Inequality in Philippines: Poverty Rates and Globalism

 By: Cheline J. Estacio

Inequality is a major problem in Filipino society. Our country has one of the world's highest rates of income inequality. More children, families, and individuals suffer as a result of this inequality. And because of that, they chose to do bad things in order to survive. In the Philippines, many issues of inequality exist, such as low wage rates, jobs accepting only those with good backgrounds and histories, and the type of education they received. According to the ASEAN Trade Union Council (2022), the Philippines has the highest rate of economic and social inequality in Southeast Asia. This problem is not limited to personal wealth, land distribution, educational and vocational opportunities, and basic welfare programs are all impacted by the growing disparity between the Philippines' richest and poorest citizens. As in many other parts of the world, it is often the indigenous population that suffers the most. In the Philippines, approximately 1.7 million people from the country's 100 ethnic groups remain the most disadvantaged, with discrimination and a lack of opportunities creating significant barriers, and this is according to Childfund (2022). Jobs are harder to come by nowadays because employers are selective about who they hire, which is why many Filipinos choose to work as Overseas workers to support themselves and their families. They give up their time and longing for their loved ones because they can't find a way to help them survive in their own country simply because they lack something.

We can solve the issue of inequality by providing people a chance to prove themselves because judging people based on their background, history, or education is unjustified. We all have our unique abilities and shortcomings. So, even if we cannot provide them with absolute equality, we must provide them with the equality they deserve as fellow humans and citizens of this country. 

If we want to start making changes in social issues like inequality, I believe the most common way we can help them is to share and acknowledge each individual's strength. With that practice, fewer people will look down on others and more will see them in a favorable aspect, with each of us having a bright future ahead of us if we acknowledge one another. Using social media, as we always do, to publicize each individual's rights and the equality they deserve, regardless of where they come from, who they are, or what they appear to have done.

The Philippine government is working to improve access to health care, education, and land ownership for the poorest families in the country, but the road to recovery and improved equality is long. Household final consumption has increased significantly since 2006, according to the World Bank. During the same time period, however, household consumption as a percentage of GDP fluctuated. (Income inequality remains an issue in the Philippines, despite robust economic expansion. (2022). Oxford Business Group). The Government must consider tax reform, both for individuals and corporations, in order to increase consumer spending on education and health care while also assisting disadvantaged groups. Any tax policies, however, should be designed to have the least significant impact on job creation.

I was educated, raised, and grew up in the Philippines, and despite the difficulties and troubles that our country has, I can still say that I am proud to be a Filipino. Because, as a Filipino, I am well aware of our people; some are terrible, but the majority of us are still wonderful. We may have many issues in our country, but the most important thing is that there is still hope for everyone because, with the support of one person's voice, a large number of citizens will benefit, as will the country in which we live.