As of June 2023, almost an equal share of e-commerce users in the Philippines belong to either high or low-income groups, according to the Statista Consumer Market Outlook. The remaining **** percent of e-commerce consumers were medium-income earners.

Objective: The differences between the physical and mental health of people living in a lower-middle-income country (LMIC) and upper-middle-income country (UMIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic was unknown. This study aimed to compare the levels of psychological impact and mental health between people from the Philippines (LMIC) and China (UMIC) and correlate mental health parameters with variables relating to physical symptoms and knowledge about COVID-19.Methods: The survey collected information on demographic data, physical symptoms, contact history, and knowledge about COVID-19. The psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and mental health status was assessed by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).Findings: The study population included 849 participants from 71 cities in the Philippines and 861 participants from 159 cities in China. Filipino (LMIC) respondents reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than Chinese (UMIC) during the COVID-19 (p < 0.01) while only Chinese respondents' IES-R scores were above the cut-off for PTSD symptoms. Filipino respondents were more likely to report physical symptoms resembling COVID-19 infection (p < 0.05), recent use of but with lower confidence on medical services (p < 0.01), recent direct and indirect contact with COVID (p < 0.01), concerns about family members contracting COVID-19 (p < 0.001), dissatisfaction with health information (p < 0.001). In contrast, Chinese respondents requested more health information about COVID-19. For the Philippines, student status, low confidence in doctors, dissatisfaction with health information, long daily duration spent on health information, worries about family members contracting COVID-19, ostracization, and unnecessary worries about COVID-19 were associated with adverse mental health. Physical symptoms and poor self-rated health were associated with adverse mental health in both countries (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the need for widely available COVID-19 testing in MIC to alleviate the adverse mental health in people who present with symptoms. A health education and literacy campaign is required in the Philippines to enhance the satisfaction of health information.

The Philippine retail market, valued at $95.79 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% from 2025 to 2033. This surge is fueled by several key factors. Rising disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class are driving increased consumer spending across diverse sectors, including food and beverages, personal and household care, apparel and footwear, and electronics. The expanding e-commerce landscape, particularly among younger demographics, significantly contributes to this growth. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of omnichannel strategies by major retailers allows for enhanced customer experiences and expanded market reach, thereby boosting overall sales. While the market is highly competitive, with established players like SM Investments Corp. and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. vying for dominance, opportunities exist for new entrants and smaller businesses leveraging innovative technologies and localized strategies. However, challenges remain. Inflationary pressures and potential economic volatility could impact consumer spending, particularly in the lower income brackets. Maintaining supply chain efficiency amidst global disruptions continues to be crucial for retailers. Additionally, the increasing competition within the online retail sector requires companies to invest in robust digital infrastructure and effective marketing strategies. The success of retailers will depend on their ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, leverage technological advancements, and manage operational costs effectively to maintain profitability within this dynamic and competitive market. Segments like food and beverages, and personal care products consistently show strong growth, driven by increased demand and product diversification. The offline channel currently holds a larger market share, but the online segment demonstrates substantial growth potential, prompting brick-and-mortar players to expand their online presence.

The number of people in the Philippines choosing to get life insurance significantly increased between 2016 and 2023. From merely 11 million in 2016, this figure has reached close to 33 million in 2023. Despite this, the penetration rate of the insurance industry in the country remained lower than the global average. Life insurance in the Philippines The ratio of the total insurance premiums to the population, or insurance density, was several times higher for life insurance than for non-life insurance in the Philippines. Individuals are more likely to get a life insurance policy as it provides financial protection to the family or beneficiaries of the insured in comparison to non-life insurance. There are two types of life insurance available - traditional and variable. Traditional life insurance focuses more on death or living benefits, whereas variable insurance policies are investment-linked insurance of a broader nature. As of 2023, traditional life insurance companies in the Philippines earned premium income amounting to approximately 105.2 billion Philippine pesos, which was significantly higher compared to 2016. In the same year, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) and Pru Life Insurance Corporation (UK) were the two leading life insurance companies in the Philippines. Challenges to insurance penetration The Philippine economy has been poised for growth in recent years, with its middle-class population characterized by rising disposable incomes. However, this has not made significant contributions to the insurance industry in the Philippines, which remains to have one of the lowest penetration rates globally. Among the possible reasons for this have been low awareness and the affordability of insurance plans, especially among low-income households.

Explore The Human Capital Report dataset for insights into Human Capital Index, Development, and World Rankings. Find data on Probability of Survival to Age 5, Expected Years of School, Harmonized Test Scores, and more.

