Latest Posts

Achieving Real Filipino Middle Class Living

The National Average Monthly Salary in the Philippines: To What Extent Can It Support a True Middle-Class Lifestyle?

The national average monthly salary in the Philippines is Php 18,423 (2023), which should serve as a guideline for determining and limiting basic living expenses. Below is a proposed outline of how this may be structured:

2023 National Average Monthly Salary:
Php 18423

Monthly Budget

Housing Php 4605.75 (25%)
Food/ Groceries Php 2753.45 (15%)
Transportation Php 1842.30 (10%)
Education Php 1842.30 (10%)
Utilities & Clothing Php 921.15 (5%)
Recreation/Leisure Php 921.15 (5%)
Church giving/Charities Php 1842.30 (10%)
Health, Savings, & Investment Php 3684.60 (20%)

Total: Php 18423

1. Basic Housing (25%) Php 4605.75
– According to financial experts, a head of household should allocate 25-30% of their income for basic housing expenses. Based on the national average monthly salary of Php 18,423, this allocation translates to a maximum of Php 4,605.75 for housing costs. Therefore, the cost of basic housing in the Philippines should not exceed Php 4,605.75 per month.

Basic housing should include the capability to afford either the purchase or rental of at least a small house and lot, or a studio condominium with a designated parking space and a modest area suitable for gardening.

In Manila, the lower middle class, according to Philippine standards, often finds it challenging to secure more than a single room for rent, which does not reflect a true middle-class standard of living. The national average income is approximately PHP 18,423, based on 2023 data. My salary is only PHP 24,000, which limits my ability to afford anything beyond a single room due to the necessity of covering other basic expenses. Having been raised in an upper-class family with affluent grandparents, I have a clear understanding of what constitutes a genuine middle-class lifestyle. Furthermore, data from 2023 indicates that the Philippines is home to approximately 3.7 million squatters or informal settlers, highlighting the pressing issue of inadequate housing in the country.

One aspect of housing or condominium projects in the Philippines that I find particularly unfavorable is the requirement to make payments during the first five years without actually utilizing the property. This policy effectively doubles housing expenses, as individuals are responsible for both rent for their current living space and monthly amortization payments for the new property. This poses an additional financial burden on Filipino workers.

2. Basic Food/Groceries (15%) Php 2,753.45

According to finance experts, it is recommended that 10-15% of one’s budget be allocated for food and groceries. Based on the national average monthly salary, which amounts to Php Php 18423, the 15% allocation would be approximately Php Php 2,753.45. The question arises: is this amount adequate to support a family? Can it ensure a healthy and balanced diet?

The high cost of living in the Philippines maybe manipulated by business owners. Philippine Star shared,
“The user went on to directly compare prices between Singapore’s FairPrice supermarket and the local SM Supermarket: 700 grams of red onion cost SGD1.25 (P51.79 or US$0.91) in Singapore, while in the Philippines it could cost P168 (US$3.36), 500 grams of carrots in Singapore cost SGD 0.95 (P39.36 or US$0.69), while locally it would set you back P62.5 (US$1.25)…
The prices in the Philippines are more expensive, but the base salary is incredibly low compared to Singapore.”

3. Transportation Php 1842.30 (10%)
According to financial experts, it is recommended that 10-15% of income be allocated for transportation expenses. Based on the national average monthly salary of Php 18,423.00, a 10% allocation amounts on transportation shall be Php 1,842.30. Is this amount sufficient to purchase and maintain a basic vehicle?

4. Education Php 1842.30 (10%)
According to finance experts, it is recommended that 10% of one’s income be allocated for educational expenses. Based on the national average monthly salary, this amounts to approximately Php 1,842.30. However, is this sum sufficient to secure a college education? Fortunately, the enactment of the Free College Tuition Law by President Rodrigo Duterte (Rody Duterte) in 2017 has significantly alleviated the financial burden on students.Vice President Sara Duterte lifted admin tasks so that teachers can focus on teaching their students.

