Philippines lags behind regional neighbors in public spending on health, social protection in 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has led governments to increase spending to support economic growth, as well as vulnerable groups through fiscal stimulus packages and the easing of monetary policy to buoy domestic demand. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in its Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific report published on Aug. 24, noted in particular a “marked increase” in expenditures on health and social protection last year. The infographic shows the levels of spending in these areas among select economies in the Asia-Pacific* region. Relative to gross domestic product (GDP), the Philippines managed to increase its spending on health and social protection in 2020 by 19% (to 1.06% of GDP) and 139% (to 2.98% of GDP), respectively. However, the country continues to lag behind its neighbors in these two areas.