National Migration Survey (NMS)

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The National Migration Survey (NMS) was conducted in 2018 by the UP Population Institute (UPPI). It was commissioned by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines System. The survey arose from the need for baseline data on the mobility of the Philippine population, as specified in the Philippine Statistical Development Program for 2011–2017.

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NMS field workers for the National Capital Region pose with, among others, their trainors UPPI Director Maria Midea M. Kabamalan (center) and Ms. Joy P. Cruz (center, second row) during their training in [Quezon City, Metro Manila; June 2018]
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Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) field workers for the NMS take a picture with, among others, Dr. Josefina N. Natividad (eighth from right, second row) and Prof. Maria Paz N. Marquez (fifth from right, second row) during their training [Baguio City, Benguet; July 2018]
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NMS field workers for CAR intently listen to a trainor during their training [in Baguio City, Benguet; in July 2018]

The NMS aims to provide information on the mobility of the Philippine population to assist policymakers and program managers in evaluating and designing strategies that improve services and assistance for people moving within the country or going abroad. Its specific objectives are:

  • To estimate international and interregional migration flows and major migration streams;
  • To examine the different types of migration and the characteristics of internal and international migrants;
  • To determine the levels, patterns, and processes of internal and international migration; and
  • To identify factors that affect the levels, patterns, and processes of internal and international migration.

Households were randomly selected using the 2013 Master Sample for household-based surveys. This two-stage cluster sampling design was based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing and updated using the results of the 2015 Census of Population.

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Field workers for the adjacent Regions 10 and 13 take an exam which tests their comprehension skills of the survey materials during their NMS training in Cagayan de Oro[Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental; in June 2018]
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A field worker asks a question during the NMS training for Region 3 [Angeles City, Pampanga; June 2018]
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IT Specialist Leo Ocampo gives field workers final instructions before they move out for fieldwork practice [Krus na Ligas, Quezon City; May 2018]

For this nationwide research project, UPPI conducted training sessions by region or regional cluster from May to July 2018. The Institute trained 339 supervisors and field workers for fieldwork conducted from May 29 to November 11, 2018.

The survey covered a national sample of approximately 45,000 households. Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) was used for data collection. Two questionnaires were administered: the Household Questionnaire (NMS Form 1) and the Individual Questionnaire (NMS Form 2).

Following data collection, the succeeding activities included data processing, generation of statistical tables, and report preparation.

The outputs of the NMS are intended for use by government agencies, universities, private-sector organizations, and individuals seeking a better understanding of migration in the Philippines. The study supports the development of policies that address the causes and effects of migration.

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Field workers ask help from barangay workers in a barangay identifying the locations of target respondents for mapping and clustering [Municipality of Luna, La Union; July 2018]
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Field workers trod a flooded road to reach their target respondents [Olongapo City, Zambales; July 2018]
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A female field worker interviews a male respondent using CAPI in a rural barangay in Ilocos Norte
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An interview by CAPI takes place underneath the shade of trees [Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro; July 2018]

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