NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
51% Of Filipino Families Still Say They're Poor - SWS
FILE
More than half of Filipino families continue to consider themselves poor, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, underscoring the persistent financial strain faced by many households across the country.
The nationwide survey conducted from November 24 to 30, 2025 found that 51% of Filipino families rated themselves as “mahirap” or poor, a slight increase from 50% in September 2025. Another 12% described themselves as “borderline,” while 37% said they were not poor.
Despite the minimal quarter-to-quarter change, the latest figure still marks an improvement compared to 2024, when self-rated poverty levels were higher on average. SWS data indicate that overall self-rated poverty eased in 2025, though a majority of families continue to feel economically vulnerable.
Based on SWS estimates, about 14.3 million families nationwide considered themselves poor as of November 2025. The survey also showed that a significant portion of these households reported having experienced poverty for several years, while others said they had fallen into poverty more recently.
Self-rated poverty levels varied widely by region. Mindanao recorded the highest rate, while Metro Manila posted the lowest, reflecting long-standing regional disparities. The Visayas and Balance Luzon also reported elevated poverty levels, contributing to the slight national increase.
Food security results were mixed. Around 40% of families considered themselves food-poor, one of the lower readings in recent surveys, though rates remained notably higher in Mindanao and the Visayas compared to Metro Manila.
The survey also found that the self-rated poverty threshold—the minimum monthly budget families say they need to avoid feeling poor—rose significantly by late 2025, highlighting the impact of rising prices and household expenses.
Overall, the latest SWS findings suggest that while some progress has been made compared to last year, a majority of Filipino families still struggle to make ends meet, pointing to an uneven and fragile economic recovery.
The nationwide survey conducted from November 24 to 30, 2025 found that 51% of Filipino families rated themselves as “mahirap” or poor, a slight increase from 50% in September 2025. Another 12% described themselves as “borderline,” while 37% said they were not poor.
Despite the minimal quarter-to-quarter change, the latest figure still marks an improvement compared to 2024, when self-rated poverty levels were higher on average. SWS data indicate that overall self-rated poverty eased in 2025, though a majority of families continue to feel economically vulnerable.
Based on SWS estimates, about 14.3 million families nationwide considered themselves poor as of November 2025. The survey also showed that a significant portion of these households reported having experienced poverty for several years, while others said they had fallen into poverty more recently.
Self-rated poverty levels varied widely by region. Mindanao recorded the highest rate, while Metro Manila posted the lowest, reflecting long-standing regional disparities. The Visayas and Balance Luzon also reported elevated poverty levels, contributing to the slight national increase.
Food security results were mixed. Around 40% of families considered themselves food-poor, one of the lower readings in recent surveys, though rates remained notably higher in Mindanao and the Visayas compared to Metro Manila.
The survey also found that the self-rated poverty threshold—the minimum monthly budget families say they need to avoid feeling poor—rose significantly by late 2025, highlighting the impact of rising prices and household expenses.
Overall, the latest SWS findings suggest that while some progress has been made compared to last year, a majority of Filipino families still struggle to make ends meet, pointing to an uneven and fragile economic recovery.
Jan 9, 2026
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