Page 322 - Special Topic Session (STS) - Volume 4

STS700 Candigo J. A., Jr. et al.

Measuring the rural access index in the
Philippines
1
2
Candido J. Astrologo, Jr.* , Patricia Anne R. San Buenaventura , Justin Angelo
2
O. Bantang
1
Philippine Statistics Authority, Pateros, Metro Manila, Philippines
2
Philippine Statistics Authority, Quezon City, Philippines

Abstract
The global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) consist of indicators
classified into Tier I, Tier II, Tier III and multi-tier indicators. Among the Tier II
indicators is SDG 9.1.1. – “Proportion of the rural population who live within 2
km of an all-season road“. This indicator measures the share of a country’s
rural population that lives within 2 km of an all-season road.
In the Philippine Statistical System (PSS), efforts addressing Tier II and Tier III
SDG indicators are considered as priority statistical development programs as
listed in the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP) 2018-2023.
This paper attempts to compute for SDG 9.1.1. taking into considerations
various assumptions and limitations. The methodology is based on the initial
work of the World Bank (WB) which was explored by the Asian Development
Bank (ADB) relative to its work on providing support to developing countries
through policy advice, research and analysis and technical assistance to reduce
poverty, increase shared prosperity, and promote sustainable development.
Specifically, this paper aims to estimate the proportion of rural population
living within two kilometers from an all-season road in the Philippines.
Technically referred to as Rural Access Index (RAI), this indicator will help
policymakers to manage investments in road sector and to formulate rural
transport programs and strategies to boost agricultural growth and reduce
poverty.
The WB considers RAI as a key transport headline indicator which has been
established to focus on the critical role of access and mobility in the reduction
of poverty in developing countries. It provides a consistent basis for estimating
the proportion of the rural population which has adequate access to the
transport system.

Keywords
Sustainable Development Goals; nighttime lights; road network; rural access
index; Philippines

1. Introduction
In September 2015, member states of the United Nations adopted the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). The SDGs is composed of 232 unique indicators of which 93 are

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