The Strength Behind Every Filipino Family: Why It’s Time We Support Our “Tagasalo”

By: Kalin Collective

Research Lead & Contributor: Juliana Gonzaga

(This article was informed by secondary research and literature review led by Juliana Gonzaga, who contributed to the identification, analysis, and synthesis of key caregiver and mental health insights.)

This Mental Health Month, let us recognize the quiet strength of the Filipino "tagasalo"—the family members who care, provide, and hold everything together, often while balancing careers, finances, and their own well-being.

Behind many Filipino families is someone who naturally steps into the role of caregiver. They accompany loved ones to medical appointments, manage medications, provide emotional support, coordinate care, and often serve as the family's primary breadwinner—all while showing up to work every day.

We call them the tagasalo.

Caregiving is one of the greatest expressions of love. Yet the responsibility it carries is significant.

Recent research shows that 67% of Filipinos provide care to a family member, spending an average of 32 hours each week on caregiving at home (De Leon, 2026). For many, caregiving is balanced alongside full-time employment, raising children, or supporting other family members.

As our population ages and healthcare increasingly extends beyond hospitals into homes, caregivers have become an essential part of the country's care ecosystem. Recognizing and supporting them is no longer just a family responsibility—it is a workplace, community, and societal priority.

The Hidden Weight of Caregiving

Young Filipino informal caregivers, particularly those aged 18–25, experience high levels of caregiver burden that affect their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being (Palad et al., 2026).

While caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it can also bring emotional and physical demands—especially when caregivers lack adequate support systems, resources, or opportunities to prioritize their own well-being.

In many Filipino households, caregiving responsibilities are shaped by cultural expectations. Research suggests that women, particularly eldest or middle daughters, often assume caregiving roles early in life. Meanwhile, many adult children become both breadwinners and caregivers for their families (Quindoza, Malcampo & Rungduin, 2025).

These responsibilities are often carried quietly. Many caregivers do not immediately identify themselves as caregivers—they simply see it as part of being a loving daughter, son, sibling, spouse, or family member.

Yet behind this commitment can be the challenge of balancing emotional responsibilities, financial pressures, work demands, and personal needs.

The Importance of Being Seen

Caregivers need more than practical assistance—they also need understanding, validation, and connection.

As Palad et al. (2026) observed:

"If caregivers do not experience validation or empathic attunement from their networks, these connections may fail to meet their emotional needs, weakening their capacity to cope."

Sometimes, the most meaningful support begins with simply acknowledging what caregivers carry every day.

When caregivers feel seen, heard, and supported, they are better equipped to continue providing care for the people who depend on them.

Why Workplaces Matter

Caregiving does not end when employees begin their workday.

Across the Philippines, many employees balance meetings with medical appointments, deadlines with caregiving responsibilities, and professional expectations with family obligations.

However, informal caregiver-employees remain largely unrecognized in labor policies. Existing caregiver protections primarily focus on professional caregivers, leaving many family caregivers without dedicated support systems.

“Without immediate and systemic intervention, the growing ‘care gap’ could overwhelm the healthcare system, erode the economic stability of Filipino households, and leave the country’s most vulnerable citizens without the support they need.”

Quote by: Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Researchers Aubrey Tabuga, John Joseph Ocbina, Kevin Robert Pilar Jr., and Jorge Kerby Limqueco

Organizations have an opportunity to create more inclusive and sustainable workplaces.

Supporting caregiver employees contributes to the social pillar of Corporate ESG by advancing employee well-being, gender equity, inclusion, retention, and workforce resilience.

A caregiver-friendly workplace can include:

• Flexible work arrangements

• Caregiver-friendly workplace policies

• Access to mental health and wellness resources

• Manager awareness and training on caregiver needs

• Safe environments where employees feel comfortable seeking support

A caregiver-friendly workplace begins with recognizing one simple reality: Employees do not leave their caregiving responsibilities at the office door.

How Kalin Is Helping Build a More Caring Future

At Kalin, we believe that caregivers deserve care too.

Caregiving is a shared responsibility, and families should have access to trusted support, resources, and communities that help them navigate every stage of the care journey.

Kalin is building a trusted care network that connects families, caregivers, and care providers through accessible tools, resources, and support systems. By making care more connected and easier to navigate, Kalin aims to ensure that caregivers have the support they need while caring for the people they love.

This Mental Health Month, we invite employers, healthcare organizations, and communities to recognize the Filipino tagasalo—the people who make care possible every day.

Because when we support caregivers, we strengthen families.

When we strengthen families, we build healthier workplaces.

And when we build healthier workplaces, we create stronger communities.

At Kalin, our vision is a future where every caregiver feels seen, supported, and empowered—because no one should have to carry care alone.

References

De Leon, N. G. C. (2026, July 29). Caregiving, family support weigh on Filipinos' financial future. Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Palad, F. J. T., Pagulayan, J. P. G., Tiburcio, G. A., Nones, A. C. B., Villaos, J. C., & De Torres, A. M. J. P. (2026). The Moderating Role of Social Connectedness in the Relationship Between Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life Among Filipino Informal Caregivers. North American Journal of Psychology, 28(1), 222.

Quindoza, T. L. V., Malcampo, M. C., & Rungduin, T. (2025). Ang tagapagtaguyod na anak for Filipino adults: An exploratory research. Southeast Asia: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 25(1), 58–70.

Reyes, R. R. (2026, May 20). Study warns of growing care gap in the Philippines. Business Mirror.