MANILA, Philippines: The latest survey conducted by OCTA Research reveals that although the number of Filipinos who consider themselves poor has decreased in the fourth quarter of 2023, there has been an increase in the number of individuals experiencing involuntary hunger. This survey provides valuable insights into the economic situation and food security of the Filipino population.
According to the Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research from December 10 to 14, approximately 45 percent, or an estimated 11.9 million Filipinos, identified themselves as poor in the fourth quarter of 2023. This represents a slight decrease from the previous quarter, where 46 percent, or 12.1 million families, reported being poor. It is worth noting that this decrease aligns with the downward trend in self-rated poverty observed in the third quarter.
While self-rated poverty decreased overall, there were regional variations in the data. Mindanao experienced a 10 percentage point increase in self-rated poverty, rising from 58 percent in the previous quarter to 68 percent. However, this was offset by notable decreases in self-rated hunger in the National Capital Region, which decreased from 41 percent to 28 percent, and in the Visayas, which saw a 12 percentage point decrease from 59 percent to 47 percent.
In contrast to the decrease in self-rated poverty, the number of individuals experiencing involuntary hunger increased by 14 percent. This translates to approximately 3.7 million families, representing a four percentage point increase from the previous quarter, where only 10 percent, or 2.6 million families, reported experiencing hunger. This increase deviates from the downward trend observed in the second and third quarters of 2023.
Analyzing the data by region, the Visayas had the highest percentage of respondents reporting involuntary hunger at 19 percent, followed closely by Mindanao at 18 percent. Balanced Luzon reported an 11 percent rate, while the National Capital Region had the lowest rate at 8 percent. Notably, Mindanao experienced a significant increase in the number of individuals reporting involuntary hunger, rising from 9 percent in the previous quarter to 18 percent.
Among those who reported experiencing hunger, 89 percent stated that it occurred once or a few times, while 11 percent said it was a frequent occurrence. These findings shed light on the severity and frequency of food insecurity experienced by certain segments of the Filipino population.
It is important to note that the survey conducted by OCTA Research had a sample size of 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus or minus three percent nationwide. For the National Capital Region, Balanced Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the margin of error was plus or minus six percent. These statistics provide a reliable snapshot of the overall sentiment and experiences of Filipinos regarding poverty and hunger.
The survey results highlight the complex nature of poverty and food insecurity in the Philippines. While there has been a decrease in self-rated poverty, the increase in involuntary hunger indicates that there are still significant challenges to be addressed. These findings call for targeted interventions and policies to alleviate poverty and ensure food security for all Filipinos, particularly in regions experiencing higher rates of hunger.
As the Philippines continues to navigate economic recovery and address social issues, it is crucial to monitor these indicators closely and develop comprehensive strategies to uplift vulnerable communities and improve the overall well-being of the population.
Source: The Manila Times
