The NSSC11 will feature research studies that center on children using social science lenses and methodologies to explore critical areas such as education, health, rights and protection, among others. By amplifying children’s voices in research, the theme underscores the potential for more inclusive and effective policies that directly address the unique challenges faced by children in the Philippines. Recognizing that children in today’s context are limited to their “munting tinig” due to political and economic barriers, social exclusion and marginalization, as well as hierarchical structures, NSSC11 seeks to intensify their voices and bring to light critical issues through social science research; thus, enabling them to participate in their affairs and empowering them in the process as development stakeholders and social actors. 

By encouraging social science research to focus on children’s voices, the PSSC aims to build on the progress the Philippines has already made in protecting and promoting children’s rights and well-being. As reported in the Situation Analysis of Children in the Philippines (2023), there has been a decrease in stunting, as well as in under-5 mortality (National Demographic and Health Survey, 2022). A significant increase in access to basic drinking water and sanitation by households has been noted. For primary-school-age children, attendance in school is high. Key legislations to protect child rights have been passed along with increasing public spending for key social sectors, particularly in education. 

However, there are persistent challenges. Based on the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (2018), the triple burden of malnutrition remains a key issue of concern, with a high level of stunting (26.7%). Neonatal deaths account for half of all deaths of children under the age of 5 years. According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (2022), twenty-three per cent of children aged 2–5 years were not on track in terms of growth, learning and psychosocial well-being in 2022, including 26% of boys and 34% of the poorest children. 

The South East Asia Primary Learning Metrics demonstrated that in 2019, 83%  of Grade 5 students had not reached minimum proficiency in mathematics and 90% in reading. Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, child poverty is 26.4% in 2021 and rising from 23.9% in 2018, leaving over 10 million children at risk of being left behind. Data show that children who grew up in poverty often face significant health and educational challenges. The Commission on Population and Development reported that malnutrition, for instance, often leads to poor performance in schools, which can further result in an adverse life-cycle development.

Such a situation is reflected in the learning poverty rate of the country, estimated at 90.9 percent, according to the World Bank’s 2022 “The State of Global Learning Poverty”. This means that nine out of ten 10-year-old Filipino children and adolescents are unable to read and understand a simple text. The World Bank validates the country’s performance in international large-scale assessments, as the Philippines ranks the lowest overall among all countries assessed. For instance,  in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Philippines ranked 76th out of 76 countries in Reading, 75th out of 76 countries in Math, and 76th out of 77 countries in Science. In the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) assessment, the Philippines also ranked the lowest (among 58 countries) in both Math and Science.

The recent comprehensive analysis of the situation of children in the Philippines revealed that there are significant gaps in evidence and knowledge, pointing to the need for stronger collaboration and targeted research to support child rights monitoring and evidence-based interventions. For instance, there are key gaps in evidence on the situation of children on mental health, the impact of climate on children, child participation as well as violence against children. Understanding key barriers and bottlenecks in the implementation of policies also remains a challenge, particularly in key areas where children’s rights are not fulfilled. Boosting social science research is also essential in better understanding the relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness of key programs and projects and identifying innovative approaches to accelerate results for children.

The Philippines boasts a rapidly growing research community, including academic institutions, public and private research organizations, development partners, and civil society. These groups have produced insightful studies that have  significantly informed policy decisions in the country. However, the opportunities for these stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and collaboratively address pressing issues have been sporadic and lack a consistent framework. This NSSC11 can play a pivotal role in bridging this gap. By providing a formal platform for sustained dialogue and collaboration and leveraging the influence of the PSSC’s network of social scientists, this gathering can catalyze more effective partnerships and contribute to more impactful, evidence-based policy-making.