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7 - Philippines

Valuing Human Assets

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 December 2024

By
Ma. Divina Gracia Z. Roldan
Edited by
Klaus Brummer  and
Šumit Ganguly
Klaus Brummer
Affiliation:
Katholische Universiteit Eichstätt, Germany
Šumit Ganguly
Affiliation:
Hoover Institution, Stanford University, California
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Summary

The Philippine state considers its citizens living and working abroad as valuable assets, given their contribution to the economic growth and development of the home country. Philippine state interactions with its nationals overseas are largely characterized by engagement, support, and protection. This chapter examines how the Philippine government has implemented its diaspora policy over time. The chapter also underscores the protection of Filipino nationals as a principal task of the state which is conducted mainly through diplomacy, albeit at times supported by the military through rescue operations during crises. Legal frameworks and institutions have been established to cater to the needs of Filipino migrants abroad, especially those of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The government has also actively entered into bilateral labor agreements and international conventions to promote their rights and welfare. While government agencies are organized to cater to this sector of society, there are limitations on state capacity such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and financial constraints. A comprehensive and inclusive multisectoral approach needs to be adopted, allowing other stakeholders aside from the government to take part in addressing key issues that concern the safety and welfare of Filipinos overseas.

Keywords

assistance-to-nationals (ATN)diaspora engagementdiaspora policymigrant protectionmigrants in distressoverseas Filipino workersoverseas FilipinosPhilippinesrepatriation and reintegration
Type
Chapter
Information
States and their Nationals Abroad
Support, Co-Opt, Repress
 , pp. 157 - 182
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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