Dreams from the Box 1

Running Head: DREAMS FROM THE BOX

Television as a Mediator of Information for

Filipino Urban and Rural Students’ Decision to Migrate

Elaine Joyce E. Dalit

Adria Lora P. de Leon

University of the Philippines - Diliman

 Dreams from the Box 2

ABSTRACT

Migration has been a popular option for many Filipinos in extending their

economic opportunities. Its popularity as a career option indicates many implications on

the values system in a society especially among its young members. To understand their

perceptions and reactions towards migration and the role of television as a mediator of

information, the researchers conducted focus interviews among Filipino urban (Metro

Manila) and rural (Bulacan) students and their family members. In addition, ABS CBN

and GMA primetime shows were textually analyzed to identify the kinds of information

conveyed to the youth through television.

The study revealed that television and the students’ socio-economic political

environment collaborate in the formation of students’ perceptions and influence migration

decisions. Specifically, negative images are mostly presented about the Philippines

especially by the news programs while positive images are conveyed about foreign

countries. Moreover, the informants revealed that they want to practice their profession

abroad specifically in countries like the United States, some European countries, Canada

and Australia, all of which are referred to as developed countries. Surprisingly, informants

from less priviledged status in society(rural public schools/colleges’ students) were the

ones who expressed their eagerness to practice their profession in the country while the rest

desired to work abroad.

 Dreams from the Box 3

DREAMS FROM THE BOX: Television as Mediator of Information for the Filipino

Urban and Rural Students’ Decision to Migrate

Migration is generally defined as the “permanent or quasi-permanent relocation of an

individual or group of individuals from a place of origin to a place of destination (Parnwell,

1993: p. 12)”. The concept of migration has been popular in the Philippines since 1970s

and continues to the present with the country being regarded as one of the top labor

exporting countries in the world (Calzado, 2007). In 2006, it was estimated that 8 Million

or nearly 10% of the Philippine population were overseas, with the United States (3.57

million) having the most number of Filipino overseas followed by MiddleEastern countries

(1.84 million) and East and Southeast Asian countries (1.22 million) [Calzado, 2007].

Migration is believed to be an effect of the uneven development between countries

as well as the development of global outlets like mass media which facilitates awareness of

conditions in countries apart from their local area (Appadurai in Amit-Talai, 1995;

Parnwell, 1993; Pernia, 1976). Significantly, the development of mass media can be an

advantage for the progress of globalization as the audience are exposed to boundaries

beyond their national territories (Amit-talai, 1995; Feilitzen and Carlsson, 2002). Hence,

its role in transcending foreign images to the context of the people from various nations

provides a battleground for clashing ideologies of globalization and nationalism. In

addition, Filipinization, or the concepts of the “Filipino First Policy” and “Bayan Muna,

Bago Sarili” (Abueva, 1999) are also put to the test as they operate for people from

labor-exporting countries like the Philippines. In relation, this study aims to look at
 Dreams from the Box 4

students’ views on nationalism in relation to their migration decision as they are faced with

the dilemma of choosing between rendering services for foreign nations for economic

gains or serving his/her countrymen.

Moreover, this study looked at the role of media, specifically television, as a mediation

channel for the Filipino urban and rural students’ awareness, formation of perception, and

reaction on migration and the socioeconomic and political environment that affects their

decision to migrate. The concept of media being a “mediator” is adapted from McQuail’s

(1994) mediation metaphors wherein media can play roles as a window, a mirror, a filter/

gatekeeper/ signpost, a guide /interpreter, a forum / platform and/ or a screen / barrier.

Hence, in viewing television as a mediator of information for its audience, this study

followed the idea that information presented by television is being processed by Filipino

urban and rural students as they incorporate them in their migration decision.

In conclusion, the effects of these opposing ideologies and the responsibility of the various

carriers of information and values like media and the socioeconomic and political

environment are important to be given attention in order to understand the process that

eventually contributes to the reshaping of Filipino values and culture. Specifically, this

study aimed to understand how television serve as a mediation channel for the Filipino

urban and rural students’ awareness, formation of perception, and reaction to migration.

