Poverty in the Philippines; Teenagers selling themselves for $6 a trick

In 2014, Poverty in the Philippines, statistics showed that more than 25% of the Philippine population fell below the poverty line, a 78% increase from 2013. A per capita income of $P100,534 pesos (about $5000US) was also recorded – a very low sum compared to other countries.

The causes of poverty in the Philippines

The reasons of poverty in the Philippines are numerous, with low economic growth a major reason. Studies show the increase in population is higher than GDP growth in the country. 

Also, the rise of unmanaged population growth is a serious factor. Since the poor tend to have larger families in the country, access to health services and sex education becomes limited.

Ending the Cycle of Poverty in the philippines

This eventually leads to more children and the continuation of that cycle.

The cities in the country are not even immune to poverty. Studies show that the lack of well-paid jobs has also increased poverty.

In addition, natural disasters also play a role in poverty in Philippines. The development process of the country is said to have been delayed by these natural disasters that have caused US$23billion in damages since 1990.

Typhoons, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are a few of the natural disasters plaguing the country. Death, malnutrition, denial of education and health services are some of the after effects of these natural disasters.

Corruption stops education

The political system in the country does not help either. It is immensely corrupt, with elections being controlled by a small number of families who are in the business of serving themselves rather than the country’s over 100 million people. In fact, this year, highly controversial President Rodrigo Duterte, who promised to put an end to the suffering of the people, does not offer much hope.

Last but not the least of the causes of Philippines poverty is the lack of research on poverty and the effective policies needed to prevent further damage. This lack of research has caused deficient targeting in poverty programs, and unsuccessful current processes. Until more research is done as to how exactly tackle the poverty trap, programs will not be effective.

Poverty in the Philippines driving many into prostitution

The sad thing about poverty in the Philippines, is that it has driven a lot of Philippine women, and especially the teenagers, into prostitution. We would like to think the reason for prostitution in the Philippines is same as for other countries, but the fact still remains that absolute poverty is the number one reason why.

These teenagers, mostly aged 13 to 20, do not seem to have a choice. Being poor, and not being able to enjoy the benefits of the elevated social strata or upper class has left them in need of money to cater for themselves, and at times, their families too. Prostitution has been a means to an end for them.

A survey of these teenagers showed that 34% of them explained that going into prostitution was a way to support poor parents. 8% of them explained that it was to support siblings, while 28% said to support husbands and boyfriends.

Can prostitution support the family?

Also, only 20% of them said the job paid them well, only 2% said it was easy work, while only 2% said they enjoy the work.

These studies show that prostitution is one of the most alienating forms of labor. At least 50% of the women surveyed aid that they did their work with a very heavy heart. 20% Said they were conscience-stricken because they still considered sex with customers a sin.

While more than half of them said they felt nothing when they had sex with a client, with the remain half saying the transactions saddened them.

Does prostitution give a young girl power?

Some people, especially ultra-feminists, argue prostitution portrays the strength and power of a woman, as she is in control of her body and her male counterpart.

However, the truth is, prostitution and flesh trade, especially in the Philippines is a male-controlled industry where these teenagers are used as means to an end, sexual satisfaction.

While there are women across the globe who make a comfortable living out of prostitution, a majority of these sex workers, especially in the Philippines do not. Some even get to experience an endless cycle of violence in the profession, and at times, human trafficking.

Is prostitution legal?

In the Philippines, there are almost no laws to prevent violence or even human trafficking. One can only imagine what these poor teenagers pass through.

These teenagers that are involved in prostitution are vulnerable to rape, murder, AIDs, and other sexually transmitted diseases. At least a third of these teenage prostitutes have reported that they were subjected to harassment or violence, from police men, city officials and gangsters.

There are so many problems plaguing the Philippines, but to be honest, a lot of Filipino teenagers have little or no choice but to surmise to the sex trade.

The solution – Next Step PH Academy

Although there are numerous possible solutions to solving the problem that is prostitution, Next Step PH Academy is one solution that everyone can participate in. The academy is all about recruiting and rescuing these teenagers that are being eaten up by prostitution, and then giving them an education to stop the endless cycle of poverty.

    With the help of sponsors and donors, massive changes can be made. You too can contribute by making a monthly donation. Every contribution made into the Next Step PH Academy would help a Filipino teenager get quality education, elevating her from the grip of poverty and prostitution.

Why education is the solution

Giving Filipino children education before they turn 18 would go a long way in eliminating poverty and prostitution. As of today, in the country, there are no completely free education. This means a lot of children from poor province families miss out because their parents cannot afford to send them all to school. This also means that, they miss out on lucrative jobs and end up with low-paid or menial ones.

Today, you can save the soul of a Filipino teenager today by participating and contributing to the next step PH Academy.

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Links Poverty in The Philippines

https://news.abs-cbn.com/blogs/business/04/19/18/analysis-why-many-in-the-philippines-are-poor

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/03/people-philippines-live-extreme-poverty-190321184318061.html