House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Speaker’s office)

The administration of President Marcos is winning in its fight against poverty. 

Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez in reaction to the drop in Filipinos' self-poverty ratings, as per the results of the latest OCTA Research survey. 

"The reforms and programs being implemented by President Marcos Jr.'s administration are now bearing fruit. The latest survey shows that over a million Filipino families no longer consider themselves poor, which can only mean one thing: the Marcos administration is succeeding in its mission to reduce poverty," Romualdez said in a statement Wednesday, Oct. 24. 

“Atin pong ikinagagalak ang magandang balitang ito. Hindi po nasasayang ang ating pagsisikap na maiahon ang ating mga kababayan sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign ng ating mahal na Pangulo,” the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives said. 

(We are happy over this good news. Our efforts to uplift the lives of our countrymen under our beloved President’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign have not gone to waste.) 

The OCTA Research survey, conducted from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2, 2024, revealed a five-percentage point drop in self-rated poverty, with an estimated 1.4 million Filipino families now considering themselves "not poor". 

Additionally, self-rated hunger also fell from 16 percent to 11 percent, meaning approximately 1.3 million families no longer experience hunger. 

"Despite the global challenges brought about by conflicts and supply chain disruptions, our administration continues to prioritize the welfare of the people, especially the marginalized," Speaker Romualdez said. 

"Nakikita na natin ang resulta ng mga programa ng Pangulong Marcos, at ito ay nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa mas maraming pamilyang Pilipino,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman. 

(We are seeing the results of President Marcos' programs, which gives hope to more Filipino families.) 

The Speaker emphasized that the Marcos administration’s targeted support programs, including food assistance and social safety nets, have been instrumental in lifting Filipino families out of poverty. 

He highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring that no Filipino is left behind, especially during these trying times. 

"President Marcos has been consistent in his vision of building a resilient economy, one that is capable of withstanding the pressures of international disruptions. Through the administration’s interventions, we are seeing the positive impact on the lives of ordinary Filipinos," Romualdez explained.