Region XI, also known as Davao Region, has a staggering ratio of one developmental pediatrician for every 7,532 learners. This figure significantly exceeds the national average of one doctor for every 4,808 learners, as reported by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).
Davao's Pediatrician Shortage: A Growing Concern
We should also explore scholarships and training opportunities in regions where specialists are lacking to develop more specialists who can serve these communities.
Karol Mark Yee, EDCOM 2 Executive Director
The data, sourced from the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (PSDBP) and the Department of Education’s Learner Information System, reveals Davao Region is falling short of national benchmarks. The region's ratio is about 57% higher than the national average.
- Davao Region: 1 pediatrician for 7,532 learners
- National Average: 1 pediatrician for 4,808 learners
- National Capital Region: 1 pediatrician for 627 learners
In terms of accessibility, Mindanao lags behind other island groups, with the worst ratio at 1:11,127. Meanwhile, Luzon enjoys a much more favorable ratio of 1:3,096. As of June 2026, only 9% of the 156 pediatric clinics listed in the PSDBP directory are located in Mindanao.
Despite having the second-best ratio in Mindanao at 1:4,744, Davao Region still pales in comparison to Northern Mindanao. Other areas like SOCCSKSARGEN and Zamboanga Peninsula face even greater shortages, with ratios of 1:24,728 and 1:17,489, respectively.
The EDCOM 2 report emphasizes that developmental pediatricians play a crucial role in diagnosing conditions like autism and ADHD, which are essential for accessing special education services.
The commission identified a shortage of training institutions, with only five offering fellowship training in developmental pediatrics nationwide. Most of these institutions are concentrated in Metro Manila, limiting access for aspiring specialists in other regions.
The analysis also showed that among 492,902 public-school learners with disabilities, only 36.6% had formal diagnoses. In Davao Region alone, 60,257 learners were recorded with disability manifestations, but only 29% had formal identification.