By: Nycel Jane Dela
In less than a month, I will become one of the graduates of 2026, another fruit of the Province of Capiz. As much as I want to stay and build my future here, the opportunities are still limited, especially in the field I am pursuing, Psychometrics and Mental Health.
Though undeniably, Capiz is growing, growth alone does not always translate into enough opportunities for young professionals who are preparing to step into the real world. New establishments continue to rise, tourism campaigns become louder every year, and infrastructures are slowly improving. Yet behind these developments lies a silent reality many graduating Capiznons already understand: staying in the province often feels like sacrificing career growth.
For many Gen Z and Millennials, leaving Capiz has become a practical decision. Iloilo offers wider professional networks. Manila promises higher salaries. Overseas jobs provide financial security that local opportunities cannot consistently give. Even before graduation, many students are already planning their exit routes rather than imagining how they can contribute to the province after earning their degrees. That alone says something about the current state of our local economy.
The painful part is that Capiz has talent. Every year, schools produce competent nurses, teachers, IT graduates, hospitality workers, psychologists, business graduates, and future professionals. But where do they go after graduation? Most of them leave because the province cannot absorb them. Some jobs are underpaid, others are unavailable, while many professions remain undervalued.
If the local government truly wants Capiz to become economically competitive, it must stop depending solely on tourism branding and start investing deeply in human capital. Young professionals need industries, not just festivals. They need competitive salaries, stronger healthcare systems, startup support, digital innovation hubs, and programs that encourage businesses to stay and hire locally.
Because the real tragedy of brain drain is not simply people leaving. It is the slow loss of potential, creativity, and service that could have helped the province grow even more.
“Kabudlay magpabilin kung daw wala sang lugar para sa imo pangabuhi.” Many young Capiznons are not leaving because they hate their home. They are leaving because they want to survive, grow, and dream bigger. So, how do we make our own people believe that they can succeed here without needing to leave the province behind?