5. Utilities & Clothing Php 921.15 (5%)
According to financial experts, it is recommended that 5-10% of one’s income be allocated for utilities and clothing. Based on the national average monthly salary, which amounts to approximately Php 921.15 (5%), one must consider whether this is sufficient to cover expenses for clothing, mobile phones, and prepaid phone credits.

My original Filipino brand t-shirts range in price from Php 500 to Php 1,000. I spend around Php 500 on mobile phone credits each month.

6. Recreation/Leisure Php 921.15 (5%)
According to Finance expert, 5-10% must be allocated for recreation. The 5% of National average monthly salary is Php 921.15.Is this sufficient for a vacation or delicious dining with family?

7.Church giving/Charities Php 1842.30 (10%)

According to renowned Catholic lay preacher Bo Sanchez, it is essential to allocate 10% of one’s income to church donations each month.

There is a profound blessing associated with giving to the church and charitable organizations. According to Malachi 3:10:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

8. Health, Savings, & Investment Php 3684.60 (20%)

Are you familiar with the biblical figure Joseph? In the Book of Genesis, Joseph advised Pharaoh to save one-fifth (20%) of Egypt’s harvest during the seven years of abundance. This strategic planning ensured that the nation would have sufficient provisions to endure the subsequent famine.

In a similar vein, renowned Catholic lay preacher Bo Sanchez advocates for allocating 20% of one’s monthly income towards savings and investments. This principle underscores the importance of financial foresight and preparation for future challenges.

The Philippines is categorized as an improving lower middle-class economy under Ferdinand Marcos Jr, primarily based on its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this metric often reflects a situation where the benefits of economic growth are disproportionately enjoyed by the wealthy. I contend that GDP alone does not adequately represent the health of an economy. Economic authorities should also consider the average national annual salary of an ordinary employee to determine whether individuals can sustain a basic middle-class standard of living.

The current National average monthly salary or income of the majority of the Filipinos is Php 18423, a socio economic status of lower middle income based from National Economic and Development Authority. I had written about this on my unedited and unfinished book on Filipino Leadership.
Link:
https://peterbreboneria.com/utak-henyo-1-0-personal-leadership-unedited-version/

Poverty in the Philippines is not merely the result of individual poor choices, but rather a reflection of the country’s systemic structure. It is challenging to live in a nation that fails to provide opportunities for a decent life, where accessing even basic healthy food, a basict home, or a simple vehicle becomes a struggle. What can one truly afford with an average annual salary of around Php 300,000 in a call center? In contrast, an average American or Asian Singaporean employee, earning at least Php 2- 3 million annually, can easily purchase a basic home, a simple car, and healthy food.

Recognizing the lack of realistic pathways to a comfortable life, the key to uplifting the Filipino community lies in fostering honorable, excellent, and servant leadership rooted in Christian or Catholic values. We should strive for honor and higher education; while we may not be wealthy, we can be highly educated and trustworthy, holding on to the hope of achieving progress and development in the future.

I understand the presence of millions of squatters and informal settlers in our country. Observing the actions of large institutions and corporations, it seems that rather than becoming more generous as they grow, they often become greedier and punitive, ultimately leading to their downfall, much like the Tower of Babel(Genesis 11: 1-9). Human nature struggles to manage excessive wealth and power; it requires checks, balances, and accountability to lead an ethical life.

If Singapore (with GDP of USD 501,428 at #30) with can provide a first-world standard of living in Asia, the Philippines(with GDP of USD 437,146M at #33) is also capable of achieving this with the implementation of humane systems and sound economic policies.

Therefore, the government should implement new policies aimed at regulating the price or cost of living and wealth of the affluent in the Philippines, thus, providing realistic opportunities for every Filipino. The cost of living or prices of basic expenses in the Philippines must be aligned to the average National monthly salary or income of the majority of Filipino workers in order to sustain an authentic middle-class living.

