Social Development Reform in the Duterte Administration

Abstract

Based on government statistics on social development, the administration of President Duterte—
before the COVID-19 pandemic—had been faring well in alleviating poverty, combatting
hunger, and keeping Filipino children in school. The official numbers, however, do not match
the current reality of Filipinos as shown by self-rated indicators of poverty and hunger and by
recent reports of problems relating to health, incomes and education. Dr. Abao and Dr.
Cornelio discuss the disconnect between these two narratives and the unexpected sustained
popularity of President Duterte amidst the pandemic. They examine whether or not the Duterte
administration has indeed been faring well in social development, before and during the Covid-
19 pandemic.

Keywords: Philippines, Social Development, Health, Education