The Philippines Human Capital Review - Investing in the Early Years to Boost Human Potential - June 2024

Jul 19, 2026

The Philippines Human Capital Review (June 2024) examines how investing across the life cycle can strengthen human capital in the Philippines, emphasizing early childhood (0–5) and lifelong outcomes. It presents an evidence-based landscape analysis covering schooling, youth transitions, adult health and productivity, aging with dignity, and regional disparities. The report assesses challenges and opportunities, outlines enabling conditions for improved service delivery, and proposes public financing, leadership and coordination, performance management, community engagement, and actionable recommendations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages164

Reading Time6 h 53 min

Executive Summary

Part I. Introduction

What is Human Capital?

Why is Focusing on Human Capital in the Philippines Important?

What are the Development Challenges Affecting Human Capital in the Philippines?

Part II. Landscape Analysis of Human Capital in the Philippines

In-Utero and Early Childhood (0–5)

Childhood and Schooling (6–10)

Adolescence and Youth (11–25)

Adulthood (26–64)

Aging and Elderly (65+)

Regional and Subnational Disparities in Human Capital

Challenges and Opportunities for Enhancing Human Capital

Part III. Enabling Environment for Improved Service Delivery

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2024 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 [Internet: ](Internet: www.worldbank.org)[www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org) This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work and does not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability with respect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). Cover photo: Kenneth Pornillos / World Bank THE PHILIPPINES HUMAN CAPITAL REVIEW Investing in the Early Years to Boost Human Potential JUNE 2024 Table of Contents Foreword vii Acknowledgments ix Abbreviations x Executive Summary 1 Part I. Introduction 12 What is Human Capital? 13 Why is Focusing on Human Capital in the Philippines Important? 17 What are the Development Challenges Affecting Human Capital in the Philippines? 22 Part II. Landscape Analysis of Human Capital in the Philippines 32 In-Utero and Early Childhood (0–5)—Early and Lifelong Advantage 34 Childhood and Schooling (6–10)—Safe and Educated 38 Adolescence and Youth (11–25)—Continued Education and the Transition 41 to the Workforce Adulthood (26–64)—Heathy, Skilled, Empowered, Productive, and Resilient 45 Aging and Elderly (65+)—Aging with Dignity 53 Regional and Subnational Disparities in Human Capital 54 Challenges and Opportunities for Enhancing Human Capital 60 Part III. Enabling Environment for Improved Service Delivery and 68 Public Financing for Human Capital Leadership, Oversight, and Coordination 69 Performance Management and Community Engagement for Quality Service Delivery 72 Financing and Public Financial Management 75 Recommendations 85 Key Recommendation 86 Complementary Recommendation 1 90 Complementary Recommendation 2 94 Annexes Annex 1. Creating Conditions for a Demographic Dividend 103 Annex 2. Subnational HCI—Methodology, Data Sources, and Key Assumptions 108 Annex 3. Additional Visualization of Subnational HCI Results 111 Annex 4. Financing and Public Financial Management—Additional Figures 117 Annex 5. Qualitative Research Methodology 120 Annex 6. LGU Case Study: Valenzuela City, Metro Manila 122 Annex 7. LGU Case Study: Navotas City, Metro Manila 129 Annex 8. LGU Case Study: Surigao City, Surigao del Norte 132 Annex 9. LGU Case Study: Villareal, Western Samar 135 Annex 10. LGU Case Study: Cotabato City, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in 139 Muslim Mindanao Annex 11

FAQs

What does the review define as human capital and why focus on it in the Philippines?

The review frames human capital as the capabilities built through the life cycle and explains that focusing on it is important for the Philippines’ development outcomes. It links human capital investment to improvements across education, health, and productivity.

How is the human capital situation analyzed across different age groups?

The report analyzes outcomes for 0–5, 6–10, 11–25, 26–64, and 65+ stages. It addresses early and lifelong advantage, safe and educated childhood, continued education and workforce transition, healthy and resilient adulthood, and aging with dignity.

What enabling conditions and recommendations does the report propose?

The report outlines an enabling environment for improved service delivery, including public financing, leadership/oversight/coordination, performance management and community engagement, and financing and public financial management. It then provides recommendations and key complementary recommendations to strengthen implementation impact.

Jul 19, 2026

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