Abstract

Globalization led to rapid urbanization and movement of people to around the world. These migration patterns exhibit variations but also share similar features. Emerging economies like China, India, and Indonesia experience a net urban relocation due to better employment opportunities in cities. On the other hand, developed economies like the United States and Europe eventually reach the peak of mobility and people start moving to suburbs. However, one case stands out - the Philippines, one of the fastest growing countries in Asia, that is experiencing a preference of moving to rural areas. Using more than 5 million observations from the Philippine Labor Force and National Migration Surveys, this study found out that the country’s labor market and economic landscape increase the probability of people to migrate and work to rural areas in contrast with similar emerging economies.