References
https://www.philstar.com/…/26/2343276/your-salary-enough

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/…/phs-p15200-average…

https://www.philstar.com/…/its-more-expensive-philippines

https://thediplomat.com/…/the-philippine-economy-glass…/

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/03/2256382/dhsud-government-housing-program-contribute-economic-growth

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/08/04/1725170/duterte-signs-law-free-college-tuition

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/27/2328957/deped-removes-admin-tasks-teachers-ensure-more-classroom-time

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://datacatalogfiles.worldbank.org/ddh-published/0038130/DR0046441/GDP.pdf?versionId=2024-07-01T12:42:23.8710032Z

About Peter Breboneria II

About Peter Breboneria II

Peter Dadis Breboneria II (Formerly Peter Reganit Breboneria II)

Peter Breboneria II has achieved a lot throughout his life. His family, relatives, and childhood friends call him “Bong.” He is known as the founder of the International Center for Youth Development – ICYD Incorporated, and was integral to the launch of the Philippines’ first internet-based Alternative Learning System(ALS) and Utak Henyo System of the Department of Education-National Capital Region ( DepEd Philippines ). His impressive contributions to education have been published by media giants such as GMA Network News and ABS-CBN news

He has worked as the main host of youth TV/radio format shows at Radio Veritas Asia (Catholic) and Gospel Broadcasting Network(Born Again/Protestant) broadcasted via short wave, applications, and the internet all over europe, US, Asia, and Philippines. His International Christian/Catholic youth media program was declared popular by Facebook , interviewing a variety of celebrities and geniuses. Breboneria was trained by the FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company) and his cousin, Abs-Cbn Bikol News anchor and host Sheila Denina Herras.

Furthermore, He is currently working at Five(5) Gold The Stevie Awards (Prestigious International Awards) IntouchCX Philippines – Intouchcx. He worked as customer service representative and manager prior to COVID-19 in Transcom Asia PH and Concentrix. He is also a current student with high and consistent grades at University of the Philippines and held an elected role of student officer and student publication head at Philippine National Top 1 in online education UP Open University (UPOU). His current grade weighted average (GWA) is 1.66, a cumlaude or with honors school grades. He was a graduate of Asian Cultural High School and Hope Christian High School, a Filipino Chinese Schools. He is following the footsteps and impressive achievements of his two uncles: Ateneo Education Dean Dr. Arnulfo Reganit and Jesuit-Founder South Sea Pearl Museum(Palawan) Roque Breboneria. He is the son of a Hero and Philippine Army. One of his grandparents were Army General. He graduated from the school for the upper middle class and rich but decided to live in Poor communities.

Breboneria’s educational background includes studying pastoral ministry with high and consistent grades at the Asia`s Top 1 Theological School Loyola School of Theology , a prestigious graduate school in Ateneo de Manila University. He was also named the 2008 Ateneo de Naga University. He was a senior level Psychology scholar under 2nd legal name. He was exempted to take entrance and majorship exam at Philippine Normal University – The National Center for Teacher Education. He was one of the intellectual elites who were able to enter graduate school without college diploma. He was also a pastoral youth chairman and a leader who taught the Utak Henyo system to hundreds of leaders and thousands of volunteers out-of-school, student, and professional youth but the impact of his education project is millions of school and out of school youth and young professionals. He received Power Memory scholarship from Dr./Pastor. Ed Pilapil Jr. His first youth organization was formally installed by National Youth Commission Commisioner Dino Imperial Badilla.

He was published model of catholic/christian manhood and handsomeness. He passed a prestigious pageant for handsome teen-regional level where matinee idols started.He has a 100% clean record at National Bureau of Investigation: “100% Clean Student.” He has excellent mental health based from recent psychological/psychiatric assessment and excellent health based from recent annual physical exam. He also has no drug history. No serious personal accident history. His great asset in leadership is morality and ethics. Despite of his published sex stories produced by a prestigious, influential, and rich community and producer of best selling religious magazine, he never had minor and major child/youth sexual harassment and sexual abuse cases while leading the most beautiful, handsome, and brilliant youth and young professional leaders.

