Back Home but Broken: Lived Realities of Distressed Overseas Filipino Workers in Western Philippines

This qualitative study investigates the lived realities of distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have returned to Western Visayas, Philippines.Employing a narrative phenomenological approach, the research draws on in-depth interviews with eight purposively selected participants who shared their personal migration journeys, challenges abroad, and reintegration struggles.Through thematic analysis using NVivo, eight major themes emerged: (1) Shattered Dreams and Disillusionment, reflecting the gap between migrants' expectations and their harsh lived experiences; (2) Psychological and Emotional Trauma, revealing deep mental health impacts caused by abuse, isolation, and overwork; (3) Cycles of Debt and Economic Insecurity, highlighting persistent financial burdens and unsustainable migration-driven debts; (4) Social Reintegration Struggles, illustrating the emotional and relational difficulties faced upon return; (5) Broken Bodies, Broken Futures, addressing the physical consequences of exploitative labor and unsafe work conditions; (6) Invisible Wounds: Gendered Experiences of Abuse, uncovering how migrant vulnerabilities are shaped by gendered violence and discrimination; (7) Institutional Policy Gaps, exposing inadequacies in support systems and (8) Resilience and Determination, showing their unwavering strength in facing hardships their persistent efforts to rebuild their lives despite the emotional, financial, and social challenges they encountered upon returning to Western Visayas.The findings underscore the emotional, physical, and structural toll of overseas labor migration.The study calls for a reimagining of reintegration policies and migrant support structures.It recommends that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in partnership with OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration), DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment), and local government units, implement comprehensive, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed programs.Amplifying the voices of distressed OFWs is essential to forging a more inclusive and compassionate framework for migration governance.