Typical Living Conditions in the Philippines for Expats

Generally, the way of living here in the Philippines will let you experience life with a touch of Southeast Asian traditions. Basically, you will have a really unique way of life with influence from Spanish and US colonies. However, as modernization penetrates the world, changes in the way of living may be seen. But, the typical living conditions in the Philippines still remain.

In this blog post, we will show you a glimpse of life here in the country. Moreover, you can also read here some guides about the country’s housing, education, health, and safety. So, if you want to know more about living in this country being an expat, read with us until the end.

The truths about the typical living conditions in the Philippines

Generally, below are some of the truths behind living here in the Filipino country.

• Basically, an estimated $5,000 is the average annual income of Filipino families. Families receiving this income usually spent a little more than $4,000 based on their necessities. Moreover, this is thrice as much as close to the income of the poor Filipino families.

• Usually, Filipino families with more members have a greater risk of poverty in the country. They need to work to make a living and to survive in this country with inflation, income inequality, and job insufficiency. Generally, because of lack of education, 4 out of 10 people from these poor families have less paid jobs.

• Typically, the country is always prone to have environmental damages and natural disasters. Usually, in a year, the Philippines has been visited by around 10 or more tropical storms. Additionally, the country also experiences earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

• Generally, there are places in the Philippines where only 30% of children tend to finish their education. The reason, basically, is financial insufficiency. And the result is children dropping out of school.

• Basically, the rate of inflation in the Philippines is around 6.4%. Usually, because of this inflation rate, it affects the cost of food. 

Other Facts:

• In most areas of the country, there is child labour implementation. However, the country is taking the appropriate measures to make sure that there is enough safety posted for child workers.

• Generally, there are two existing feuds of people in Mindanao, one of the three major islands in the Philippines. This rivalry causes damage within the communities and destroys most of the people’s home and lives.

• Usually, the inaccessibility to electricity, water supply, and basic needs are the conditions that represent poverty within the country. Moreover, aside from these things, they also have reduced access to health care and education.

• Basically, there are high numbers of children suffering from malnutrition in the country. Most of these kids turn their lives involved in crimes connected to drugs in order to meet their needs. Moreover, the criminal justice of the country caught and punished these kids. Additionally, children experience all kinds of torture, insufficient foods, and accommodations.

• Generally, the government created poverty-reducing solutions in the country. Through this, the date of the plan is in 2022. 

Exploring the typical living conditions in the Philippines

Below are the typical living conditions in the Philippines.

The country’s diverse population that generally affects the typical living conditions in the Philippines

As an archipelago consisting of more than 7,000 islands, the number of people living here is estimated to be around 102 million. Basically, the majority of the population belongs to the younger ages having a median age of 23.2 years old. Generally, the country’s biggest cities like Manila and Cebu account the largest part of the population in the country.

Moreover, the typical living conditions in the Philippines become more attractive because of the cultural diversity within the country. Among the largest ethnic groups is Tagalog with 28.1% population, Cebuano having 13.1%, and 9% population for Ilokano. Further, when it comes to religion, most of the population is the Roman Catholic accounting to 81%. Whereas the minority group of the Muslims has 5% population in the country.

Aside from the Filipino language, another language commonly used in the country for academic and professional set up is the English. Because of this, the proper and appropriate use of the English language would be a way to reduce the language barriers between the expats and the locals.

Typical living conditions in the Philippines in terms of the Housing System

Usually, the typical living conditions of the location site here in the Philippines depends on the heaviness of urban to rural areas. Mostly, in underdeveloped areas, the housing construction is basically concrete hollow blocks, woods or bamboo. Meanwhile, in areas that are more developed, the structure is actually the same or generally more complex.

Moreover, in more developed areas, the houses contain running water and electricity. Additionally, there are available condominiums and shared apartments. Generally, just like in other countries, the availability of housing for urban areas is not usual. Further, expect to have higher rent along with the rural areas.

Usually, in Metro Manila, the country’s capital, you will experience the highest house rentals. Basically, to find a place to live here in the country as an expat, ask for friend’s recommendations as a safe way. Moreover, you can also find the best place via the internet and classified ads in newspapers. Better to look on Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, and The Daily Tribune for reliable listings.

The typical living conditions in the Philippines for high-end apartments have a lease period of at least twelve months. Moreover, the mode of payment for the rent is one whole year advance through post-dated checks. However, shorter rental periods are not applicable for this type of apartment.

You may also read: 10 Best Places to Live in the Philippines for Expats

Typical living conditions in the Philippines in terms of Health Care Services

Usually, in the urban communities here in the Philippines private services for healthcare is very common. Yet, always expect that this usually costs a price as part of the typical living conditions in the Philippines. Moreover, the medical care provided by private sectors offers wide coverage of facilities. These include pharmacies, maternity clinics, and hospitals.

