Philippines sees gains in most SDGs, but slips in health, disaster risks

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July 7, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has made progress in more than half of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but has deteriorated in terms of health and disaster risks, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data on the pace of progress showed that the country made gains in 10 out of 17 SDGs since 2015.

In particular, gains were seen in SDG 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 4 (quality education), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 12 (responsible consumption and production), 14 (life below water) and 15 (life on land).

Meanwhile, the country regressed in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities).

PSA data showed that SDGs 5 (gender equality), 10 (reduced inequalities), 13 (climate action), 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (partnerships for the goals) have insufficient number of indicators to check the level pace of progress.

The data is based on submissions to the PSA as of May 7, 2026.

“With just a few years left in achieving the bold vision to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030, progress is visible, but uneven,” the PSA said.

Commenting on the data, Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told reporters yesterday that it is important to identify SDGs where the country is lagging, to be able to identify priorities given limited resources.

“Our focus now is health (and) education. We have slow progress in indicators there,” he said.

He said the government is also prioritizing social protection and infrastructure.

With the country experiencing typhoons and floods, he said investments are also being made for disaster mitigation and response.

He said that the government is also pursuing reforms following the flood control scandal last year.

“The government is now pushing for reforms, making sure that this will not happen again, that those resources that we are devoting or deploying for infrastructure, particularly for resiliency is properly deployed,” he said.