"Accelerating Progress:
Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines"

The Philippines has had a strong rebound from the economic decline over the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accelerating factors such as an increase in urbanization, growing middle class, digital transformation, gender equality and empowerment of women, and strong consumer demand supported by a more enthusiastic labor market and robust remittances make the country one of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets.1 Acceleration of economic growth addresses challenges in poverty, food insecurity, incapacity of healthcare, inequality, climate change, unemployment, and peace and justice, among others.

Among the many sectors that contribute to the acceleration of the country's economic progress is the health sector. Public and private entities share in upgrading and expanding their health facilities, invest in latest medical technologies, and adopt digitalization in the development of health information system and use of emerging technological innovations to improve health care services. Among the strategies of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 to achieve economic and social transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society, is to improve the current health systems to make way for coordinated planning services, equitable access to health care services, and sustained financing for local health interventions. This strategy aims to develop and protect the capabilities of individuals and families and promote human and social development.

Data and statistics play crucial and significant role in improving the quality of health in the country. This role will be played best with the development of data that are essential for policymaking and decision-making by the government, private sector, data users, and other stakeholders, as regards health and health-related concerns.

In October 2023, the 34th National Statistics Month will carry the theme “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines” which emphasizes the importance of data and statistics in enhancing health outcomes. The Philippines’ initiative to speed up the resolution of health system issues and challenges and promote a healthier populace is aimed at accelerating the nation's socioeconomic development with the use of quality health and health-related statistics.

As we continue implementing health policies and programs to accelerate progress, let us also consider that in addition to statistics, everyone has a significant role to play. Let us all take our part in the country’s efforts towards a healthy Philippines.

1 Biswas, R. (2023, March 10). Philippines amongst world's fastest growing emerging markets. S&P Global Market Intelligence. (SNP Global.) (2023)