The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has unveiled the 2023 Poverty Statistics, offering a detailed look at the poverty landscape within 11 of the 14 sectors. The data reveals a mixed outlook, with substantial progress in some areas but persistent challenges in others.
Data showed the highest poverty incidence among Indigenous peoples at 32.4 percent, fisherfolk at 27.4 percent, and farmers at 27.0 percent. Simply, one in every three indigenous peoples, fisherfolk and farmers were among the poorest in the country, where agriculture remains a pillar of the economy.
The poverty data reflect the ongoing struggles of these groups to access resources and opportunities that could improve their socio-economic conditions. Despite improvements, these sectors continue to experience significant poverty, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address their specific needs.
In contrast, senior citizens at 7.8 percent, formal labor workers at 8.3 percent, and migrant workers at 10.3 percent recorded the lowest poverty incidences, suggesting the effectiveness of social safety nets and labor market participation in providing stability. Notably, urban residents also showed lower poverty rates, highlighting the economic opportunities available in metropolitan areas.
A comparison of poverty data between 2021 and 2023 shows a general decline in poverty rates across all sectors, with a national drop of 2.6 percentage points. Children, in particular, saw a significant reduction in poverty, with 1.13 million fewer children living in poverty. Women also benefited from this trend, with 1.28 million fewer women experiencing poverty during the same period.
In addition to the 11 basic sectors, PSA statistics showed poverty incidence among individuals residing in rural areas at 22.1 percent in 2023, higher than the poverty incidence of those in urban areas at 10.3 percent. Moreover, the number of poor individuals in rural areas decreased by 2.25 million from 2021 to 2023.
However, challenges persist, especially in rural and marginalized sectors. For instance, individuals with disabilities, while relatively few in number, continue to face disproportionately high poverty risks, highlighting gaps in inclusive social policies.
The PSA survey findings call for continued policy innovation and targeted social interventions to ensure that progress reaches those who need it most.
