Marcos admin to expand anti-poverty programs amid rising self-rated poverty

Malacañang assured the public on Monday, April 28, that the Marcos administration will expand its anti-poverty and hunger initiatives following a recent survey showing an increase in self-rated poverty among Filipinos.

The latest Stratbase-SWS survey revealed that 55 percent of Filipino families rated themselves as poor in April, equivalent to 15.5 million families, compared to 49 percent or 14.4 million families in March.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro cited Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan's statement that poverty is a dynamic issue and self-rated surveys are sensitive to inflation and fluctuations in the prices of essential goods.

Among the ongoing efforts listed are the Walang Gutom Program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, School-Based Feeding Program, and the upcoming rollout of the PHP20 per kilo rice program in Cebu on May 1.

Castro emphasized that these programs will be expanded to address issues concerning poverty and hunger, dismissing online claims of poor quality or politically motivated timing ahead of the midterm elections.

The administration plans to sustain the P20 per kilo rice program until December before incorporating it into the 2026 national budget.