Malacañang on Friday expressed its appreciation for the latest survey results from OCTA Research, which revealed a notable reduction in the number of Filipino families who consider themselves poor. According to the survey, self-rated poverty has decreased from 50% in November 2024 to 42% in April 2025, indicating a positive shift in the living conditions of many Filipinos.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro attributed this improvement to the success of the Marcos administration’s anti-poverty programs and social welfare initiatives. She emphasized that the decline in poverty levels reflects the tangible benefits of the government’s efforts to uplift vulnerable sectors of society.
“This means that the people targeted by the President’s programs regarding hunger are also feeling the uplift, the improvement,” Castro said during a press briefing.
The nationwide survey, conducted between April 10 to 16, also showed an encouraging drop in food poverty. The percentage of families unable to afford sufficient nutritious food decreased by 14 points, from 49% in the previous quarter to 35%. This suggests that approximately 3.7 million Filipino families now feel more secure when it comes to meeting their basic nutritional needs.
Castro highlighted the positive impact of the administration’s targeted poverty alleviation programs, which aim to improve the living standards of Filipino families, particularly those in marginalized sectors. The survey results were seen as a clear indication of the effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing poverty and food insecurity.
“The decrease in the number of families reporting that they are poor, as well as the decrease in food poverty, is a clear sign of the success of the programs promoted by our administration. We continue to strengthen these programs so that more families can benefit,” Castro stated.
Looking forward, Undersecretary Castro reiterated that the administration remains committed to expanding and strengthening its social welfare and livelihood programs. The goal is to ensure that even more Filipino families experience an improved quality of life, as the government continues to prioritize poverty alleviation as a cornerstone of its development agenda.
“Our President and the administration will strive to further expand these programs to further improve the lives of our countrymen,” Castro affirmed.
