The Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) – Philippines is a nationwide multi-sectoral, non-sectarian and pluralist coalition conducting policy advocacy work and campaigns to realize a common framework and agenda for economic development.

Formally launched in March 1988 by 90 organizations, FDC has grown over the years to more than 250 organizations and individual members in the National Capital Region and Luzon, and in seven (7) chapters in Visayas and Mindanao.

The Coalition addresses the economy and economic development. However, we depart from the traditional definition and scope of the economy and economic development. 

FDC defines the economy and economic life of a society as those activities, relations, processes, policies and structures involved in and affecting the provisioning for human life in all its fullness, integrity and dignity. These include not only those involved in what is called production; it also includes and relates to activities, processes, relations and structures in what is called reproduction. These take place not only in the public domain but also within the context of the family and household, not only within the market but also in the non-market sphere made possible primarily through the unrecognized and un(der)valued labor of women.

The economy and economic life is not about just ensuring human survival nor the allocation of scarce resources. The economy should be aimed at providing the material requisites to ensure human life with integrity and dignity and in all its fullness — physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, psychological, social, cultural, etc.