Chapter 2
I Love You Even if You're Miles Away: "Exploring the Struggles of Sitians with an OFW
Moms"
Review of Related Studies and Literatures
This chapter includes the related literatures and studies done by the researchers. The
literature and studies identified in this chapter addresses the different concepts, ideas,
recommendations and also the different development related to the study starting from the past up
to present. Lastly, this will serve as a guide for the researchers in developing the project.
Foreign Studies
In a case study of Indonesian migrant worker families, Oktaliana et al. (2021) report that
the children of these parents experience sadness when their parents are absent for an extended
period of time. This deprivation of direct parental affection causes students to lack this emotional
support, which impacts their decision-making throughout their lives. Additionally, the research
indicates that these kids don't have strong or high levels of learning motivation.
According to Chen, Sun, et al., (2020) parental absence brought on by migration is linked
to an increased risk of child maltreatment, unintentional accidents, and a variety of psychosocial
issues. This study, which was carried out in China, also suggested that mother-only migration
would be the most detrimental to kids. For that reason, rural children who are left behind—and
especially "mother-absent children"—should receive greater attention.
As per the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA, 2020), 8.6% of
Vietnam's labor force consisted of domestic migrant workers, or around 4.2 million individuals, in
2019. The primary motivation behind migration was seeking employment opportunities or starting
a new job. There are 53.4% more women among migrant laborers which can possibly considered
as a mother of a child. Therefore, poorer academic performance is one of the detrimental
educational outcomes that arise for children who are left behind (LBC).
As claimed by Mao et al., (2020) one of the most crucial elements in fostering children's
skills is parental care during the early years of life. The findings of the study which was conducted
in China, demonstrated a negative correlation between parental absence and the development of
children who are left behind. Children who fall behind also perform worse on cognitive and
academic tests and are less likely to go to college. In addition, children who experience parental
absence may have less mental health and put in less effort in the classroom.
Local Studies
As stated by G. Dominguez & Hall (2022) employed abroad are viewed as contemporary
heroes who facilitate their families to move up the social scale. Even though they bring
considerable money, labor migration frequently keeps kids away from their parents during their
early years of development, addressing healthy growth. The study shows that the children who
were left behind are experiencing mental distress due to not having a parent in their side because
they are suffering as a result of an inability to make informed decisions on their own without
guidance. Broad spectrum and inadequate physical health. (General health, cleanliness, sickness,
and nutrition).
Based on research by Unay and Villosino (2023), there is a study conducted in Capiz,
Roxas City, Philippines, discovered that OFW mothers frequently drop out of school, leaving their
kids behind in private high schools with average total emotional quotients but lower interpersonal
skills and stress levels. It illustrates the extent of a child’s emotional and psychological
requirements in order to enhance their growth and development.
According to a study by Aquino (2019), children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)
often lack the attention and supervision they need from their parents, who long to give the care
they are unable to since they are working away from home to meet their basic necessities.
Therefore, parents need to assist in leading, teaching, and guiding their children when they begin
to study. It can be difficult for kids to have someone to mentor them, especially when it comes to
their academics.
As stated by Burgos, Ulod, and others. Many children in the Philippines are growing up
without their parents in 2020, which has an impact on their day-to-day life. As a result, the study’s
conclusions have demonstrated that the kids have had challenges over the years with regard to
coping strategies, adjustments, emotional impacts, and attitude gaps. Additionally, if the parents
don’t talk to their kids, it could strain their relationship. In order to preserve a good relationship,
the researchers advised parents and their adopted children to stay in contact. The child needs to
sense their parents’ presence, even when they are far away, by communicating with them through
whatever means possible.
Literatures
An Iloilo high school girl called Iva Claire Milan Jamelarin wrote a poem titled “Nay, ‘yan
Ang Pangako,” which was posted in facebook by MANILA BULLETIN. The poem describes how
difficult it was for the kids to have an OFW mother and how difficult it was for them both.
However, consideration was also given to the mother’s sacrifices. In that reason, it shows how
particular circumstances are experinced by many and the struggles of children with OFW mother
are accurately happening.
In 2022, over 33% of children (6.97 million) living in rural China were left-behind,
according to a BMJ Global Health article. These children are primarily found in low- and middleincome countries, such as Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Africa, with Asia having the
highest number. A classic example of an international migration country is the Philippines, where
8 million children are left behind at the age of 27, indicating that while parental labor migration
can offer greater financial support for raising children, it also increases the risk of physical and
mental health issues later in life.
In an article published by Ramos (2020) most of the respondents in Bayabasan Elementary
School, Nasugbu, Batangas, have low performance in their academic grades due to lack of
guidance from their OFW parent. Therefore, it indicates how challenging it is for the students with
having no enough presence their mothers should have offer to them