Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health: Threats and Opportunities of Overseas Filipino Workers

The migration of Filipino Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) teachers to Thailand reflects a complex interplay of push and pull factors influencing their professional and personal decisions. This study explores the lived experiences of Filipino MAPEH teachers working abroad, focusing on the challenges they face in the Philippines and the opportunities available to them in Thailand. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically.Findings reveal three major themes regarding teachers’ migration experiences: (1) Professional and Financial Struggles in the Philippines, (2) Opportunities and Advantages in Thailand, and (3) The Decision-Making Process in Migrating Abroad. Additionally, key push factors driving migration include financial instability, low salaries, heavy workloads, and limited professional growth. Conversely, pull factors such as improved salaries, better working conditions, career advancement opportunities, and cultural enrichment attract Filipino teachers to Thailand. To address these issues, the study recommends increased government funding to improve teachers’ salaries, enhanced professional development programs, and institutional support for educators’ well-being. School administrators are encouraged to minimize non-teaching duties, reduce workload stress, and provide mental health support. Future research should expand the scope to examine broader regional and long-term impacts of teacher migration on professional development and education policies.This study underscores the importance of sustainable education policies that support teacher retention while recognizing the global contributions of Filipino educators. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on improving teacher welfare and strengthening the competitiveness of Filipino teachers in the international education landscape.