Soft skills help OFWs achieve their goals faster and protect them from exploitation.
Migration is a Lifeline— But Also a Risk
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos leave their homes in search of better opportunities. Yet, many are unprepared for the challenges ahead—facing high termination rates, recruitment debt,
and instability in unfamiliar workplaces.
For first-time migrant domestic workers, termination rates reach
a staggering 30-40% within the first 3 months of employment. Meanwhile, seafaring OFWs experience unique vulnerabilities, including exploitative contracts and isolation at sea. Even within the Philippines, local migrants—often young people moving from rural areas to cities like Manila—struggle to adapt to new work environments, often lacking the soft skills necessary for professional and personal success.
We asked: Why are so many workers struggling?
We found that traditional training programs focus on technical skills without addressing the real-world challenges of migration—cultural adaptation, workplace expectations, and resilience. The system, designed for high turnover, has little incentive to prepare workers for long-term success.
Skills like professionalism, migration adaptation, and financial literacy enable workers to make informed choices, avoid risky situations, and recognize signs of forced labor.
Soft skills also support smoother reintegration upon returning to the Philippines, helping OFWs manage finances, rebuild relationships, and make sustainable career decisions, ensuring continued personal growth and a better future.
