The Quiapo church is surrounded by stores selling natural remedies and a sizable population of people who call themselves fortune tellers. Theft is common, as is the sale of pirated media

The place is also popularly known for its marketplace where bargain hunting is a thing.

The World Bank has prioritized initiatives that employ digital technology to strengthen social safety services and the well-being of low-income people in the Philippines. One research, "A Better Normal Under COVID-19: Digitalizing the Philippine Economy Now," looked at how digital technology can assist the Philippines' economy recover following a 6.9% decrease in 2020. Children attending virtual classrooms and the efficient digital delivery of social welfare services resulted from the increased use of online learning and the assistance of the Beneficiary FIRST Social Protection Project. The World Bank is utilizing technology to reduce poverty in the Philippines through integrated programs. For over a decade, the 4P initiative has functioned and spread to over 143 cities. Families can get P6,000 ($122.40) per year and an individual child education payment of P3,000 ($61.70) per year for up to three children. This project centres around how the World Bank will facilitate and finish cash transfers from 4P and the DWSD digitally. In the Philippines, the DWSD and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) cooperated to develop the application ReliefAgad in late April 2020 to ensure that emergency government program monies are distributed directly to low-income citizens. 

The crime rate in the Philippines has decreased as a result of technological advancements like CCTV cameras, GPS and tracking devices, smart phones, and social media. According to the PNP commander, the new technology made it simple for citizens to furnish police with information and enabled the force to conduct "efficient and successful response operation." For the first half of 2018, the crime rate dropped by 25% year-over-year, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). As people become more aware of the constant presence of surveillance cameras, we can reduce the number of crimes committed in crowded public spaces as a result of technological improvements.