Furthermore, for the public sector, there are primarily three major providers. 

• National government providers – handles the hospitals and central health care units. Additionally, it includes the regional districts of the Department of Health.
• Provincial government providers – these include the hospitals in the provinces, provincial health offices and provincial blood banks.
• Local government providers – these are the various municipalities that handle the health units in each rural area and barangay or village health stations.

Unfortunately, you may experience low-quality healthcare in primary settings. Additionally, this applies true in the rural areas and this is the typical living condition in the Philippines for this area of the community.

Healthcare and the diseases in the country

Generally, the healthcare here in the country is really costly especially if you want a high-quality one. Basically, if you make an analysis between the healthcare of the countries in Asia, it seems that there is an increase in the own pocket spending on healthcare in the country. This means that patients are paying at least half of the cost of healthcare from their own wallet.

Furthermore, the healthcare system in the Philippines only covers less than half of the country’s population. Additionally, the coverage of the healthcare system does not ensure protection from financial status or access to excellent medical services. Basically, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PHIC only has limited benefits for the people covered by the healthcare system.

Highly-qualified Health Practitioners

All over the country, there are numbers of doctors who practice medicine here in their own land. Generally, hospital standards and medical practitioners follow decent protocols in healthcare. However, this may be quite different from those medical care that you are used to, especially for Western people. Moreover, even the public healthcare facilities are equipped with highly experienced staff with English proficiency.

Furthermore, there are a number of Filipino physicians who studied in excellent medical schools within the country. Additionally, it applies true for nurses in public and private hospitals here in the Philippines. Moreover, if you are in doubt what hospital to go to as expat, you may try to reach the country’s emergency numbers 112 and 117. However, they cater or give more priority to remote areas.

Generally, below are the most recommended hospitals for expats in the Philippines:

• The Makati Medical Center
• St. Luke’s Medical Center
• The Medical City
• The Asian Hospital and Medical Center

Typical living conditions in the Philippines in terms of Education System

Basically, the education system here in the Philippines is based on the impact of the US system of education. Generally, twelve years of compulsory education is the total years of students to spend in schools. Initially, this includes the primary level starting grade one to grade six. 

Then the secondary level which starts from seventh grade to tenth grade. And lastly, the higher secondary level from grade eleven to grade twelve. 

Generally, the institutions for higher education in the Philippines are either private or handled by churches. Since it is mandatory in the country to attend schooling, the rate of literacy is somehow high. However, there is an increasing number of out-of-school children who usually quit school after their sixth grade.

Furthermore, state universities typically cater large classes with insufficiency of teaching modules, and educators who are poorly paid. Generally, in terms of student numbers who finish school, regional differences come along.

Most students in the city usually graduate, but lower than half make it within Visayas and Mindanao. Additionally, the test rates of students here in the Philippines are below the standards of the international education system.

International Educational Institutions for Expat Students

Generally, numbers of international institutions here in the country are also available. Mostly are Christian schools or previous missionaries that offer education to the expat group. Basically, the location of most of those institutions is within the big cities. Here is the list of the educational institutions in the country:

• Brent International School
• Cebu International School
• Esteban International School
• Harvest Christian School International Cebu
• British School Manila
• French School Manila
• German European School Manila
• Faith Academy 

Typical living conditions in the Philippines in terms of Food

Basically, rice is the primary food for many Filipinos living in the lowlands. Meanwhile, for those in the highlands, they usually have potatoes, corn, and tubers. Generally, other available foods within the country are pork, chicken, and fish. There are also bread, vegetables, fruits, and noodles.

Moreover, the common mode of cooking here is through the use of coconut oil or lard. Typically, the most common food combination is rice, meat, veggies and fruits. In case you want to keep a vegetarian diet, doing this in the country is generally hard to achieve. 

Typical living conditions in the Philippines in terms of Communication

Primarily, nowadays, the cellphone is the standard form of communication within the country. The use of cellphones, aside from being popular, is really helpful for making calls within and outside the country.

Moreover, major cities and municipalities have access to the internet. Because of this, communications through emails are also accessible. However, there are some places, especially the remote areas, that have really slow connections.

Typical living conditions in the Philippines in terms of Transportation

Generally, here in the Philippines, the popular mode of transportation is the jeepneys. Usually, bright colour decorations are the design of the said vehicle. Moreover, in big cities, buses and shuttles are also seen on the road taking off passengers to another town. There are also three-wheeled vehicles and bicycles being used. Additionally, for inter-island tours, the available transportation means are the aeroplane, ships or ferry.

Final Thoughts

Living here in the Philippines is really attractive because of the diverse cultural population. Moreover, the typical living conditions here in the Philippines may make it a little bit hard for expats to adopt in their living. However, since the country’s way of living is based on the Spanish and US colonialism, there are many aspects in which expats may enjoy living here. In fact, there are schools and hospitals where they are given priority.