The researchers are guided by the following research objectives: (1) to identify the kinds

of information (as positive or negative) conveyed by mass media regarding the Philippines

and foreign countries, (2) to understand how TV messages regarding the Philippines as
 Dreams from the Box 5

well as foreign countries influence Filipino urban and rural students’ perception on

migration (3) to discover Filipino urban and rural students’ perception regarding the

characteristics of the Philippines and foreign countries (4) to explore the perceived

advantages and disadvantages of migrating in foreign countries and staying put in one’s

country (5) to understand the influence of Filipino urban and rural students’ insights to

their values particularly to their sense of nationalism and cultural identity (6) to compare

the level of influence of mass media and socio-economic political environment in the

formation of Filipino urban and rural students’ decision towards migration

Awareness/Perceptions of Prospective Migrants

In the Philippines, people access media mainly for information and evaluation (Adriano

and Diaz, 2001). However, while media provides information to its audience, media bias

exists since viewers can only see versions and parts of another country which the media

“choose to access” – while some regions of the world and locations within regions are

heavily covered, some, however, are relatively excluded in the coverage (Burton, 2005;

International Association for Mass Comm Research, 1978). Moreover, the study of the

United Nations Development Programme (2006) has been found to be very much related to

this topic of research. UNDP revealed that because of globalization and youth’s exposure

to Western culture through media, youth from non-Western countries come to further think

about Western culture with regard to the new information the Western countries have

presented. Further, it was found out that youth aged 15–29 years old appear to welcome the

idea of migration for employment purposes (legally or illegally) as an option since they
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regard the West highly and are confident it can provide them better opportunities to

improve their economic status.

The emergence of a global system of communication provides individuals with knowledge

of opportunities in other places and about the place of destination’s government rules on

entry (Weiner, 1995). However, in countries where mass media are underdeveloped and

employment agencies are unlikely to be utilized, relatives serve as important sources of

information about job opportunities and living conditions (Parnwell, 1993). Hence, in the

absence of kin ties, mass media plays a helping role in the assessment of pros and cons by

providing information, while in the absence of a developed media, kinship replaces that

role as a source of information.

Therefore, in the case of the unfamiliar place of destination, potential migrant often has “to

rely on information from secondary sources, such as the media (television, advertising,

radio, magazines) or from returned migrants (Costello et al., 1987:77)”. In both cases,

however, “the information and image which are conveyed may be incomplete and not

altogether accurate (Costello et al., 1987:77),” while the place of origin is more likely to

eradicate the feeling of uncertainty (Costello et al., 1987). Previous studies cited above

guided the researchers on possible sources of information as well as their qualities that are

responsible for students’ awareness on conditions/opportunities in places where they can

only assume of their “perceived realities”. Information from these sources of information

form the individual’s perceptions on his/her local area especially for the area of

destination.
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Motivations/Values of Migrants & Non-migrants

An individual is more likely to settle in an area that would possess the most attractive traits

and values for him/her upon weighing consequences. Thus, the “most attractive” can be the

place that possesses the values that the individual desires the most. Various studies have

pointed out that economic motives top the list of reasons for desiring to migrate in a foreign

country (Costello, Leinbach and Ulack, 1987; Parnwell, 1993; Fawcett and SyCip, n.d.).

Specifically, strong materialistic values are being propagated among children of migrant

workers and as a result “a strong motivation to go overseas is developed among children in

the belief that overseas employment is the only solution to improve their lives”

(Nicodemus,1997).

In a study by Fawcett and Sycip (n.d.) which explored expectations of Hawaiian migrants

on Hawaii and their hometown (Ilocos Norte) , it was found that “although Hawaii was

generally viewed more positively for the attainment of economic goals, the hometown

(Ilocos Norte) was viewed as a better place for the realization of social and psychological

goals (7)” . Also, “movers and intended movers tend to emphasize the positive economic

aspects of living in Hawaii, while down-playing the less desirable social and psychological

ones (7)”. Hence, these perceptions were used to justify the decision to migrate and operate

as a form of risk minimization (Fawcett and SyCip, n.d.). In addition, Lee, as cited in

Parnwell (1993), recognized that the positive factors in favor of migration would generally

have to “outweigh substantially those against because of people’s natural reluctance to uproot

themselves from the unfamiliar surroundings of their home areas (77)”.

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Further, individuals’ natural reluctance to move is due to the fact that the farther the place

of destination from the place of origin, the greater will be the contrast, thus the adjustments,

in the social and cultural environments that the mover has to endure (Parnwell, 1993). The

contrast may be in the form of language or dialect spoken or in terms of the norms, customs

and traditions (Parnwell, 1993). Such contrasts are more evident in the case of international

migration as there are “strongly identifiable differences between social groups, such as on

the basis of ethnicity, color or religion that alienates the neophytes of those areas (Parnwell,

1993:16). Possible adjustments on the part of the mover may discourage migration and opt

him to stay in the confines of his/her familiar surroundings.

Moreover, other pull-factors may be in the form of cost of travel, family attachments,

personal anxiety, lack of information about opportunities and conditions elsewhere or

government restrictions on movement (Parnwell, 1993). Further, Kothari (2002)

mentioned social, cultural, economic and political factors which make people either unable

to move or choose not to move (committed non-migrants) even though they are in an

environment characterized by out-migration. Furthermore, Kothari (2002) emphasized that

there are various reasons that prevent one from moving such as lack of knowledge about

other places and opportunities outside the confines of their own geographical and cultural

environment, social and cultural ties which bind them to their home place, gender and age.

Hence, while studies in the past have explored reasons for desiring to migrate, studies on

factors why individuals refuse to migrate shed a holistic understanding on migration

motivations and eventually, on the decision per se. Information on condition on areas of
 Dreams from the Box 9

origin and destination as well as the perceived advantages and disadvantages of migrating

are being evaluated by individuals to come up with a decision, either to migrate or not.

Migration Decision

In Third World countries, “the act of migration is quite commonly used as a means of

extending or diversifying the household economy beyond the confines of the home area

(Parnwell, 1993:26)”. Therefore, migration of an individual is aimed “to support

decision-making unit as a whole rather than for the exclusive benefit of the mover

(Parnwell, 1993:18)”. Moreover, in arriving at a decision, individuals weigh the positive

and negative forces present in the place of origin and place of destination (Kosinski &

Prothero, 1975; Lee(1985) as cited in Parnwell, 1993).

A prominent framework used in the study of migration is the Push-Pull Framework

(Parnwell, 1993). It views migration as “a response to the repulsive forces in the place of

origin and attractive forces in the place of destination (Parnwell, 1993:76)”. However, this

traditional view on migration wherein economic incentives serve as the primary motivator

of movement is being challenged by contemporary views on migration. Apart from

economic incentives, migration studies recently look at the role of networks of families and

houesholds as responsible for the encouragement of migation (Hefti, 1997). Hence apart

from the exposure to foreign realities brought about by globalized media, individuals’

social networks in the form of relatives abroad also play a role in encouraging migration.
 Dreams from the Box 10

Costello et al (1987) pointed out that the decision to migrate is the migrant’s personal

choice and the purpose of such move will be to maximize returns for themselves, rather

than those left behind (Costello et al., 1987). His individual decision-making model

emphasized the role of individualism and put individual as the sole decision-maker.

However, it is important to note that migration decisions in the Philippine context where

emotional ties are prevailent are being “made in conjunction with other members of the

household, even in the cases when only one single individual is moving (Costello,

1987:68)”, thus reflecting more of a household decision-making model (Costello et al.,

1987). The involvement of other people aside from the prospective migrant in arriving at a

decision can be understood when one realize that migration is being seen as an ‘investment

decision’ which will involve costs and benefits not only to the migrant but to others in the

home community as well (Parnwell, 1993; McDowell and de Haan (1997) as cited in

Kothari, 2002).

Kothari (2002) study relates migration on chronic poverty. Kothari (2002) believe that

though poverty can be a primary “economic survival strategy” for the poor,it reflects

various complexities that put poor people on different situations and provides differentials

in access to resources, power and control. She added that poor people’s lives are being

shaped by “particular set of vulnerabilities” that they encounter in their daily lives and thus,

“the repertoire of decisions, choices and options that they can pursue are similarly diverse

(Kothari, 2002:2)”. Hence, though migration can be a primary decision to get out of

poverty, it is only one of the many strategies that they can take.
 Dreams from the Box 11

Previous studies mentioned above provided rich insights on the decision-making process

an individual undergoes as migration enters her pool of career options. Significantly,

previous studies gave light on the role of the individual’s social environment in relation to

migration.

