UMVA has learned that the Marcos administration is significantly stepping up its efforts to strengthen social protection and public services as the Philippines aims to ascend to upper middle-income economy status.
The government is tackling critical gaps in social protection systems and enhancing national and local capabilities to deliver accessible and resilient public services, according to a senior official. This strategic move comes as the country seeks to build on recent economic gains and address persistent vulnerabilities.
The Philippine poverty rate stood at 15.5% in 2023, with nearly 28% of Filipinos still at risk of slipping back into poverty. A substantial percentage of the population remains precariously close to the poverty line, lacking secure economic footing.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Marcos administration’s updated development plan for 2023-2028 acknowledges the vulnerability of many Filipino families to poverty, particularly in the face of employment, health, and climate-related shocks. The plan aims to consolidate recent progress while addressing these pressing concerns.
The government’s strategy involves fostering economic growth alongside the creation of high-quality jobs, investing in skills development, and implementing other productivity-enhancing measures. This multi-faceted approach seeks to ensure that growth is both inclusive and sustainable.
