From Philippines to Korea: One Woman’s Remittances Provide Better Future for Family and Community

Jovilyn, a mother of twins from the Philippines, embarked on a journey to the Republic of Korea (ROK), seeking a brighter future for her family. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of home, she joined a company specializing in material processing.  

Her role involved the meticulous inspection of finished products, ensuring they meet stringent quality standards. Nothing was easy for her at first. However, the belief that she could change her family’s life for the better kept her going. 

"Working in another country was not an easy decision. The challenges were immense, from overcoming language barriers to adapting to a new culture and work environment. However, immersing myself in these differences and learning from the new surroundings has been incredibly rewarding," she reflected, taking pride in her contributions. "The reality that I can support my family and give them hope for better opportunities has made me stronger." 

Through her remittances, Jovilyn provides stability and support to her loved ones, significantly impacting their lives. Her earnings from ROK have laid the foundation for a better tomorrow for her family back home, covering her children’s education, healthcare, leisure activities and daily expenses.  

"Before moving to ROK, meeting even basic needs was hard. Now, my twins have access to better education and quality healthcare. Managing daily expenses is easier, and we even get to go on family trips. I have started saving for future emergencies. It feels like I have a safety net," she shared. 

For Jovilyn, remittances are more than financial support; they symbolize hope and the promise of a better future. This belief extends to her community in the Philippines, where she has invested in a small computer store and a cleaning service. These investments not only provide her with an additional income stream but also create job opportunities locally. "It's fulfilling to see how my contributions help improve the community," she said, highlighting the broader impact of remittances. 

Looking ahead, Jovilyn plans to focus on her children's education, invest in healthcare and secure financial stability. She is also keen to explore new entrepreneurial ventures. "Remittances are a lifeline that brings hope and the promise of a better future," she emphasized. 

Jovilyn’s story reflects a broader trend: remittances serve as a lifeline for many people worldwide. International remittances have surged from approximately USD 128 billion in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2022.  

This amount now surpasses foreign direct investment in low- and middle-income countries. Although the costs of remittances vary by region, they have gradually declined globally, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing transfer costs to less than 3 percent. 

Note 

Long-term research and analysis show that migration drives human development, generating significant benefits for migrants, their families and their countries of origin. The wages earned abroad are often much higher than what migrants could earn in their home countries.  

For more insights into how migration continues to be a crucial part of the solution, check out the World Migration Report 2024. 

This story was written by Hayoung PARK, Communication Assistant, IOM Republic of Korea, phayoung@iom.int