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Last year edition of the World Economic Forum Human Capital Report explored the factors contributing to the development of an educated, productive and healthy workforce. This year edition deepens the analysis by focusing on a number of key issues that can support better design of education policy and future workforce planning.

The Philippines pet food market presents a compelling investment opportunity, driven by rising pet ownership, increasing pet humanization, and a growing middle class with greater disposable income. The market is segmented by product type (dry, wet, treats, supplements, veterinary diets), pet type (cats, dogs, others), and distribution channel (supermarkets, specialty stores, online, convenience stores). While precise market size figures for the Philippines in 2025 are not provided, considering global trends and the robust growth of the Southeast Asian pet care sector, a reasonable estimation for the 2025 market size could be in the range of $150-200 million USD. This is based on comparable markets in the region exhibiting similar growth trajectories. A CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 7-10% is likely achievable over the forecast period (2025-2033) due to continued economic development and increasing awareness of pet nutrition. Key drivers include the premiumization of pet food, increasing demand for specialized diets (e.g., veterinary diets catering to specific health conditions), and the burgeoning online pet food retail sector. However, challenges remain. Price sensitivity among consumers, particularly in lower-income segments, and competition from cheaper, unbranded products could hinder market expansion. Furthermore, robust regulation of pet food quality and safety is crucial to fostering consumer confidence and preventing potential health risks. The market's future hinges on effectively addressing these restraints through education campaigns emphasizing the importance of quality nutrition and building consumer trust. The strong presence of international players such as Mars Incorporated and Nestle Purina underscores the market's attractiveness, but local and regional players will also need to innovate and adapt to maintain competitiveness and capture market share. Opportunities exist in expanding product portfolios to cater to specific dietary needs and preferences, leveraging digital marketing strategies, and forging strategic partnerships with veterinary clinics and pet care professionals. Recent developments include: July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.May 2023: Nestle Purina launched new cat treats under the Friskies "Friskies Playfuls - treats" brand. These treats are round in shape and are available in chicken and liver and salmon and shrimp flavors for adult cats.April 2023: Mars Incorporated opened its first pet food research and development center in Asia-Pacific. This new facility, called the APAC pet center, will support the company's product development.. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

The Philippines small kitchen appliances market was valued at USD 223.93 Million in 2024. The growing popularity of home-based food businesses and online food selling platforms in the Philippines is boosting demand for small kitchen appliances. Entrepreneurs increasingly invest in stand mixers, food processors, and induction cookers to support efficient production, especially amid rising digital food commerce. This trend is fostering appliance upgrades even in lower to middle-income households. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.80% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 432.34 Million by 2034.

The rise of condominium living across urban centres in the Philippines is uniquely driving growth in the small kitchen appliances market. With limited kitchen space in high-rise units, consumers increasingly seek compact, multifunctional appliances. For instance, slim air fryers, mini rice cookers, and under-cabinet toasters are gaining popularity among condo residents in Metro Manila. This lifestyle shift encourages manufacturers to innovate space-efficient designs, aligning with the evolving preferences of a growing urban population prioritizing convenience, minimalism, and practical home solutions, thereby driving the growth of Philippines small kitchen appliances market.

The Philippines market for small kitchen appliances is also being reshaped by rising urban migration. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the urban population rose by 7.2 million, leading to higher appliance demand in compact city homes. This shift is encouraging purchases of multifunctional and space-saving kitchen tools that suit tight urban living spaces, particularly in cities like Metro Manila and Cebu.

Consumer preference is shifting toward energy-efficient appliances owing to the Department of Energy’s Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) programme. For example, in 2023, the DOE mandated MEPS compliance for refrigerators and air conditioners, prompting brands like Panasonic and Sharp to launch inverter refrigerators with energy-saving certifications. This led to a noticeable uptake in compliant models, particularly in Metro Manila, as households sought to lower electricity bills while meeting government efficiency standards. The policy is expanding to other appliances, reinforcing this consumer trend.

Start-ups and regional manufacturers are tailoring products to local cooking habits, boosting the Philippines small kitchen appliances market development. For instance, mini rice cookers with built-in steamer trays are gaining popularity in small condos and apartments. In 2023, the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) reported an 8.82% increase in SME brands integrating local design innovation into product offerings, often combining two or more cooking functions in one device.

As e-commerce penetration expands, even traditional kitchen brands are digitising their product line-ups. Local companies in the Philippines small kitchen appliances market are embedding AI into air fryers and food processors to attract younger, tech-driven consumers. There is also a growing push for “smart budget” appliances, cost-efficient models that offer IoT compatibility and mobile app controls. This hybrid trend is being actively promoted by the DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology), which is subsidising IoT R&D for local appliance manufacturers.