Punjabi Indians in Iloilo City

Abstract

Punjabi migrants can be found in the various parts of Iloilo City. They have been part already of the lives of many Ilonggos. A study concerning them would help the Ilonggos understand these people better. This would also be valuable in the promotion of harmony and understanding between these migrants and the Ilonggos. Furthermore it would also bridge the gap that existed between these two groups of people. This study is about Punjabi migrants in Iloilo City. It focuses on the factors that influenced them to move to Iloilo City, their life, future prospects as well as difficulties encountered and adjustments taken in their stay in Iloilo City. Specifically this study attempts to a) gather basic information about Punjabi migrants in Iloilo City b) identify and discuss the factors behind their migration to Iloilo City c) determine the difficulties encountered by these migrants and the adjustments they have taken to cope with these difficulties that they have encountered d) describe their life in Iloilo City e) determine the prospects regarding their business and back migration. The study made use of the library-research method as well as individual and group interviews of both Punjabi migrants and selected Ilonggo informants in order to meet the objectives of this study. Several factors influenced the Punjabi migrants to move to Iloilo City. Some of these factors can be attributed to their place of origin. These factors include: lack of economic opportunities, hesitance to go into farming, unfavorable living conditions, and limited community amenities. On the other hand, there are factors that can be attributed to their place of destination, Iloilo City. These factors include: presence of friends and relatives, better economic opportunities and availability and accessibility to community services. In Iloilo City, they encountered difficulties that they were able to adjust. They engaged in the business of peddling and lending for them to earn their living. They still preserve some of their own customs and practices identifiable to them, although they are now living in Iloilo City. In the future, they would like to expand their business, and they would like to entertain the possibility of back migration.