Poverty Rates Decline Across 11 Philippine Regions in 2023

Manila-The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported a decrease in poverty incidence across 11 of the country’s 18 regions in 2023. This data, derived from the preliminary results of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, indicates that a family of five required at least PHP13,873 per month last year to meet their basic food and non-food needs, a notable rise from PHP11,998 in 2021.

According to Philippines News agency, Caraga exhibited the most significant improvement, with its poverty rate among families dropping to 14.9 percent in 2023 from 25.9 percent in 2021. The reduction in poverty rates has been widespread, including in regions such as Region VII, BARMM, and Region II, among others. The National Capital Region maintained the lowest poverty rate at 1.1 percent. The overall decline in poverty was attributed to wage increases and economic improvements, with the national family income average rising by 15 percent from 2021 to 2023. The PSA also plans to update its food menu and poverty threshold calculations by 2025 to better reflect current consumption patterns and nutritional requirements.