Those that Urbanization Left Behind: A Case Study of Spatial Disparities and Rising Dependency in Coastal Areas in Mindanao, the Philippines

Urban-rural disparities are exacerbated by failed livelihood projects, declining fishing incomes, and rising poverty levels in coastal areas in Mindanao, the Philippines. This has spurred the out-migration of young adults from the rural to urban areas. Faced with collapsing fisheries and a lack of income opportunities, families are compelled to abandon fishing and farming occupations for urban services jobs that give predictable and sustained incomes. The rural demographic picture that is emerging is one that is characterized by a changing household structure where the very young and the elderly stay home while the men and women of childbearing age migrate to urban areas for work. The high dependency in rural areas and urbanward migration have thus worsened urban-rural spatial inequalities.