A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 63% of Filipino families, equivalent to about 17.4 million households, considered themselves poor in December 2024. This marks a four-point increase from the 59% recorded in September and represents the highest level of self-rated poverty in 21 years since November 2003’s 64%.
The annual average for self-rated poverty in 2024 was 57%, significantly higher than the 48% recorded in both 2023 and 2022. Among the 63%, 10.2% identified as “newly poor,” indicating they fell into poverty within the last one to four years.
The survey, conducted from December 12 to 18, also found regional disparities. Self-rated poverty was highest in Mindanao at 76%, followed by the Visayas (74%), Balance Luzon (55%), and Metro Manila (51%). Notably, Mindanao and the Visayas saw significant increases of 9 and 12 percentage points, respectively, compared to September 2024.
Meanwhile, 26% of families considered themselves “not poor,” down from 28% in September. Families identifying as “borderline” poverty decreased slightly to 11%.
The study also highlighted a rise in self-rated food poverty, with 51% of families rating themselves as “food-poor” in December—up from 46% in September and June. This was the highest level since March 2004. Food poverty was most severe in Mindanao (68%), followed by the Visayas (61%), Balance Luzon (42%), and Metro Manila (39%).
The non-commissioned survey, which interviewed 2,160 adults nationwide, has a ±2% margin of error for national results and higher margins for specific regions. Questions about poverty and food poverty were directed to household heads.
