COVID-19 in the Philippines: The Effect on Education and Health Care of Low-Income

Families

Photo was taken from Stanford.edu, “COVID-19 in the Philippines – at a Glance” by Marjorie Pajaron.
Below it entitles, “Residents queue while wearing face masks before undergoing rapid antibody testing
for COVID-19 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines, May 20, 2020. Ezra Acayan/ Getty Images”

Post-Pandemic World: Youth, Education, and Healthcare

In more than 190 countries over 1.6 billion students have already had their education derailed and 24
million children and young people, including over 11 million girls, could be forced to drop out
indefinitely because of the pandemic.
There are significant challenges for those who are particularly vulnerable to barriers to education, such as
low-income countries and students within those countries. According to the 2020 Global Education
Monitoring Report, only 40% of impoverished and otherwise underdeveloped countries are assisting
students at risk of marginalization and dropout as part of the COVID-19 crisis response. Among these
learners, low-income Filipino families have seen major disruptions in the delivery of education and health
services.
The Covid-19 pandemic significantly contributes to the struggles faced by low-middle-income developing
countries. There is a major link between healthcare and economic expansion, thus when healthcare is
stronger, the economy sees larger growth in return. Healthcare systems in developing countries are
customarily weaker due to a lack of resources such as beds, ventilators, and medicine, as well as subpar
financial states. Low-income families do not always have access to insurance. All of this has a bearing on
the development and efficiency of healthcare received by those living below the poverty line.
In a time such as now, the condition of these families and students is certainly relevant.

COVID-19’s effect on Low-Income Filipino Families

In a World Bank study with a children's sample in which 97% of them participated in distant learning,
several barriers were identified. Many students reported that online access was limited or not an opinion
in their household. There were also a considerable number of students who did not know how to use the
electronic modules and lessons and found that online study meant limited interaction with peers and
teacher mentors.

Furthermore, 73% of the kids in the sample went to health care centers before being in lockdown. But
only 41% of these children continued visiting them during the lockdown.

UNICEF Response and Efforts

United Nations Children's Fund is a UN agency responsible for providing humanitarian and development
assistance to children throughout the world. Recently focused in the Philippines, UNICEF is requesting
$1.6 billion to support its humanitarian response for children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More
specifically, UNICEF needs US$14 million to support its response in the Philippines.

“The COVID-19 crisis is a child rights crisis. Children have been affected by the pandemic in many ways
such as stopping school and essential services such as immunization, and increased risk of online
exploitation,” said Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Philippines Country Representative.

Since the onset of the pandemic, UNICEF has worked closely with government agencies and its partner
organizations to stop the COVID-19 spread and keep children at the epicenter of their response. They
have taken measures to establish children and families affected by the long-term health effects of the
pandemic, access to safe water, basic health care, and hygiene supplies.
In addition, UNICEF has contributed vital medical supplies to health workers, including masks and other
protective equipment for better community protection.

- Corinne Rose