The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that the country’s food-poverty threshold stands at P64 ($1.12) per day, which is close to the international poverty line of $2.15 (approximately P123). This amount is intended to cover three meals daily per person, sparking discussions on whether it is sufficient for survival.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) previously estimated that a family of five would need a monthly food budget of P9,581 (US$167.46), or about P20 (US$0.35) per meal per person. Critics have challenged this figure, arguing that a daily food budget of P320 (approximately US$5.59) for a family is unreasonably low.
Bernadette Balamban, chief statistical specialist of the PSA’s poverty and human development statistics division, explained that the P64 threshold is based on the national average of food prices in 2023. She highlighted that the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) has provided a recommended “food bundle” to ensure adequate energy and nutrient intake for Filipinos.
For the National Capital Region (NCR), the food-poverty threshold is slightly higher at P72 per person daily, or P361 for a family of five. Balamban emphasized that the calculation assumes meals are prepared at home rather than purchased as ready-made options.