Patterns and determinants of poverty transitions in the Philippines: a panel data analysis
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2013-11
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Abstract
This paper examines the factors underlying household poverty transitions in the Philippines. Using a matched panel dataset of the Annual Poverty Indicators Survey and the Labor Force Survey, the study finds that the determinants of poverty entry and exit are not symmetric. Becoming poor is associated with the age of the household head, overall household size, the sector of employment, and access to remittances. Conversely, becoming non-poor is correlated with the square of the household head's age, household size, level of human capital and class of worker. These findings suggest that poverty may be better tackled from a dynamic perspective. Moreover, the absence of symmetry in the correlates highlights the need for a more careful and deliberate targeting of government programs.