Philippine E-Journals

URBAN – URBAN MIGRATION: EXPERIENCES OF THE CEBUANO MIGRANTS IN METRO MANILA

Eric N. Awi

 

Abstract:

Metro Cebu and Metro Manila are the two largest highly urbanized areas in the Philippines. This paper provides the causality of migration by Cebuano migrants in Metro Manila and their bases to stay longer even though they came from another highly urbanized area. Through the years, migrants have also been dwelling with several dilemmas in Metro Manila. The differences of the two highly urbanized areas in the Philippines were distinguished through migrants’ experiences and observations. This study employed qualitative approach using descriptive case study design. Secondary data were used to suffice the representativeness of the participants’ claims. Furthermore, the data of the study had explained that migration may be viewed as a process to satisfy the needs of Cebuano migrants. It was found that the push factors were few opportunities and low salary rate in the place of origin while the pull factors were the influence made by their overseas family member and encouragement from a relative who had a migration history. Interestingly, there is a recurring pattern of migration since Cebuano migrants became the pull factors of their other relatives. They also revealed some socio -economic disparities between the two highly urbanized areas in the Philippines and an environmental stressor. The unique experiences of the Cebuano migrants were caused by the push and pull factors that led them to move to Metro Manila. They represented dynamism of people who show competitiveness in dealing with daily challenges in order to improve the quality of life.