Malacañang is concerned over the increase in the number of Filipino families that have considered themselves poor.
A third quarter survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations has revealed that self-rated poverty among Filipino families has increased to 47 percent or an estimated 10.9 million in the third quarter of 2017, three points up from 44 percent or 10.1 million in the second quarter of this year.
But presidential spokesperson Harry Roque noted that the number of Filipino families considering themselves as food-poor decreased. The SWS said an estimated 7.4 million families or 32 percent considered themselves food-poor, three points lower than the 35 percent recorded last March.
“Yes, we’re concerned that the perception of poverty increased. However, take note that iyung food-poor rating decreased,” Roque said.
Roque said Malacañang is encouraged by the decrease in the number of Filipino families that considered themselves food-poor and hopes that the economic gains of the Duterte administration will soon affect the public.
“We’re still very much encouraged by the fact that iyung perception ng food-poor is decreased and iyung average ng Duterte administration, na 45 percent is still lower than the previous administration,” he said. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
