ABSTRACT
Migration to and from the Philippines is crucial to understanding the continuing ‘grip of English’, and the persistence of unequal Englishes and unequal multilingualisms in the country. This chapter focuses on the Philippines as a sending country and in particular on the outflows of Filipinos to other countries. It discusses the relationship between migration and the history of English in the Philippines. The chapter looks at how English has been positioned and valued in the flows of migration from the country. It discusses permanent migration, especially to the United States, which has been largely shaped by American colonialism. The chapter examines temporary labor migration where there seems to be a shift from English being considered as the competitive edge of Overseas Filipino Workers to English being a minimum requirement.
