Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child: Baseline Survey Technical Report

The Baseline Survey report describes the status of 10-year-old Filipino children, focusing on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Seven domains of vulnerability were identified: education, health, nutritional status, food security, child labor, exposure to physical violence, and precedents to risky behaviors. Boys had higher vulnerability scores than girls, and children from Luzon had fewer vulnerabilities compared to those from the Visayas and Mindanao.

Key findings include:

• Interrelated Vulnerabilities: Clusters of vulnerabilities were identified, such as smoking, drinking, and exposure to violence.
• Impact on Education: Vulnerabilities like stunting, hunger, and violence were linked to poor school performance and lower educational aspirations.
• Regional Differences: Children from Luzon showed fewer vulnerabilities than those from other regions.
• Behavioral Concerns: Risky behaviors like smoking and chatting with strangers were associated with poor school outcomes.

The report emphasizes the need to address these vulnerabilities to improve the human capital of Filipino children.