,000
15,001-20,000
20,001-25,000
25,001-30,000
30,001-above
16. Do you have any If Yes, proceed to nos.17-20
investment/s? If NO, proceed to no.23
17. What type of investment/s? Business
(You can select more than one.) Real Estate
Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds
Education
Others: ________
18. How much of your monthly below-5,000
earnings (PHP) are allocated to 5,001-10,000
your investment/s? 10,001-15,000
15,001-20,000
20,001-25,000
25,001-30,000
30,001-above
19. What factor/s do you think Income
greatly influence your financial Needs and Values
decisions for your current Family Situation
investment/s? (You can select Career Situation
more than one.) Economic Condition
Tax Situation
Others: ________
20. Are you planning to allocate If Yes, proceed to nos. 21
120
funds for additional investments and 22
in the future? If NO, proceed to no.23
21. What type of future Business
investment/s? (You can select Real Estate
more than one.) Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds
Education
Others: ________
22. How much of your earnings below-5,000
(PHP) are you willing to 5,001-10,000
allocate for your future 10,001-15,000
investment/s? 15,001-20,000
20,001-25,000
25,001-30,000
30,001-above
23. What factor/s do you think Income
greatly influence your financial Needs and Values
decisions for your willingness to Family Situation
invest more in the future? (You Career Situation
can select more than one.) Economic Condition
Tax Situation
Others: ________
24. Do you have any WILL for YES
the orderly transfer of your NO
property to your dependents, in
case, anything will happen?
***END***
121
APPENDIX F
CURRICULUM VITAE
Educational Background
Graduate Studies
2013-2017 University of San Carlos
P. del Rosario St., Cebu City
Masters in Business Administration
Undergraduate Studies
2007 – 2011 University of San Carlos
P. del Rosario St., Cebu City
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majors in
Entrepreneurship and Marketing Management
Secondary Education
2003 – 2007 Saint Peter’s College of Ormoc
Fr. Cataag St., Ormoc City, Leyte
Elementary Education
1997 - 2003 Primona Holy Infant Academy
Kananga, Leyte
Work Experiences
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