Malacañang on Friday welcomed the results of the latest OCTA Research survey, which showed a significant decline in the number of Filipino families who consider themselves poor.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro attributed the survey results to the success of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration’s anti-poverty and social welfare initiatives.

“Ibig sabihin, nararamdaman na rin po ng mga taong target ng mga programa ng Pangulo patungkol sa kagutuman ang pag-angat, ang improvement,” Castro said in a press briefing.

The nationwide survey from April 10 to 16 showed that self-rated poverty dropped to 42 percent from 50 percent in November 2024. The drop represents an estimated 2.1 million Filipino families who have seen improvement in their standard of living and no longer consider themselves poor.

Castro hailed the survey results, recognizing the positive impact of the administration’s targeted programs aimed at poverty alleviation.

In addition to the decline in self-rated poverty, the survey also recorded a 14-point drop in food poverty for families struggling to afford sufficient nutritious food, now at 35 percent from 49 percent in the previous quarter.

This translates to approximately 3.7 million families who consider themselves free from food-related insecurity.

To sustain this momentum, Castro said the administration will continue to expand and strengthen its social welfare and livelihood programs to ensure that more Filipino families achieve a better quality of life.

“Sisikapin po ng ating Pangulo at ng administrasyon na lalo pang mapalawig ang mga programang ito para mas lalong maiangat ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” Castro said. | PND