  In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
with 169 targets for transformation toward a more sustainable future by 2030.
This study seeks to evaluate and analyze SDG target interactions in the
Philippines to resolve conflicting targets, and prioritize targets that
reinforce others and have no conflicts. To evaluate all 14196 target
interactions, two methods are employed. First, experts with over five years of
SDG-related experience evaluated interactions using a 7-point scale. Second, a
non-parametric Spearman rank correlation is used on official indicator data
with resulting coefficients serving as interaction scores. Interaction scores
are then coded as synergies (interact positively), trade-offs (negatively) or
non-classified (neutrally). Targets are also modelled as nodes and interactions
as edges in graphs presented in sdginteractions.herokuapp.com. Results from the
two methods were synthesized to formulate recommendations for concerned
parties. This includes resolving negative intra-goal target interactions
involving targets 3.1 'Reduce maternal mortality', 3.6 'Reduce road injuries
and deaths', and 3.7 'Universal access to sexual and reproductive care, family
planning, and education'. Ugly targets (at least one negative interaction)
including target 3.6, 3.7, and 8.2 'Diversify, innovate, and upgrade for
economic productivity' need to be resolved. Targets that reinforce their
corresponding SDGs should be prioritized, including 1.1 'Eradicate extreme
poverty', 4.2 'Equal access to quality pre-primary education', 6.2 'End open
defecation and provide access to sanitation and hygiene', 8.1 'Sustainable
economic growth', and 9.4 'Upgrade all industries and infrastructures for
sustainability'. Beautiful targets (no negative interactions) should also be
prioritized, including target 8.5 and 17.5 'Invest in least developed
countries'.
