Philippines Falling Behind in Sustainable Cities, Health Goals

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Philippines is falling behind in two key areas of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): sustainable cities and communities, and good health and well-being, with both indicators showing regression since 2015.

Aljo Quintans, SDG specialist at the United Nations Development Programme in the Philippines, identified SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) as the country’s most pressing challenge during a leadership summit in Iloilo City on Tuesday, June 24.

“That’s where our vulnerability to disaster comes from,” he said.

“This is where resilience is being tested and where efforts must focus to make cities safe, productive and livable.”

“This is unfortunately the most challenging area for the Philippines right now,” he added.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 SDG progress report shows SDG 11 declined by 2.0 points since 2015.

The country continues to struggle with disaster resilience, particularly in reducing deaths, missing persons and people affected by natural disasters, along with poor performance in air quality and solid waste management.

Another key area of concern is SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which recorded a 0.9-point decline.

“Since we began reporting on the SDGs, health has always been progressing,” Quintans said.

“In the latest report, it is one of the goals that experienced regression.”

He said setbacks under SDG 3 include rising communicable and noncommunicable diseases, mental health and substance abuse challenges, road traffic injuries, health effects of pollution and lagging pharmaceutical research.

Quintans also cited a significant regression in SDG 13 (Climate Action), based on partial indicators that show a worrying 3.8-point decline.

Twelve out of the 17 SDGs have sufficient data coverage, meaning at least half of their indicators are met.

Among the goals with sufficient indicators and positive progress are SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The country also saw improvements in SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which had previously regressed.

Despite a large global SDG financing gap, Quintans said the world’s wealth is more than enough to fill it.

“As of 2024, total global wealth is estimated at USD477 trillion,” he said.

“The USD4.2 trillion needed annually to meet the SDGs is less than 1% of that.”

He said closing the gap is a matter of rethinking how resources are allocated and spent.

Quintans added that the SDGs offer massive business opportunities and are becoming a key focus for the private sector.

He said the Philippines, with its strong and expanding economy, remains an attractive investment hub.

He noted that businesses can invest in SDG-aligned sectors such as food, agriculture, renewable energy, health and sustainable urban development.