A majority of adult Filipinos are willing to work or live abroad if given the chance, mainly driven by the search for better opportunities, higher wages, and improved quality of life, according to OCTA Research.
Based on its Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted from March 9 to 25, 2026, among 1,200 adults nationwide, 57% of respondents said they are open to working abroad. Meanwhile, 39% said they are not willing, while 4% remain undecided. The poll has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.
Strong interest cuts across regions and income groups
The willingness to work abroad was fairly consistent across major areas. Balance Luzon recorded the highest at 59%, followed by Mindanao at 56%, Visayas at 55%, and the National Capital Region at 53%.
Reluctance was highest in NCR at 45%, while the Visayas posted the lowest at 34%. The Visayas also had the highest share of undecided respondents at 11%.
Across socioeconomic classes, the pattern remained similar. About 57% of Classes D and E and 56% of Class ABC respondents said they would consider working abroad. Unwillingness ranged from 38% to 40%, with indecision slightly higher among Class ABC at 6%.
Why Filipinos are looking abroad
The top reasons for considering migration were overwhelmingly economic. Respondents cited better job opportunities at 67%, higher wages at 61%, and improved quality of life at 58%.
Other motivations included education opportunities and gaining international experience, both at 20%, followed by family reunification at 16% and safety or political stability at 14%.
OCTA noted that while safety concerns ranked lowest overall, they were more pronounced in Regions I and III and slightly higher among lower-income groups.
Overall, the findings suggest that many Filipinos view working abroad as a practical path toward upward mobility rather than dissatisfaction with local conditions, with overseas employment seen as a strategic option for better financial stability and long-term prospects.
