Population Institute

ABSTRACT

Metro Manila remained to have the highest number of in-migrants and out-migrants compared to other regions in the Philippines, however, there is no recent findings on the difference of those who in-migrated and out-migrated. The focus of the study is to compare the age patterns of migrants and stayers of Metro Manila by sex, education, and wealth status. The increase and decrease in the age distribution by 5-year age group formed the age patterns. The study gives emphasis on the analysis of the age distributions as it is a key information for the proper allocation of socioeconomic services. The age patterns of migrants and stayers were analyze using the life course perspective in a population lens. The study viewed specific life course events when it commonly happens in a particular age. The test of difference in percentage using Z-test, index of dissimilarity, and median age aided the analysis and comparison of the age patterns. Additionally, wealth status was computed based on household amenities following the methodology used in the Demographic Health Survey. The study used the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH).

The study implies migration concerns should be included in policy making, as in-migration and out-migration show a different age pattern. Based on the age patterns of the life course events, the peak age of in-migration in ages 20-24 is the peak age of labor force participation, fertility, and family formation. Whereas, the peak age of out-migration denoted possible family out-migration, as there is an observed equal percentage in age groups 5-9, 25-29, and 30-34. Further, the age patterns by sex, education, and wealth status showed an observable percentage difference on the peak age group. The study highlights that more females compared to males migrate in a younger age. Additionally, the age pattern of out-migrants by education shows in the peak age that those who reach high school have the highest percentage followed by those who have reached college. Further, the age patterns of out-migrants by wealth status shows in the peak age that those who belong in a household with low wealth status have an earlier peak age compared to out-migrants who belong in a household with high and low wealth status. These findings provided a benchmark information on how to manage the migration in Metro Manila.