Poverty is a significant problem, but in combination with inequality, it poses a serious threat to stability in the Philippines. In 2003, almost 23.8 million people lived below the Philippines' poverty threshold. This represents 24 per cent of Philippine families and 30 per cent of the population. According to international data, 44 per cent of the population subsisted on US$2 or less a day. In addition, the Philippines has one of the highest levels of income inequality in Asia, with the poorest 20 per cent of the population accounting for only 5 per cent of total income or consumption.
Poverty in the Philippines is mainly rural and, although variable by region, is widespread in the southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao. Poor productivity growth in agriculture, under-investment in rural infrastructure, unequal land and income distribution, high population growth and the low quality of social services lie at the root of rural poverty.
Natural disasters, the risks associated with variable markets, and armed conflict in Mindanao, also threaten to deepen existing disparities by disrupting growth and worsening poverty.
1 comments:
Your posting is very well researched. It's a shame that any person has to struggle with the problems of poverty.
I do feel that this country is starting to prosper from technology, as they are taking on most outbound computer technology calls, at this time.
Most techno companies are outsourcing their calls to the Philippins.
I hope that this is a step in the right direction to help this country.
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