Poverty is undeniably the most critical social problem that affects most impoverished countries all over the world. It is usually caused by a variety of factors such as lack of quality education, lack of jobs, low economic growth, high inflation, natural disasters, over population, corruption and political instability. The Philippines is a country that exemplifies the correlation between these factors and poverty.  About 27% of Filipinos still live below the poverty line and while according to World Bank the number of people living in extreme poverty has dropped in every other developing region in the world. Other surveys say that some Filipinos are still living on less than $1.25 per day and in order for a family to escape poverty they need to earn about P2,000.00 pesos or $48.00 a month! Bulig Foundation encourages individuals and families to be self-sufficient by helping them find or create sustainable jobs. The foundation explores programs that are proven to be helpful in uplifting the economic conditions in the poor communities. 

Unfortunately, there are still a large portion of the population who are unable to afford to send children to school therefore perpetuating the cycle of poverty. In most third world countries insufficient funding is the biggest reason why children drop out of school. In some cases they are pulled out of school by their own parents so they can help the family earn extra money to buy food, clothing and other necessities. Bulig Foundation helps these individuals and families by offering them financial assistance in education so children can stay in school instead of in the fields.

There is still a significant portion in the world’s population that are without proper hygiene and sanitation. Unfortunately, most people may not even know the risks of having unsafe drinking water, poor hygiene and poor sanitation. As a result, people living in these areas are all at risk and predisposed to diseases and infections. Children are especially at greater risk for cognitive and developmental problems later in life. Bulig Foundation will collaborate with local health officials and help with providing individuals and families the education they need in terms of proper food preparation and preservation, teaching and giving them tools to maintain proper hygiene and a sanitary environment.