NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Filipino Families Grapple With Persistent Poverty Levels: SWS Survey Reveals
Photo credit: SWS
The latest National Social Weather Survey conducted from March 21-25, 2024, sheds light on the economic hardships faced by Filipino families, with a substantial 46% rating themselves as Mahirap or Poor, according to self-assessment. Additionally, 30% considered themselves on the edge, placing themselves as Borderline, while only 23% identified as Hindi Mahirap or Not Poor.
Despite minimal fluctuations compared to December 2023, where the percentage of Poor families stood at 47%, Borderline families at 33%, and Not Poor families at 20%, the survey highlights the enduring struggle many families face in achieving financial stability.
Regionally, the Self-Rated Poor figures saw a slight decrease in Mindanao and Metro Manila, while the Visayas experienced an increase. As of March 2024, the Visayas recorded the highest percentage of Self-Rated Poor families at 64%, followed by Mindanao at 56%, Balance Luzon at 38%, and Metro Manila at 33%.
Conversely, Self-Rated Food Poverty also presented concerning figures, with 33% of families rating themselves as Food-Poor, 36% on the borderline, and only 31% feeling Not Food-Poor. The Visayas and Metro Manila witnessed an increase in Food-Poor families, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In terms of poverty thresholds, Metro Manila saw a record-high median SRP Threshold of P25,000 in March 2024, while Mindanao witnessed a decline. This disparity underscores the challenges faced by families across different regions.
The survey's insights also delve into the dynamics of poverty transitions, revealing that 6.0% of families transitioned into poverty recently. This highlights the precarious nature of economic stability for many Filipino households.
Despite minimal fluctuations compared to December 2023, where the percentage of Poor families stood at 47%, Borderline families at 33%, and Not Poor families at 20%, the survey highlights the enduring struggle many families face in achieving financial stability.
Regionally, the Self-Rated Poor figures saw a slight decrease in Mindanao and Metro Manila, while the Visayas experienced an increase. As of March 2024, the Visayas recorded the highest percentage of Self-Rated Poor families at 64%, followed by Mindanao at 56%, Balance Luzon at 38%, and Metro Manila at 33%.
Conversely, Self-Rated Food Poverty also presented concerning figures, with 33% of families rating themselves as Food-Poor, 36% on the borderline, and only 31% feeling Not Food-Poor. The Visayas and Metro Manila witnessed an increase in Food-Poor families, exacerbating the already dire situation.
In terms of poverty thresholds, Metro Manila saw a record-high median SRP Threshold of P25,000 in March 2024, while Mindanao witnessed a decline. This disparity underscores the challenges faced by families across different regions.
The survey's insights also delve into the dynamics of poverty transitions, revealing that 6.0% of families transitioned into poverty recently. This highlights the precarious nature of economic stability for many Filipino households.
Apr 25, 2024
