Poverty and hunger. These are pressing issues that remain in our country. Despite the strides in reducing poverty over the past two decades, poverty and hunger remain, and according to a recent SWS survey, have increased.
A December 2024 survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) shows that the percentage of families who saw themselves as poor reached 63 percent, up 4 points up from 59 percent in September 2024.
"The estimated numbers of Self-Rated Poor families were 17.4 million in December 2024 and 16.3 million in September 2024," which is the highest percentage of self-rated poor families in 21 years. In November 2003, only 64 percent rated themselves as poor. This number has been rising steadily for the third consecutive quarter since March 2024.
Another SWS survey conducted from Dec. 12 to 18, highlighted the persistent challenge of hunger. More Filipino families have experienced involuntary hunger—being hungry and not having anything to eat—in the last quarter of 2024. The results revealed that 25.9 percent of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger, a three-point increase from 22.9 percent in the third quarter of 2024. This is also the highest hunger rate since the 30.7 percent peak during the Covid-19 lockdowns in September 2020.
SWS added that the 2024 annual hunger average of 20.2 percent was nearly double the 2023 annual average of 10.7 percent and just 0.9 percentage points below the record-high 2020 annual average of 21.1 percent.
The government has implemented several initiatives to combat hunger and poverty. One of them is the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program,” launched in collaboration with the United Nations, which aims to provide food assistance to the most vulnerable populations.
The private sector and local communities have also initiated programs to address these challenges. Dozens of foundations and non-government organizations are involved in livelihood training programs for heads of families and feeding programs for malnourished children.
Despite these efforts, the persistence of hunger indicates the need for more comprehensive strategies. Addressing the root causes of food insecurity requires a multifaceted approach, including managing inflation, improving agricultural productivity, and ensuring equitable access to resources. Food assistance programs, in collaboration with the private sector, are essential in addressing hunger, particularly in regions with the highest levels of food insecurity.
The government’s commitment to ending poverty by 2040, as outlined in the Ambisyon Natin 2040 vision, is a commendable goal. Achieving this vision will require sustained efforts, policy reforms, and the active participation of all sectors of society. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, private entities, and local communities, the Philippines can work toward a future where every Filipino has access to sufficient, nutritious food and the opportunity to lead a prosperous life.
Meanwhile, the private sector, where funding and implementation will not require many processes, can expand programs or create more innovative and sustainable programs to reduce poverty and hunger. One way to contribute to these efforts are more scholarship grants to provide education, which has shown to break the cycle of poverty. Another is to buy local products to support small enterprises and provide more employment. Volunteering time to teach a skill to members of your barangay can provide livelihood opportunities. These seem like small efforts but when done by a multitude, it can create a difference in the lives of those who rate themselves as poor and hungry.
