On the whole, the sustainability of the Philippine sector of civil society organizations (CSOs) moderately declined from 2019 (3.5) to 2020 (3.7), with both ratings indicating that the sector’s sustainability remains “evolving.” The rating has continued to decline since 2014 (3.3) when the research was first conducted in the country.

CODE-NGO conducts the research on behalf of FHI 360 and the USAID. The research, conducted through an online survey and deep-dive discussion with a panel of Philippine CSO experts assessed seven (7) dimensions of CSO sustainability, namely: legal environment, organizational capacity, financial viability, advocacy, service provision, sectoral infrastructure, and public image.

In 2020, the negative developments occurred in all dimensions except public image.

The most significant declines were in legal environment and advocacy, largely due to the intensified state harassment and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.  

Although sectoral infrastructure remains the strongest dimension, it also deteriorated in 2020 due to challenges stemming from the COVID-19 restrictions and limited access to online opportunities.

Financial viability deteriorated significantly in 2020 as the Philippine economy plunged, funding opportunities lessened, and earned income dropped. Organizational capacity similarly deteriorated due to the pandemic and its effects on CSO operations, staffing, and financial sustainability.

The deteriorations spurred a decline in service provision as well, primarily due to challenges in the delivery of regular services.

However, CSOs’ work to provide relief in times of crisis gave them increased visibility at the local level, and thereby moderately improved the sector’s public image in 2020.

The CSO Sustainability Index methodology was developed by USAID and reports on the strength and overall viability of CSO sectors in more than 70 countries. The 2020 CSO Sustainability Index Report for the Philippines was released in September 2021.