A growing majority of Filipino adults are now living with some form of disability, raising concerns about the country’s readiness to meet rising care demands. A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) found that 8 in 10 adults are affected, pointing to a widespread and often overlooked issue.
The burden is even heavier among older persons, where nearly 90 percent experience at least moderate disability. This trend is closely linked to the rise of non-communicable diseases, which account for 64 percent of deaths nationwide. Together, these factors are steadily increasing the need for long-term and sustained care.
Families Carry the Weight
Despite the growing demand, the country’s care system remains limited, leaving families to take on most of the responsibility. This setup brings both financial strain and emotional pressure, particularly for households caring for members with more complex needs.
Families raising children with disabilities, for instance, can face costs up to 80 percent higher than average. Care responsibilities also fall disproportionately on women, who spend around 28 hours each week on unpaid care work—more than triple the time spent by men.
The study highlights gaps in access to services, including a shortage of trained care workers, limited facilities, and uneven availability of support across communities.
System Struggles as Population Ages
These challenges are expected to intensify as the Philippines moves toward becoming an aging society by 2030. Smaller family sizes and the migration of skilled care workers are reducing the number of available caregivers at home.
This shift is creating critical gaps in care, particularly for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities who require consistent support. Experts warn that the country’s reliance on home-based, family-driven care is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
To respond, PIDS is calling for stronger government investment in the care economy. This includes expanding infrastructure for the elderly and persons with disabilities, improving access to quality services, and promoting a more balanced sharing of care responsibilities.
The study also underscores the need for better data systems and long-term efforts to reshape social norms, aiming to build a more inclusive and resilient care system for the future.
