Why move to the province?

The author personally moved from the city to Albay during COVID-19 pandemic.

In this age of urbanization and technology, some people seem to be moving “backwards.”

That is, there are those who chose to go back to the provinces, while many others flock to the cities for job opportunities and higher wage rates. This “balik-probinsya” migration became especially apparent at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when even celebrities made news for relocating to places like Siargao and Boracay.

But even with the easing of quarantines, these migrants are showing no signs of wanting to go back to the metro anytime soon. Besides the fear of catching the COVID-19 virus, could something else be fueling this new type of migration?

New opportunities in surprising places

Allow me to share my personal experience. As someone who had been living in Makati City before the pandemic hit, I used to thrive in the city life. I enjoyed late-night deliveries, 24-hour shops, and the exciting opportunities offered by a central business district.

The COVID-19 virus, however, came at a time when I had just gotten married. During the worst of the pandemic, I found myself pregnant and suffering from a bad case of cabin fever.

Right after giving birth, my family and I moved to Laguna to be near relatives. While I loved the city life, I found myself relishing moments in the suburbs. Being able to befriend neighbors, take my baby to the playground and buy in community markets seem so idyllic. I considered myself extremely satisfied with my living situation. However, a new opportunity arose in Bicol, and so today, I live in Daraga, Albay, making a new life with my family in the deep south.

Overview of the slow-paced lifestyle

Life in the province is not easy, but it has its rewards. If you imagine being able to go to the beach every day, that is not usually the case. In the province, you still have to do the work, though in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Most of those who found it easy to relocate to the provinces during the pandemic had telecommuting jobs. Therefore, a lot of us still have to work the 8-5 daily grind.

Traveling markets are quite common and convenient in far-flung areas.

Traffic, pollution and congestion, however, rarely exist in rural areas. So yes, you can usually go home quicker from the office if you live in the province. And if you’re really good with time management, you can occasionally sneak in that quick trip to the beach after work.

Another great thing about provincial life is that you get more bang for your buck. The cost of living outside metropolitan areas is considerably less. If you plan to rent, there are also more varied types of housing you can choose from, with much lower rates compared to Manila. Whether you want a beach house, farm house or even a resort cottage, you have a variety of housing options to choose from in the province.

Adjusting to the quirks

Of course, living in rural areas is not for everyone. There are some drawbacks that might discourage some from moving to the province.

Depending on where you choose to relocate, internet connection might not be as strong or as stable compared to cities. Electricity may sometimes fluctuate. The water supply may be irregular. Even garbage disposal may present a problem.

If you manage to choose a good neighborhood within the province, however, these challenges can be avoided. Here in Albay, several neighborhoods manage their own deep well systems to ensure water supply. Homeowners’ associations also band together to solve problems regarding cleanliness and safety.

Technology is also catching up in the provinces, as internet providers expand their services across the country. Personally, I haven’t experienced problems with connectivity in Albay, unless during brownouts. But that is something that can be resolved with cell phone data.

Solar panels help a lot in provinces that experience a lot of brownouts.

Rising to the challenges

While it may be difficult to adjust, living in the province can offer an opportunity to pursue a better and more sustainable lifestyle.

Since I moved to Bicol, I began appreciating the green systems we rarely explore in the city. Systems such as solar panels, rainwater collection tanks, and even recycling centers make a lot of difference here.

While not new, these elements help improve lives with little negative impact on the environment. These also allow people to save on utility expenses in the long run.

If we are to be really optimistic about it, there is a possibility in the future that provinces can beat cities in the category of sustainability. If this happens, one could only imagine the future of internal migration in the Philippines. For sure, many would want to move to places which offer natural attractions, fresh air and clean energy sources should that time come.

The takeaway

So if you think that relocating to the province might be a backward move, think again. While our cities continue to offer a lot of job opportunities and modern comforts, there is a lot of potential hiding in our provinces. If you want to live a life which is more relaxed, affordable and sustainable, consider making that big move to rural pastures.

Sources: Hartono Subagio and Kindel Media via Pexels.com; Dexbaldon, Cornellrockey via Wikimedia Commons