"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."

— Francis Bacon

I remember my first business trip abroad. I was excited to be in Japan, but after a few days, homesickness hit. One in ten Filipinos live or work abroad, and in my own family, I have siblings who have moved overseas. This diaspora has been happening for years, driven by valid economic, personal, and social reasons.

I never saw myself working abroad—until recently. I don’t really want to leave, but like many Filipinos, I sometimes wonder if there are enough opportunities here. The reality is, many leave not because they want to, but because they feel they have no choice.

I dream of a future where this exodus stops. Where our brightest minds stay, build, and thrive at home. Where families don’t have to be separated for a better life.

Yes, higher salaries abroad attract workers. Yes, remittances help our economy. But at what cost? The price is often broken families, missed moments, and deep longing for home. Better benefits and career growth abroad overshadow the risks—exploitation, discrimination, and uncertainty.

I’ve thought about leaving. But I also think about how we can create opportunities here. The solution isn’t just political or economic. It’s about changing mindsets, building confidence, and believing that we can make things better—right where we are.