Report Surge in Self-Rated Poverty Hits Filipino Families

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Photo courtesy of PhilStar

 

A recent survey has revealed a concerning rise in the number of Filipino families considering themselves poor, with OCTA Research reporting on 12th August that 45% of families now hold this view. This marks an increase from 42% in April, translating to around 11.9 million families.

 

The shift is notable against a backdrop of fluctuating trends, though a persistent perception of poverty has been apparent since October 2022. Only 16% believe they are “not poor,” while 39% are uncertain, a figure that has shifted since April as more families feel the pinch.

 

Regionally, Mindanao saw a slight increase in self-identified poverty, up from 61% to 63%. Luzon, excluding Metro Manila, experienced a significant rise from 29% to 37%. Interestingly, Metro Manila witnessed a decline from 28% to 23%, while the Visayas saw a modest drop.

 

The data highlights growing economic challenges among lower classes. Class D and E families reported higher levels of poverty at 45% and 71%, respectively. Conversely, the middle and upper classes (A, B, and C) feel less affected, with the percentage considering themselves poor dropping from 29% to 11%.

 

Forty-one percent of Filipinos believe their economic situation has worsened, reflecting April’s findings. However, the share of those who see improvement has increased slightly to one in ten.

 

On average, families aiming to stay above the poverty line believe they should keep monthly expenses below 25,000 pesos (approximately 15,000 Thai Baht) but need an extra 7,000 pesos (about 4,200 Thai Baht) to surpass it.

 

Food poverty is a growing issue, with 42% of families saying they are not eating well, up from 35% in April. This equates to about 11.3 million families, a rise of 2.1 million.

 

Mindanao reports the highest rates of food insecurity at 68%, followed by the Visayas with 50%. Luzon mirrored self-rated poverty trends, jumping by 14 percentage points outside Metro Manila.

 

Lower socioeconomic classes are experiencing increased food poverty, while the middle and upper classes have seen a decline in such concerns, dropping to 9% from 22%.

 

OCTA Research attributes these trends to rising food prices and reduced purchasing power, which force families to compromise on the quality and quantity of meals, potentially leading to broader health and nutrition challenges.

 

The survey gathered responses from 1,200 Filipino adults between 12th and 17th July, with a 95% confidence level and a ±3% margin of error.

 

As many Filipino families face tightening financial conditions, these findings underscore the urgent need for economic interventions to alleviate the pressures of rising living costs and ensure food security.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-08-13