Palace welcomes drop in self-rated poverty

Malacañang expressed satisfaction with the latest findings from OCTA Research, which revealed a significant decline in the number of Filipino families who consider themselves poor—a result attributed to the administration’s targeted anti-poverty efforts.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro credited the development to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s focused social welfare programs that are now reaching their intended beneficiaries.

“Ibig sabihin, nararamdaman na rin po ng mga taong target ng mga programa ng Pangulo patungkol sa kagutuman ang pag-angat, ang improvement,” Castro said during a press briefing.

The nationwide survey, conducted from April 10 to 16, showed that self-rated poverty fell to 42 percent, down from 50 percent in November 2024. This eight-point decrease translates to approximately 2.1 million families who now report improved living conditions.

Castro welcomed these findings as a testament to the administration’s poverty reduction initiatives, underscoring their tangible impact on Filipino households.

The report also highlighted a sharp 14-point decline in food poverty. The number of families struggling to afford adequate and nutritious food dropped to 35 percent, from 49 percent in the previous quarter, representing an estimated 3.7 million families now feeling more food-secure.

Castro emphasized that the government remains committed to building on this momentum by expanding key welfare and livelihood programs.

“Sisikapin po ng ating Pangulo at ng administrasyon na lalo pang mapalawig ang mga programang ito para mas lalong maiangat ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” she said.