Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child: Waves 4A, 5 and 5A Final Report

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted households in the Philippines, revealing greater difficulties in socio-economic indicators such as meeting expenses and food security. Children faced challenges with distance learning, contributing to increased anxiety, while mothers experienced higher stress levels.

The pandemic posed a serious challenge to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. It tested the country’s resources and adaptive capacity, reflecting on its long-term sustainable development prospects. Despite these challenges, the Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child (LCSFC) continued, adapting data collection methods to pandemic constraints.

The study’s data from Waves 4A and 5, covering early to later stages of the pandemic, provided insights into the cohort’s experiences during intense lockdowns and the transition to the “new normal.” Key findings included increased difficulty in meeting expenses, decreased food security, and challenges with remote learning. Some indicators showed improvement in the latter phase of the pandemic, suggesting adaptation and positive responses to government programs.

Future waves of the study will continue to gather information on the cohort’s circumstances as the country adjusts to the evolving pandemic. The LCSFC remains a crucial resource for understanding the well-being of young Filipinos and informing policies and programs to support them during crises.