Philippine E-Journals

Hearts Apart: In the Eyes of Miriam Students

Maria Lourdes L. Chavez | Ma. Victoria G. Alfonso

Discipline: International Relations, Social Studies

 

Abstract:

Filipino migration has been a part of the Filipino culture for almost forty years. Every day, thousands of Filipinos make the challenging decision to leave their families behind. Children of migrant workers have been the subject of many studies due to the reason that they are the ones truly affected by this phenomenon. In a study by the Scalibrini Migration Society in 2003, the impact of migration to the children of migrant parents was examined. With this as an inspiration, the College Guidance Center decided to embark in a similar study targeting college students. Results revealed that children of migrant workers are not disadvantaged in selected dimensions of wellbeing (academic achievement, socio-economic status, concerns and relationships) when compared to children of non-migrant parents. They appeared to be more assured of their relationship with their parents and were more accepting of their parent’s absence. However, those with migrant mothers seemed to lag behind in the aspect of happiness and coping than those with migrant fathers. A belief on the conventional roles of parenting was also seen as an important factor which made the children more resilient to their parent’s absence.