I just came from a talk I gave at Victory Green Hills church with my Pastor, Dennis Sy. We were both invited to talk about manhood to a group of about 200 men. During the talk I said that one of the critical issues we face in the country is fatherlessness and I mentioned that this problem also carry dire economic problems.

Fatherlessness, or the absence of a father figure in a child’s life, is a growing concern in the Philippines. Let’s talk about the economic impact of fatherlessness to shed light on the challenges it poses to individuals, families, and the overall economy of the country.

Reduced Household Income: The absence of a father in the household often results in reduced household income. According to the 2017 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), households headed by a lone parent, typically the mother, face higher poverty rates compared to households with two parents. This is primarily because single-parent households struggle to generate sufficient income to meet the needs of their children, resulting in financial instability and limited resources for education, healthcare, and other essential expenses.

Increased Welfare Expenditures: Fatherlessness places an additional burden on the social welfare system, as single-parent households often rely on government support to meet their basic needs. The government must allocate resources to provide financial aid, healthcare, and other assistance programs to these families. According to the PSA, in 2019, the poverty incidence among households headed by a solo parent was recorded at 36.9%, considerably higher than the national poverty rate of 16.6%. The increased demand for welfare support diverts resources from other crucial sectors, hindering overall economic development.

Educational Challenges: Fatherlessness can have detrimental effects on a child’s education. Children from single-parent households may face difficulties in accessing quality education due to financial constraints. According to the PSA, in 2019, the proportion of out-of-school children in single-parent households was higher compared to those in two-parent households. The lack of financial resources and parental support hampers educational opportunities and reduces the chances of acquiring the necessary skills for future employment.

Increased Crime and Social Issues: Fatherlessness has been associated with increased rates of crime and social issues. Studies have shown that children growing up without a father figure are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior, substance abuse, and experience emotional and behavioral problems. The social costs associated with addressing these issues, including law enforcement, rehabilitation programs, and social services, place an additional strain on the economy.

Reduced Workforce Productivity: Fatherlessness affects the workforce productivity of the country. Single parents, primarily single mothers, often face challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities. The lack of support and resources to access affordable childcare can limit their employment opportunities and job stability. Reduced workforce participation and productivity contribute to economic inefficiency and hinder overall economic growth.

Inter-generational Impact: The economic impact of fatherlessness extends beyond the immediate generation. Children growing up without a father figure are more likely to experience long-term disadvantages, such as lower educational attainment, reduced earning potential, and increased likelihood of continuing the cycle of fatherlessness. These factors perpetuate the cycle of poverty and hinder social mobility, impacting the overall economic progress of the nation.

Fatherlessness in the Philippines has significant economic implications that affect individuals, families, and society as a whole. It contributes to reduced household income, increased reliance on welfare support, educational challenges, higher rates of crime and social issues, reduced workforce productivity, and inter-generational consequences. Addressing the issue requires comprehensive efforts, including providing support systems for single parents, promoting responsible fatherhood, and implementing policies that enhance access to education, employment opportunities, and social services. By recognizing the economic impact of fatherlessness and implementing targeted interventions, the Philippines can work towards building a more prosperous and inclusive society.

As I write this, I realize that it’s almost Father’s Day and this blog my seem to be ill-timed. There are many amazing fathers in this country despite the alarming rise of men abdicating their duties as fathers. More importantly, we need to be reminded that despite the absence of many fathers, we do not need to be in despair if we realize that we all have a father in heaven who protects and provides for us and most importantly, one who truly loves us.