How is the standard of living in Philippines?

I have been to the Philippines several times in the process of marrying my wife of two years. The people in the Philippines are very friendly, however you must understand that it is a third world country and they lack many things that we take for granted in the first world. The one thing that stands out the most in my mind is the widespread poverty and the government's inability to correct this problem. The other major problem there is the air pollution from the many cars and jeepnies that constantly run all over the country. However in spite of these negative attributes, the Philippines and its people are wonderful. I look forward to going back.