Social recognition and support for care work, volunteering and neighborhood help in the Philippines

1. care work

Care work - especially care work - is essential to society in the Philippines, but is often insufficiently recognized:

• Social perceptionNurses and care workers are seen as the "backbone" of many families and society, but usually receive little public recognition and are confronted with low wages. Many qualified care workers migrate abroad, as better working conditions and greater appreciation beckon there. At home, care work often remains underpaid and less visible^1^3.
• Recognition and paymentSocial and political recognition of care work remains low. Although the importance of care and care work for the functioning of society is recognized, there is a lack of appropriate pay and structural support. Trade unions and civil society groups regularly call for more appreciation and better working conditions for care workers^1^3.
• Government measuresThere are approaches to improvement, such as the Universal Health Care Act and programs to train and qualify nursing staff. Nevertheless, practical implementation is often patchy, especially in rural areas and for informal workers^2.

2. voluntary commitment

Volunteering and volunteering are deeply rooted in the Philippines and are highly valued by society:

• Social significanceVolunteering - for example in disaster relief, education, health or environmental protection - is seen as an expression of solidarity and public spirit. Especially after natural disasters, spontaneous, collective aid ("Bayanihan") is a defining element of Philippine society^4.
• RecognitionVolunteers enjoy social prestige, especially in local communities. Their contribution is often publicly recognized, for example at religious festivals, community events or through local media reports^4.
• Support and promotionMany organizations - from NGOs and churches to international programs such as "weltwärts" - offer training, financial support and recognition for volunteers. There are numerous projects that specifically attract young people to volunteer and open up development opportunities for them^4^6.

3. neighborhood help ("Bayanihan")

Neighborhood help - traditionally referred to as "bayanihan" - is a core value of Philippine society:

• Cultural anchoringBayanihan stands for active neighborly help, mutual support and collective problem-solving. In times of crisis, relocations, construction projects or natural disasters, it is natural for neighbors and entire villages to work together without expecting anything in return.
• RecognitionThis form of solidarity is seen as a social ideal and is deeply rooted in the population's self-image. Neighborly help is often highlighted as an example of the Filipinos' special resilience and sense of community.
• Support structuresIn addition to informal neighbourhood help, there are also organized projects and initiatives that promote neighbourhood help, for example through seasonal employment, joint infrastructure projects or social support for the needy^7.

4. overview: social recognition and state support

Conclusion

Care work, volunteering and helping neighbors are pillars of Philippine society. While voluntary work and neighbourhood help enjoy a high level of social recognition and are seen as an expression of solidarity and a sense of community, the recognition and material support for care work - particularly in the professional sector - lags well behind its social significance. The promotion and appreciation of these activities is crucial for social cohesion and the resilience of Philippine society^1^4^3.

Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective

The vital role of care work, volunteering and neighborhood help for the functioning and resilience of Philippine society is enormous, but care work in particular is often under-recognized and under-rewarded compared to its systemic importance.

Gradido perspective and additional thoughts:

• Care work: What families, neighbors and professional caregivers do every day is the very basis of society's existence. The lack of financial and public recognition is an expression of a system that still classifies human work (care, education, nursing) as "private" and less valuable - even though the community rests on it. Many Filipino care workers seek their fortune abroad because greater recognition, dignity and pay are possible there.
• Voluntary commitment: This is where the Philippine community shines! Volunteer work and collective aid - often in the Bayanihan spirit - are held in the highest esteem, create meaning and community, and are lifesavers for many in times of crisis. NGOs, churches, youth groups and international programs do their part to awaken and nurture the potential of young people.
• Neighborhood help/Bayanihan: The simple act of helping neighbors is a social treasure. It creates trust, turns young and old into equal co-creators and carries the culture of sharing through all generations. State systems can provide support, but the foundation remains voluntary, loving cooperation in everyday life.

How Gradido could work: Imagine if all these valuable contributions were fully recognized and strengthened with the Active Basic Income and the possibilities of the Natural Economy of Life! Every care worker, every neighbor, every committed child and every caring grandfather could contribute visibly and with dignity to the prosperity of all. The "supplement to the system" would become a new, genuine center of society - supported by gratitude and a lived sense of community.

With Gradido, "care" could be brought from the margins to the heart of society and rewarded - as the key to genuine dignity, solidarity, meaning and peace.