The latest survey by OCTA Research shows that an estimated 11.9 million Filipino families or 45% of the population say they are poor. This is up from 42% in April, equivalent to approximately ₱800,000 more families being added to the poor list. Meanwhile, only 16% said they were not poor, while 39% were unsure.
In the data by region, Mindanao had the highest poverty rate reaching 63% from 61%, followed by Visayas at 59%, Balance Luzon at 37% from 29%, and Metro Manila at 23% from 28%.
In addition, self-rated food poverty or lack of sufficient and nutritious food also increased from 35% in April to 43% in July. According to OCTA, even though some families still have a home and some assets, they are forced to reduce the quantity or quality of food to fit the budget. This can potentially cause health and nutrition problems.
Despite the increase in food poverty, the hunger rate, or families who experienced food insecurity at least once in the past three months, remained at 13%. A significant decrease was recorded in Mindanao from 23% to 4%, but increased in Visayas (20% from 15%), Metro Manila (13% from 11%), and Balance Luzon (13% from 7%).
The survey was conducted from July 12 to 17 among 1,200 people, with a margin of error of ±3%.
