In the early 1950s, the Philippines was just recovering from the rubbles of the second world war. Fertility was high, averaging about seven to eight births per woman (UN 2017). Living conditions, however, were poor. An infant born around that time was expected to live for only 55 years. Much of the population were therefore comprised of children, with a little more than half of the country’s whole ...

Despite the efforts of the government to save Filipinos from the claws of poverty, many poor and even non poor households remain vulnerable (Mina and Imai 2016). To support these households, the Philippine government implements a number of social protection programs targeted to improve their economic and social footing and lessen their exposure to risks. This Economic Issue of the Day looks at the ...