With over 30% of the Philippines‘ population under the age of 15 and a total population exceeding 113 million, the country is positioned as a global powerhouse.
Forecasted to be among eight nations contributing to half of all global population growth by 2050, the Philippines’ youth are not just the face of tomorrow—they are the architects of today’s transformative changes. Millennials and Gen Z are steering conversations around economic resilience, social equity, and innovation, envisioning a nation that fosters equitable opportunities for all.
Yet, systemic barriers threaten to stifle their potential. Rising housing costs and employment challenges, such as skills mismatches and high youth unemployment—reported by 88% of Gen Z and 89% of millennials as critical issues in our study—present stark realities. Despite these hurdles, Filipino youth remain optimistic, leveraging digital platforms to amplify their voices, champion policy reforms, and reshape industries like business process outsourcing (BPO)
and creative arts.
Drawing from our comprehensive study on Southeast Asian youth, conducted in collaboration with Vero Advocacy, Filipino youth have two pressing issues: affordable housing and employment opportunities. These challenges also represent opportunities for stakeholders to empower a generation central to the Philippines’ future.
| Category | Millennials | Gen Z |
| Cultural Values | Family-centric, stability-driven | Purpose-driven, entrepreneurial |
| Employment | Traditional sectors with a tech shift | Gig economy and creative industries |
| Housing | Suburban homeownership aspirations | Co-living and urban renting |
| Digital Presence | Professional networking and advocacy | Social entrepreneurship and activism |
For Filipino youth, housing is more than shelter; it represents stability, independence, and an investment in their future. However, rising property prices, a limited rental market, and urban congestion push housing aspirations further out of reach for millennials and Gen Z.
Skyrocketing Urban Property Costs
In Metro Manila, property prices have surged by over 25% in the past five years, making homeownership unattainable for many millennials. Even with government programs like the Pag-IBIG Fund, which offers low-interest housing loans, affordable properties near economic centers remain scarce.
Rental Market Gaps
Gen Z, who predominantly prefer renting, have limited market options. Quality rental properties within city centers are either too expensive or lack amenities that appeal to young renters, such as high-speed internet or co-living arrangements.
Urban Sprawl and Accessibility
Affordable housing developments are often located far from employment hubs, increasing commute times and expenses for young professionals. This challenge disproportionately affects millennials, who prioritize stable family lives and access to essential services.
Image Courtesy: MyTown
The rise of co-living spaces like MyTown in Makati and Bonifacio Global City offers a glimpse into how housing solutions can cater to young professionals. These spaces provide affordable, fully-furnished accommodations with shared amenities like gyms and workspaces, targeting Gen Z’s preference for flexibility and millennials’ need for convenience. Their vision is to be the preferred accommodation provider for young professionals in the Philippines.
Impact: Since its launch, MyTown has won several awards and housed thousands of young professionals, enabling them to live closer to their workplaces while fostering a sense of community.
Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) offers a globally admired approach to affordable urban housing. Combining public funding with private sector efficiency, the model has provided Singaporeans with subsidized housing, ensuring accessibility and quality. As of 2022, around 90% of HDB residents owned their flats. To help married couples purchase their first HDB flat, HDB gives a housing grant to subsidize their purchase from the resale market and an additional grant for those who choose to live near their parents.
Key Features:
Implications for the Philippines: The Philippines can adopt a similar approach by integrating affordable housing projects with urban amenities and green infrastructure, particularly in high-demand areas like Metro Manila and Cebu.
Stable housing is more than a personal milestone for Filipino youth—it is a foundation for economic productivity. Without access to affordable, well-located housing, Millennials and Gen Z face increased commuting costs and reduced job opportunities, particularly in key growth sectors like technology and renewable energy. This interdependence highlights the need for housing and employment reforms to work hand in hand.
For Filipino youth, meaningful employment is more than a paycheck—it’s a means of achieving stability, self-fulfillment, and societal contribution. However, systemic barriers such as skills mismatches, limited entry-level opportunities, and urban-rural disparities continue to hinder their professional growth.
Skills Mismatch Despite the Philippines’ high literacy rate, many graduates lack the practical skills for high-growth sectors like technology and renewable energy. Our report highlights that over 60% of youth feel their education does not align with job market requirements, leading to underemployment.
Urban-Rural Employment Divide
Job opportunities remain concentrated in urban hubs like Metro Manila and Cebu City. Rural youth face limited career prospects, pushing many to migrate to cities, where they often accept informal or low-paying jobs.
Youth Unemployment
The report reveals that over 85% of Filipino millennials and Gen Z view unemployment as a critical issue. While the Philippines’ BPO sector provides opportunities, the demand for skilled talent continues to outpace supply.
The Philippines’ BPO sector employs over 1.4 million workers, with millennials and Gen Z dominating the workforce. Companies like Accenture Philippines and TaskUs have introduced upskilling programs focusing on digital literacy and AI-driven processes, enabling employees to transition into higher-paying roles.
Impact: These programs have increased employee retention rates and enhanced productivity, setting a benchmark for skills-focused employment models.
Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES) provides targeted programs to help young people gain employment skills, transition into the workforce, and pursue entrepreneurship.
Key Features:
Implications for the Philippines: The Philippines could establish a similar framework by offering tailored employment programs for youth in secondary cities, focusing on key growth sectors like renewable energy, e-commerce, and digital content creation.
Beyond traditional employment pathways, Filipino youth are leveraging digital platforms to create entrepreneurial ventures and drive social impact. These initiatives reflect a shift toward a more self-reliant and sustainability-focused future, where economic growth aligns with environmental and social equity.
Many Filipino youth have recently started using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Lazada to launch small businesses and advocate for sustainable practices.
Social Commerce Boom: Platforms like TikTok Shop have enabled young entrepreneurs to monetize their creativity, from selling handcrafted goods to offering online consultations.
Example: Manila’s Plastic-Free Market
The Plastic-Free Market initiative, driven by youth entrepreneurs, promotes zero-waste practices through eco-friendly products. Located in Quezon City, it collaborates with local vendors to replace single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives.
Filipino youth are at the forefront of climate advocacy, with initiatives like Youth for Climate Action Philippines, which organizes workshops and campaigns to educate communities on renewable energy and sustainable living.
Sweden’s national program equips young entrepreneurs with digital tools to scale their green businesses, emphasizing rural inclusivity and sustainability.
Filipino youth envision a future of equity, innovation, and sustainability. They demand systemic reforms in housing and employment while championing digital transformation and green entrepreneurship.
Policymakers and brands must act decisively to address these priorities. By collaborating with youth to co-create solutions, they can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure a resilient, inclusive Philippines.
Read our full report for actionable insights tailored to empowering Filipino youth. [Click here to explore the full study.]