The Context
The Philippines has been one of the most vibrant economies in the East Asia Pacific region. With its increasing urbanization, growing middle class, and young population, the economic dynamism is deep-rooted in a solid consumer demand supported by a vibrant labor market. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine measures severely impacted economic growth and poverty reduction. And as a result, economic growth contracted drastically in 2020. The negative trends started to reverse throughout 2022, with more robust domestic activity boosted by solid consumer and business confidence together with a public investment drive.
The economy started to recover in the first half of 2021, which would also positively impact the country’s efforts to reduce poverty.
ST Foundation’s Presence
The ST Foundation launched the DU Program in 2012. The initiative aimed to make infrastructure and quality education available to the marginalized social categories. The activity evolved over the years, concentrating in the areas of Cavinti and Calamba.
Thanks to the local ST volunteers’ support, the program grew steadily in scope and reach. As a result, in 2017, the Tablet for Kids course was launched in partnership with the Calamba Department of Education.
The COVID-19 outbreak stopped the expansion of all courses, as it was the case in most operational countries. Only in the second semester of 2022, the DU courses restarted, And as of December, we have reached a total of 5,500 beneficiaries since the inception.