Socio-economic Political Environment

In evaluating migration options, the individual looks at his/her immediate environment as

point of reference in judging the best option on where to settle. The individual’s social

environment, which consists of family and kin, and his/her economic environment, which

describes his/her social status and opportunities as well as the economic condition

especially of his/her place of origin, may exert great influences on the individual’s decision

to migrate (Parnwell, 1993). The family is the primary institution in Philippine society that

forms and affects the individuals’ values, disposition and outlook in life and serve as their

source of the ideals, aspirations, and basic motivations (Medina, 2001). In the Philippine

society, the concept of family extends from the nuclear/immediate family to kinship

networks or compadrazgo system which they regard as avenues for improving family

status (Jocano, 1989; Medina, 2001; Porio et al., 1978). According to previous literature

(Jocano, 1989; Medina, 2001; Porio et al., 1978; Fawcett, n.d.), this type of network is

composed of family friends who usually become ninongs and ninangs or godparents of the

children, and also neighbors or people in the community, all of which serve as another type

of support aside from the family.

 Dreams from the Box 12

It is important to consider the prevalence of kinship networks in exploring issue of

migration as they are seen in terms of the “social, psychological, and economic support

given to migrant relatives in both areas of origin and destination (Medina, 2001:65)”. In

addition, family ties and network of friends play a facilitative role in providing information

about job opening, travel, accommodations, and adjustment to the new environment

(Costello et al, 1987; Medina, 2001; Porio et al, 1978). Hence, it can be implied that social

networks in the place of destination serve as non-economic motivators for prospective

migrants. Thus, by recognizing the importance of social networks, it guides this study to

the role it can play for the students’ decision-making process.

METHODS

Research Methods

In order to provide an in-depth perspective on the topic of study, the researchers employed

two methods to capture the two elements of communication namely the source and the

receiver. Using purposive sampling technique, primetime shows of ABS CBN and GMA

were textually analyzed to identify the kinds of information conveyed by television to

Filipino urban and rural students. The selection was based on the viewership ratings of

these shows which implied their exposure to students. Poieta for the textual analysis were

gathered from November 28 to December 12, 2007 and the days included were selected

based on convenience sampling.

On the other hand, in order to understand how these information were being perceived,

focus interviews were conducted among 17 students from urban (Metro Manila) and rural
 Dreams from the Box 13

(Bulacan) students and 8 students’family members. Criterion sampling technique was used

in order to capture possible difference of views between urban and rural students.

Informants were selected based on the criteria that they came from, either (1) urban or rural

area and (2) public or private schools/colleges. Hence, the informants would belong to one

of the four categories namely: urban public school/college students, urban private

school/college students, rural public school/college students and rural private

school/college students. Convenience sampling technique was also used in selecting

schools as only schools who gave their permission to conduct the interviews were included.

Lastly, snowball sampling technique was used in selecting students’ friends/family

members.

Concepts and Indicators

Based on the research objectives, the researchers were able to identify 5 major concepts

which are important in understanding the role of television in relation to students’

migration decision. Awareness referred to the informants’ knowledge about

situations/conditions of the Philippines and foreign countries that they get from television

and other sources. Perception referred to the impressions (advantages/disadvantages,

characteristics/images) about conditions in the Philippines and in foreign countries.

Motivations referred to the values/goals/aspirations that motivated students’ decision to

migrate or stay put. Moreover, it also reflected the informants’ agreement on concepts of

nationalism, Filipinization, and globalization. Reaction/Migration Decision reflected the

informants’ prospective decision to migrate/not as well as the decision-making process

undergone by them at arriving at a prospective decision. Migration Decision-maker/

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Influencer referred to the major influencers or decision makers responsible for the

informants’ migration decision.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Looking at the images presented by primetime television shows of ABS-CBN and GMA, it

was found that there were both positive and negative images about the Philippines and

foreign countries. However, the positive and negative images vary depending on the

context of the programs. Specifically, in terms of news programs like 24 Oras and TV

Patrol World, the dominant images reflected about the Philippines were political

instability as suggested by the report on Makati siege, corruption as implied by the

President Arroyo’s questionable European trip with 34 congressmen. In addition, some

images projected were inflation, flaws in the conduct of the task of government agencies

like the board examination retakes, accidents due to the lack of proper infrastracture and

road safety signs, and the crimes that took place mostly in Metro Manila. Some soap operas

were also reflective of the negative conditions in the country as depicted by the

context/status of some of its characters.

Meanwhile, positive images about the Philippines were presented in the context of soap

operas, situation-comedy shows and magazine shows. Although the lead characters in soap

operas started as people from lower social status, they achieved a certain improvement in

their status as the story progressed. The improvement of their life came in the form of

achieving their goals as becoming a star, having a complete family, or being rich and more

powerful than their past antagonists who took advatage of their vulnerabilities. In terms of
 Dreams from the Box 15

magazine shows like Rated K and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, positive images about the

Philippines such as the richness of Philippine culture, tourist spots in the country, and

world-class Filipino talents were featured. Lastly, positive news comes in the form of

sports victories of Manny Pacquiao and other Filipino atheletes who competed abroad.

Such positive images were also mentioned by the informants of this study.

On the other hand, in terms of images of foreign countries, it can be observed that news

about foreign countries were limited as compared to news about the Philippines. Hence, it

is reflective of possible biases as pointed out by previous literature (Burton, 2005;

International Association for Mass Comm Research, 1978). Specifically, positive images

about foreign countries were in the form of the positive effects of dollar remittances from

OFWs, beautiful sceneries as presented in locally-produced soap operas, and

locally-adapted gameshows and soap operas which showed their competence in producing

“quality” programs. As an informant said, locally-adapted programs, in particular, depicted

the so-called “colonial mentality” among Filipinos. Meanwhile, negative images about

foreign countries presented in news programs were about the exploitations of OFWs,

terrorism, and the negative effects of cultural differences in the work place. Supposedly,

such negative images on foreign countries would matter for the students as those were

related on working in a foreign country.

Moving on the side of the receivers of information, the researchers interviewed high school

and college students from public and private schools/colleges in urban (Metro Manila) and

rural areas (Bulacan). It was found that for the informants, television played a role as a
 Dreams from the Box 16

mediator specifically as a window of information about the Philippines and even more on

foreign countries. Such role of television were pointed out by previous literature (McQuail,

1994; Appadurai in Amit-Talai, 1995; Parnwell, 1993; Weiner, 1995). Television was seen

by the informants as the major source of information about foreign countries which made

conditions and career opportunities in foreign countries known to them. Television

collaborates with the students’ socio-economic political environment in influencing

students’ perceptions about foreign countries as stories from migrant relatives/friends

introduce them to the promises of foreign countries. It is also important to note that

informants were aware of the biases and inaccuracies of information presented by

television, though they admit that they still trust the medium in making them aware of

conditions in other countries. Hence the importance of a trusted source, in this case

migrants they personally know, in affirming images presented on television must also be

looked upon.

In addition to informing them, information presented on television either about the

Philippines and foreign countries reinforces their decision to migrate. However, the

informants believe that the influence of television depends on the individual’s outlook. For

instance, the presentation of negative images about the Philippines would mean either a

discouragement for working in the country or a challenge of making a difference for the

country.

Informants perceive the Philippines in a more negative light in comparison to foreign

countries. Negative images mentioned were corruption, unemployment, increasing poverty,

 Dreams from the Box 17

and low employee compensation/salary. Meanwhile, positive images dominated their

perceptions on foreign countries. Specifically, they perceive foreign countries as the place

where they can achieve economic success, and where characteristics were the opposite of

the negative images found in the Philippines. Thus, these findings support points raised by

previous literature (Parnwell, 1993; Costello et al, 1987; Pernia, 1976; Kosinski &

Prothero, 1975) that the characteristics of a place of destination has to have the ability to

supplement deficiencies in the place of origin in order to for migration to occur. They

perceive foreign countries as organized, superior in technological development, and rich in

beautiful sceneries. Moreover, informants perceive foreign countries as places which gives

a promise of financial security and economic development for them and their family.

However, it is important to note that informants’ perceptions of foreign countries were

limited to First World countries like the United States, European Countries, Canada and

Australia as these are countries that came in their mind at the thought of foreign countries.

