Poverty is the state of being extremely poor. Poverty is a condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and essentials for a minimum standard of living. Poverty means that the income level from employment is so low that basic human needs can’t be met.
As of 2018, more than a quarter of Filipinos live in dire poverty.
Why is that?
Poverty can be attributed to many factors:
- rapid population growth
- corrupt government officials
- inadequate social infrastructure
- slow growth of rural productivity; and
- lack of access to credit
The poor in the Philippines are most likely self-employed farmers, fishermen, and other agricultural workers. Much of the population is also still involved in the informal economy which comprises of jeepney drivers, street vendors, domestic helpers, tricycle drivers, and the like. They are also among the most vulnerable workers in the country.
People who are stricken with poverty are also the most unsafe and unprotected when it comes to natural disasters, weak governance, inadequate health services, lack of natural resources and more.
The poorest populations work in agriculture and live in areas prone to natural disasters compared to the wealthier population. There is an inadequate number of available good jobs, and a lack of investment in education that leads to such a high inequality of income. The nation of the Philippines does not have the infrastructure needed for systems of inclusive economic growth.
What can we do?
These people need a voice. These people need a platform. We must give it to them. We must advocate for them.
Poverty in the Philippines 