Inequality is a key barrier to success for many residents of the Philippines. The International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) cites a rural poverty rate of 36%. Furthermore, the World Bank cited the Philippines as sporting an income Gini coefficient of 42.3% in 2018, indicating some of the highest levels of inequality in East Asia. This article will address the efforts of NGOs like the Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples, and Fundlife International, exploring the ways these organizations are fighting inequality in the Philippines.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in addition to surveying the Philippines and identifying developmental hurdles for the nation, has also accomplished a great deal of work of its own in the nation. UNIDO’s new Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) which has been in effect since 2022 is an example of its continued efforts in the nation.

Since 2022 alone, UNIDO spent $428,785 to encourage systematic trade development and strengthen quality infrastructure in the Philippines and countries like Costa Rica and Moldova, with a further $2,366,419 budget for the program, which will last until 2027. Aside from UNIDO’s efforts, however, there are many NGOs with operations based within the Philippines itself, with programs of their own that are fighting inequality in the Philippines by providing for the nation’s Indigenous community

Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples

The Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples (PTFIP) is an NGO primarily basing its operations in the Philippines, with support from Germany’s Protestant Development Service. Formed to advocate for the needs of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples, while spreading awareness and educating others on the knowledge and practices of these peoples, the PTFIP uses many methods to accomplish this goal.

The PTFIP’s work towards preserving the history of indigenous peoples has been recognized, with the organization earning the Heritage Education and Interpretation award of the Philippine Heritage Awards. Covering the stories of indigenous peoples is critical for combating inequality, spreading awareness of the struggles and advocating for the needs of the Philippines’ indigenous population allows not only the general population to know how they can pitch in and help but also political figures and company leaders so that they are aware of the goings on in these communities.

FundLife International

FundLife International is another NGO fighting inequality in the Philippines, founded on a simple mission statement – “no child should be denied ​quality education and equitable opportunities to reach their fullest potential.” Through many different approaches towards tackling this goal, it has shown utmost dedication towards fulfilling its mission statement, taking on the challenge of combating inequality in different sectors, including efforts focused on Education, Infrastructure, and Gender Equality.  In addition to these efforts, it also provides relief aid during natural disasters and organizes charity events within The Philippines to raise awareness and funding towards these causes.

Another key way it accomplishes its goal is through its empowerment initiative. In The Philippines, four in 10 of the nation’s youth work in the informal sector. Informal employment often entails unregulated work, and that pays below minimum wage. This type of work can be entrapping for those living in poverty, often lacking opportunities for career progression.  Since 2014, Fundlife has directly helped over 80,000 people in the Philippines, providing them with opportunities to escape inequality and empowering them to find long-term careers.

Closing Thoughts

Although many organizations are working to combat inequality in The Philippines domestically, tackling the nation’s inequality is no small task. The efforts of the NGOs mentioned in this article cannot be understated, but progressing towards eradicating inequality in the Philippines is no small task. Though the work of FundLife, UNIDO, and PTFIP has already impacted the lives of thousands across the Philippines, there are still many within the nation that still require support. Though progress will be gradual, the impact of the efforts of these and many more NGOs is invaluable.

– Malik Vega

Malik is based in Miami, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash