BY THE NUMBERS: Overseas Filipino workers

HIGHLIGHTS: 
● Females account for 53.7% or 1.26 million of the total OFWs, higher than males (at 46.3%), according to a survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority between April and September 2017.
● 59% or 740 thousand of which were engaged in elementary occupations that include domestic, hotel and office cleaners and helpers.
● Service and sales workers comprise the second largest group of female OFWs with 20% share, numbering 250 thousand.
● 9% or 113 thousand are working professionals while Filipinas with managerial positions abroad are estimated at 11 thousand, with 0.9% share. — Jochebed B. Gonzales and Lourdes O. Pillar