Majority of adult Filipinos are willing to leave the country to live or work abroad, a recent survey of OCTA research showed on Monday.

A first quarter survey shows that 57 percent of Filipinos "would be willing to live or work abroad if given the opportunity".

Meanwhile, thirty nine percent said they were not willing to migrate, while four percent were undecided.

The survey noted that "economic aspiration, not distress, drives the desire" of Filipinos to migrate.

"The top three reasons for considering migration are better job opportunities (67 percent), higher wages (61 percent), and better quality of life (58 percent)," it stated.

"Political instability and security concerns rank significantly lower, suggesting Filipinos view migration as a pathway to advancement, not an escape from hardship," it added.

The research "suggests that migration remains a mainstream aspiration among Filipinos rather than a preference limited to specific sectors of society, and continues to occupy an important place in how many Filipinos envision economic advancement, career development, and long-term family well-being."

The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews from March 19 to 25. Robina Asido/PHS