SWS: Self-rated poverty rises for 4th consecutive month
Fifty-five percent of Filipino families rated themselves “mahirap” (poor) in April, up by three points from 52 percent in March, based on the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from April 11 to 15.
The survey, commissioned by Stratbase Consultancy, estimated that the number of self-rated poor families rose from 14.4 million in March to 15.5 million in April.
Meanwhile, 12 percent of families categorized themselves as “borderline,” placing themselves between poor and not poor, maintaining the same percentage as in March.
The percentage of families who considered themselves not poor fell to 32 percent from 36 percent the previous month.
SWS noted that self-rated poverty has risen steadily for four consecutive months, after a sharp decline of 13 points, from 63 percent in December 2024 to 50 percent in January 2025.
Self-rated poverty rises in all areas except Balance Luzon
SWS said self-rated poverty increased across most areas, with Mindanao recording the highest rate at 70 percent, followed by the Visayas at 67 percent and Metro Manila at 45 percent.
Compared to March, Mindanao saw a significant rise of 10 percentage points, the Visayas increased by five points, and Metro Manila rose by four points.
In contrast, Balance Luzon experienced a slight decline of two points, from 46 percent to 44 percent.
SWS noted that the proportion of families identifying as borderline hardly changed across the regions.
In terms of those who considered themselves not poor, Mindanao experienced the sharpest drop, falling by 11 points to 16 percent.
The Visayas saw a decline of four points to 21 percent, while Metro Manila dropped by three points to 45 percent.
However, Balance Luzon showed little to no change, with 44 percent of families considering themselves not poor.
The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,800 registered voters aged 18 and above.
The nationwide margin of error is ±2.31 percent, while the margins for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao are ±3.27 percent and ±5.66 percent, respectively.