Manila: The Philippines maintained its "Doing Better" status in the 2026 Doing Good Index (DGI), ranking second in Southeast Asia after Singapore in terms of the enabling environment for philanthropy. The Association of Foundations (AF) stated that the Philippines was among only five Asian economies classified as "Doing Better," along with China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.
According to Philippines News Agency, Singapore was the only economy in the region rated "Doing Excellent." The DGI findings were complemented by the World Giving Report (WGR) 2026, which showed that 78 percent of Filipinos donated in 2025, reflecting the country's strong culture of bayanihan. The Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society's DGI, released every two years, measures factors that support or hinder philanthropy across Asia. The WGR, published annually by the Charities Aid Foundation, tracks global giving behavior. The AF serves as the Philippine partner for both studies.
Corporate support remains a key strength of the country's philanthropic sector, according to CAPS Director of Policy Engagement Kithmina Hewage. The DGI found that 79 percent of nongovernment organizations receive corporate funding, with business contributions making up an average of 34 percent of their budgets, higher than the Asian average of 19 percent. "There is a great opportunity to leverage corporate philanthropy and to make sure that it has the needed impact and to fill some of the gaps," Hewage said.
Individual giving also remained strong, with the WGR reporting that the Philippines' 78 percent donation rate in 2025 exceeded the global average of 61 percent and Asia's 68 percent. Faith-based giving continued to play a major role, with 45 percent of Filipinos contributing to religious organizations. However, the reports noted areas where philanthropy can still improve, particularly in direct support for nongovernment organizations.
The WGR found that only 34 percent of Filipinos gave directly to nongovernment organizations in 2025, while the DGI showed that 80 percent of local NGOs believe domestic funding can still be strengthened. Hewage said rising costs and increasing demand for social services have outpaced funding growth. AF communications officer Milet Aquino said the willingness of Filipinos to help remains strong, but organizations need to make it easier for people to contribute through donations, volunteer work, or other forms of support.
CAF Head of Research Alex Plumb said NGOs can build on public trust by strengthening community presence and showing measurable results. The Philippines remains among the world's top countries in community connection, with about 90 percent of respondents reporting a strong sense of belonging. Plumb said people who see the positive impact of NGOs in their communities are twice as likely to donate to a charity.
