What are the causes of poverty in the Philippines?

The Philippines as a nation has not been able to progress owing to its multiple problems. Below we list some of the main reasons which have led to the Philippines not been able to become a powerful nation in the Asian Subcontinent.

1.    Corruption

Corruption has eroded the national wealth of the Philippines which might have gone in the major sectors. There is appreciable corruption in the areas as agriculture, health, and education. This has led to common masses in the Philippines remaining below the poverty line.

2.    High population density

Many people in rural areas on the Philippines still prefer to have many children. Such families have up to six children. The income in most of the cases is limited as these people are dependent upon agriculture for livelihood. 

The population growth too has been rapid in the Philippines over the years. The number of individuals living below poverty line in 1985 was 26.5 million and this figure too has increased drastically over the years.

3. Unemployment

Unemployment is another key area with which a large section of the population of the Philippines has to deal with on a continuous basis. As per the data available for the year 2012, the unemployment rate in that year was 6.5 percent. The situation has worsened over the years.

These problems have led the Philippines to remain a poor nation and the situation has only worsened over the years.