Before becoming a 100% scholar and full-time employee, Breboneria had to solicit money for his studies, which was supported and signed by the Ateneo President and Head of the Psychology Department. His upbringing includes his army dad’s 19 wives and mistresses. Eventually, he left home and stayed at St. Bartholomew Parish, Baao CS under the support of vicar general of Archdiocese of Caceres , a holy priest Fr. Wilfred Almoneda. Peter Breboneria go to mass everyday at Parish of the Holy Sacrifice ( former U.S. Army/ USA Military camp) and Bo Sanchez’ Feast Novotel Cubao – Feast Ortigas District to pray for Philippine leaders, world class Filipinos, world leaders, United Nations – United Nations Philippines , European Union in ASEAN, European Union in the Philippines, Council of the European Union, Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy , Filipino-Chinese community ( Lucky Chinatown ), and Philippine Government.

His most recent Science/Religion project, The Pope and COVID-19, was declared 2nd runner-up at the 2021 Digital Humanities Awards, an International Awards founded by a world’s top 1 University of Oxford professor but evaluated by experts/professors worldwide. His award was published by the Philippine top 1 University of the Philippines. He was mentored by Dr Rod Santos, a leadership dean at IGSL International Graduate School of Leadership . He was discipled by Al dela Torre at Campus Crusade for Christ- Cru Philippines since his high school days. He was an internal youth vice president at Greenhills Christian Fellowship – GCF . He attends Top 1 International Leadership Expert Dr. John C. Maxwell conference financed by Southern Baptist Convention through Dr. Greg Harvell. Peter Breboneria II became a born again catholic because of Immaculate Conception. Mama Mary, angels, and deceased grandmother visited him also during the first month of COVID19 lockdown.He is a catholic but still a member of non-sectarian, Christian Interdenominational Philippine Campus Crusade for Christ. His favorite Saint is St. Patrick of Ireland ( Tourism Ireland ), a saint of the Catholic, Protestant, and Born again evangelical churches. He isolated himself for 5 to 7 years after his parents died and broke up with his girlfriend. His girlfriend was a professor and granddaughter of the university vice president.

Breboneria also has a passion for fitness; he loves jogging, mountain climbing, and biking. He has represented the Bicol region at the National Taekwondo Championship during his high school days, trained by Mario Pisa, an army coach.

In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Breboneria was a member of an Internationally awarded and Philippine National Champion PNU Balingsasayaw and PNU Chorale . He is also a bonafide member of the National Association for Filipino Psychology – Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino. Breboneria is a start-up blogger and social media novice, having started business called UtakHenyo and UtakHenyo Store which have earned an average of 739% in annual revenue from 2018-2022, according to Google report.

Looking to the future, Breboneria plans to finish multiple college, masteral, and doctoral degrees in the field of Arts, Education, Theatre, Film, Journalism, Philippine Studies, Entrepreneurship, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership & Management, environmental science, and Psychology. He is preparing himself to become a professional journalist, film, theatre actor or director, environmental scientist, and transformational leader for government, non-profit, or private corporation.

Breboneria is fortunate to have a twin sister named Rowena Reganit Breboneria (currently Rowena Rafer Palma), while his nephew’s name was taken from UP President and Philippine senator Rafael Palma. All of his nephews and nieces are all his favorites being the most favorite son and grandson in the family. He was the only grandson who received inheritance from grandparents.

To check his leadership history and social proof, you may visit the link below.
https://utakhenyo.com/history-of-utak-henyo/

New Life’s theme:
World Class Pogi: Humble

Official websites:
www.peterbreboneria.com
www.utakhenyo.com
www.store.utakhenyo.com

Official fb pages
Peter Breboneria II link:
https://www.facebook.com/PogingIskoHenyo
ICYD Link: https://www.facebook.com/icydglobal
utak henyo link: https://www.facebook.com/utakhenyoph
utak henyo store: https://www.facebook.com/utakhenyostoreph

Instagram: @PogingIsko
Pinterest: @PogingIsko
Twitter: @pogingiskohenyo
Youtube: @pogingiskohenyo

Shop while helping the poor.
Buy at www.store.utakhenyo.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *