Part 2/14:
The Filipino culture, known for its strong family ties and communal values, paradoxically faces an epidemic of loneliness. Despite the stereotype of Filipino hospitality and closeness, recent data reveal that Southeast Asia's Philippines is the second loneliest country globally, with 15-20% of Filipino adolescents experiencing social isolation. Experts point to this disconnect as a sign of a deeper societal shift—changing social dynamics and the impact of modern technology have altered traditional forms of connection.