Poverty remains the most critical social problem that needs to be addressed. Philippines' poverty line marks a per capita income of 16,841 pesos a year. According to the data from the National Statistical Coordination Board, more than one-quarter (27.9%) of the population fell below the poverty line the first semester of 2012, an approximate 1 per cent increase since 2009. This figure is a much lower figure as compared to the 33.1% in 1991. The decline has been slow and uneven, much slower than neighboring countries who experienced broadly similar numbers in the 1980s, such as People's Republic of China (PRC), Thailand, Indonesia (where the poverty level lies at 8.5%) or Vietnam (13.5%). This shows that the incidence of poverty has remained significantly high as compared to other countries for almost a decade. The unevenness of the decline has been attributed to a large range of income brackets across regions and sectors, and unmanaged population growth. The Philippines poverty rate is roughly the same level as Haiti.
The government planned to eradicate poverty as stated in the Philippines Development Plan 2011-2016 (PDP). The PDP for those six years are an annual economic growth of 7%-8% and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Under the MDGs, Philippines committed itself to halving extreme poverty from a 33.1% in 1991 to 16.6% by 2015.
Poverty reduction has not kept up with GDP growth rates, largely due to the high unemployment rate, high inflation rate and wide income inequality. The official rate of unemployment for 2012 in the Philippines was 6.8 per cent. This was an increase of joblessness even though in 2012, the GDP grew at 6.6 percent. From 2000 to 2009, the economy of Philippines grew by 3.2% on average annually, which was on par with the economic performance of its neighbors. However, this recent growth did not translate into more jobs. Unemployment in the Philippines has been high in comparison to its neighbors, at around 7.5% to 8.0% since 2006.
The Philippines have faced difficulty in job creation due to its inability to attract more foreign, direct investments. Diwa Guinigundo, who is the Central Bank Deputy Governor, mentioned that while capital flows are turning to the emerging markets,[10] foreign, direct investments to the Philippines remain relatively low due to the weak investment climate. The Philippines have hefty business procedures, poor tax and customs administration, weak protection against expropriation and high-energy cost. Therefore, the poverty rate remains constant over the years.
Poverty is one major problem that never dies here in our country. Proper distribution of goods and other basic needs of the people is not observed that's why this problem still exist today.
Unemployment is also considered as one of the reasons of poverty in the Philippines. Because people don't have any jobs, they can't provide their needs, just like foods, clothes and even shelter. Government are doing everything they can to solve this problem, but, some politicians tend to be selfish. We all know about corruption, where people's money are being used by limited and powerful people.
Instead of giving the poor ones the help they barely need, it is more likely impossible for them to have it. If only people on top choose to do the right things, we might have a big chance to avoid economic problems or issues just like poverty.
People say that "kabataan ang pag asa ng bayan", but how will it be possible if many children can't even go to school and learn. Poverty takes place over the education for the society's future. Simple rules being taught in a grade one student, is not being followed by elder and educated persons, someone on top, "HONESTY". We are here to study in Ateneo, after we graduate, we'll become the future leaders of this country. And when that happens, i hope and will try to help other people specially those in need. Encourage others to help and become good example to each and everyone. Helping one another, choosing to do the right things, and being honest are simple yet effective way to solve poverty. If only people get the chance to think not just for themselves, but also for others problems in this country would be easy for us to solve.
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