Survey shows Filipinas' money woes

UAE-based Filipinas are sacrificing to provide for their families back home.

ABU DHABI // Filipinas in the UAE often make financial sacrifices for their families and a Filipino magazine's campaign aims to help women focus on their own well-being.

One hundred women in Dubai and Abu Dhabi participated in an informal survey conducted this month by Illustrado. The participants ranged from age 20 to 50, and work as office workers, retail sales staff and domestic helpers.

The survey found that two thirds (65 per cent) felt financially insecure because providing for the family was their top priority.

Almost half were the main breadwinners of their families. Of them, more than a quarter sent half their monthly income to support their families in the Philippines.

A third said their financial commitments stopped them from pursuing their dreams. Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Illustrado's publisher and editor, said the survey was carried out as part of their Women of Substance project.

To help Filipinas improve their financial situation, Women of Substance has partnered with Ayala Land, a property developer, to provide information on financial management and property investment.