Yes, unfortunately, poverty in the Philippines has been a persistent issue for many years, and there are indications that it is getting worse. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in the Philippines has remained high, with about 16.7% of the population living below the poverty line in 2018. This means that more than 16 million Filipinos are living in poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the situation, as many Filipinos lost their jobs or had their incomes reduced due to lockdowns and quarantine measures. This has led to increased food insecurity and housing insecurity for many families, which, in turn, has resulted in a rise in poverty.
Additionally, the Philippines has one of the highest birth rates in Southeast...