Thus, Parnwell (1993) and Costello et al (1987)’s view that the place of destination has to

outweight the characteristics of the place of origin for migration to occur still holds true for

informants who wish to migrate. However, other factors emerged to be prevailent for

informants who wish to stay in the Philippines as will be discussed later.

Informants’ perceived advantages and disadvantages of staying in the country and

migrating abroad are related to their perceptions about both places. Migrating to foreign

countries would mean achievement of a financially stable life for themselves and their

families. However, on the negative side they consider migrating as a sacrifice as migrants
 Dreams from the Box 18

would be away from their family. In addition, risks were seen to be relative as informants

thought of risks as dependent on the country of destination, presence of kins, and gender of

the migrant. Hefti (1997) for instance mentioned that gender can be a factor that hinders an

individual to migrate which might be related to the informants’ perceptions of risks

mentioned earlier. On the other hand, staying in the country would mean being with their

family and for some, being able to serve the country while it would also mean lesser

possibilities of achieving the financially-stable life they desire. Hence, perceived

advantages and disadvantages of migrating and staying in the country as mentioned in

previous literature (Costello et al, 1987; Parnwell, 1993; Fawcett and Sycip, n.d.) that

financial rewards serve as incentives while being with the family serves as a “pull factor”

still hold true for the informants of this study.

Values held as important by informants were reflected on their perceptions on migrant

workers. Some informants regarded migrant workers as heroic as they were able to endure

the hardship of being away from their family for the sake of providing them a good future.

However, though some regard them positively as self-sacrificial in the aspect of family,

some informants do not regard them as nationalistic in the sense that they think they

disregard societal interest with their decision to work in other countries. Still, in general

they put high regard on migrant workers because of their economic achievements and the

development of their families’ economic status. Hence, it reflects financial achievement as

an indicator of success. In addition, when asked about the importance of nationalism

nowadays, some informants confessed that personal interest is more important than

societal interest or love of country. Moreover, informants have a varied view on standards
 Dreams from the Box 19

of being nationalsitic. Informants said that nationalism can still be expressed even by

migrating in ways like returning to the country, carrying Filipino pride and sending

remittances that they believe would help the Philippine economy. It can be observed that

their definitions of nationalism agree with their desire to migrate.

Therefore, it was found that values of practicality and economic ambitions for the benefit

of the family seemed to prevail for informants who expressed their desire to work abroad.

Hence, it seems to affirm the role of financial incentives as motivators for prospective

migrants as pointed out by previous literature. Informants who desire to migrate equate

work to financal rewards thus they put greater weight on foreign countries who offers them

greater chances of earning bigger amount of money. However, it should be noted that when

asked why they wanted to work abroad, informants pointed out benefits that such

movement could bring to their family hence reflecting their family-orientedness.

Moreover, informants who wish to stay in the country said that they did not desire to work

abroad because the value of family-togetherness matters for them more than financial

rewards. Apart from family, they also feel the desire to make a contribution for the country

in the form of service to their countrymen. The presence of personal networks in foreign

countries were found to be available for all informants, hence, the issueof lack of

connections appeared to be less significant on the matter of deciding whether to migrate or

not. However, it was found that the presence of personal networks mattered on choosing

the country where they wish to migrate (Hefti, 1997; Medina, 2001).
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Interestingly, the researchers found that informants who study in public schools/colleges

from rural areas are the ones who wish to stay put in the country. These informants can be

considered as less priviledged than informants who used to study in private school and

those that live in urban areas where the country’ economic activities are concentrated.

Kothari’s (2002) point that poverty though more likely to manifest migration as an option,

holds various factors and vulnerabilities that affect the decision of an individual. In this

study, however, the researchers were able to point out the difference in values as

distinguishing characteristics of committed non-migrants from prospective migrants.

In looking for explanation for such pattern identified in this study, the researchers were

able to identify the difference between desire for independence and attachment as

influential in arriving at their decision. It is important to note that almost all of the

informants regard their family’s welfare as the primary motivator for desiring to migrate.

This affirms previous literatures’ (Medina, 2001; Parnwell, 1993; Costello et al, 1987 )

claim that the family serves as the source of aspirations and motivations by individuals

who wish to migrate. Specifically, informants who wish to migrate said that they desire to

provide a good future for their family while informants who wish to stay in the Philippines

to work expressed their desire to be with their family as the primary reason why they opt

not to go abroad. Hence, the role of family can be viewed either as a “push” or “pull” factor

that determines one’s migration decision. However, it was found that informants especially

from urban areas find the idea of being independent when they would migrate as positive

and appealing for them. Further, informants who do not plan to migrate give more

importance to family attachment or being with their family. Hence, because all of the
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informants are aware of opportunities abroad and pointed out family’s welfare as their

motivator for migrating and staying in the country, the decision lies on the higher weight

they give between the idea of individual’s independence or family attachment.

Lastly, in providing a comparison between the influence of television and the

socio-economic political environment, it was found that the two collaborate with each

other in providing information responsible for students’ awareness of conditons and

opportunities. Such finding reaffirms Parnwell (1993) and Costello et al’s (1987) claim

that mass media and returned migrants or personal networks who stays abroad serve as the

primary sources of information about possible places of destination. However, networks

of relatives and friends who have experienced working abroad seemed to be more relied

upon by the informants due to the biases they pointed out regarding television. More

importantly, it is also important to consider that these social networks also served as a

major motivator as informants who desire to migrate (Hefti, 1997; Parnwell, 1993). This

point was supported by the finding that informants’ prospective country of destination

were countries where relatives were present. It can be understood that informants were

looking forward to their relatives abroad for assistance in terms of housing and

employment opportunities especially during the adjustment phase or their initial movement

to that country (Hefti, 1997; Parnwell, 1993; Costello et al, 1987). Also the presence of

relatives were found to diminish, or eradicate at most, the feeling of risks in moving to a

new territory as it would mean lesser social adjustment due to familiarity with people they

would have to get along with . In addition, though they are aware of physical, emotional,
 Dreams from the Box 22

and social risks in moving to a new country, they feel comfort due to the presence of people

they know in that unfamiliar place.

CONCLUSION

This study affirms previous literatures’ findings that mass media, particularly television

plays a vital role in sharing information about conditions and opportunities in places of

destination which lies beyond the prospective migrant’s frame of experience. However,

due to the limited information presented on television about foreign coutnries and possible

biases pointed by informants about the medium, they rely on information from people who

have experienced being in a foreign country (returned migrants and relatives currently in

foreign countries). Moreover, information from personal networks comes in the form of

stories of their experiences in foreign countries or merely on informants’ observations of

the development in lifestyle of families with a member who work abroad.

Based on textual analysis, primetime shows of ABS CBN and GMA reflects positive

images about foreign countries while negative images are being presented about the

Philippines. The findings were reaffirmed by informants impressions on the images

presented by television about the Philippines and foreign countries. These perceptions

from television incorporated by information and infleunces that informants acquire from

their socio-economic political environment are being weighed upon by the individual to

come up with a migration decision. It was found that the decision to migrate seemed to be a

matter of choosing between two proximities: to family or to achievement of financial goals.

For informants who plan to migrate, images of a financially stable life which are promised
 Dreams from the Box 23

by foreign country serve as motivators. Informants believe that the major beneficiary of

migrating abroad to work would be their family. Similarly, the primary “pull factor” for

informants who plan to stay put in the country is because of their attachment to their family

and secondly, to the Filipino culture and social environment. Simply put, prospective

migrants feel that it is more important to be able to provide financial security for the family

while those that plan to stay in the country regard family attachment and togetherness as

more important than financial gains.

Upon revisiting the definition of nationalism among the young generation, it was found

that though some still regard nationalism as important, family welfare is found to be more

superior and the top priority. Materialistic values also seem to prevail as informants put

high regard on migrant workers because of the development of their economic status

despite the fact that they do not regard them as nationalistic. Hence, their standards of

success seem to focus on financial achievements and nationalistic goals did not seem to

matter.

Though the concepts explored in this study provided good insights on the decision-making

process that students undergo in deciding for their future, the researchers would also like to

recommend quantitative approach in exploring such concepts. A quantitative approach will

provide a general picture of the migration situation in the country particularly among the

youth sector. Also, there is a need to further explore the concept of nationalism among the

youth as there are insufficient studies that describes the significance and the definition of

nationalism in a contemporary context. Lastly, the possible difference between rural and
 Dreams from the Box 24

urban students also needs further exploration as this study found a possible disparity

between the two context in terms of their migration decision.

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