SWS: 49% of Filipino families rate themselves as poor in Q2 2025

SURVEY SAYS

SWS: 49% of Filipino families rate themselves as poor in Q2 2025

August 4, 2025

MANILA — A new Social Weather Survey (SWS) reveals that 49% of Filipino families rated themselves as poor in the second quarter of 2025. The figure, based on a survey conducted from June 25-29, is a slight 1-point decrease from the 50% recorded in the previous quarter. The report estimates this represents approximately 13.7 million families nationwide.

The survey also found that 10% of families identified as “Borderline,” while 41% considered themselves “Not Poor.” The latest poverty rating is 1 point below the 50% recorded in April 2025.

Poverty varies by region

While the national rate saw a slight decline, the survey highlights significant shifts in self-rated poverty across different regions.

Mindanao now has the highest rate of self-rated poverty at 69%, an increase of 8 points from April 2025.
In contrast, the Visayas saw a notable improvement, with a 7-point decline to 60%.
Balance Luzon also saw a decrease, falling by 5 points to 38%.
Metro Manila experienced a 3-point increase, with 36% of families rating themselves as poor.

Food poverty and family budgets

On the matter of Self-Rated Food Poverty, the percentage of families rating themselves as food-poor remained at 41%, unchanged from the previous quarter. Regionally, Mindanao also saw a rise in food poverty (up 5 points to 60%), while the Visayas saw a 7-point decline to 44%.

The survey also uncovered a disconnect between perceived needs and actual income. The national median Self-Rated Poverty Threshold—the minimum monthly budget families say they need to not be poor—rose to P12,000. However, the Self-Rated Poverty Gap, which is the amount of money they feel they are lacking, remained at P5,000. SWS noted that this is a sign of “belt-tightening,” where poor families are lowering their living standards to cope with inflation.