MANILA, Philippines — January 21, 2026 — Fewer Filipinos now consider themselves poor, with a record 4.5 million families exiting self-rated poverty in the last quarter of 2025, according to the latest OCTA Research survey. The nationwide poll showed poverty perception dropping to 37 percent, the sharpest single-quarter decline ever recorded.

The number of Filipino families who see themselves as poor has significantly decreased, based on the December 2025 Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research. 

The study revealed that only 37 percent of respondents, or about 9.8 million families, rated themselves as poor, down from 54 percent, or 14.3 million families, in September 2025. This translates to 4.5 million families no longer considering themselves poor within just three months, marking the largest single-quarter improvement in the survey’s history.

The survey, conducted from December 3 to 11, highlighted broad improvements across most regions. Self-rated poverty fell sharply in Luzon, where only 22 percent of families identified as poor, while the Visayas also saw notable declines. However, Mindanao bucked the trend, with poverty perception rising slightly from 63 percent to 67 percent.

Interestingly, while fewer Filipinos identified as poor, more respondents expressed uncertainty about their economic status. The proportion of families who said they were “not poor” rose from 13 percent to 22 percent, while those who were undecided increased from 33 percent to 41 percent. Analysts suggest this reflects shifting perceptions amid ongoing economic adjustments, inflationary pressures, and recovery from pandemic-era hardships.

Despite the positive trend in poverty perception, the survey also noted a rise in hunger incidence nationwide, underscoring the complexity of household well-being. While more families feel they have escaped poverty, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, particularly in vulnerable communities.

OCTA Research emphasized that the December results represent a “clear break” from previous survey trends, both in scale and speed. The group noted that the improvement coincided with seasonal factors such as increased employment and income opportunities during the holiday period, as well as government assistance programs.

The findings have sparked discussions among policymakers and economists about sustaining the momentum. Experts warn that while self-rated poverty has dropped, structural challenges such as inflation, underemployment, and regional disparities must be addressed to ensure long-term gains.

For millions of Filipino families, however, the survey offers a rare moment of optimism. The sharp decline in poverty perception suggests that many households are beginning to feel relief from economic pressures, even as the country continues to grapple with broader social and financial challenges.

Feeling Less Poor, Living Still Strained

A sharp drop in self-rated poverty feels like long-awaited relief. Millions of families say they no longer see themselves as poor, a rare surge of confidence after years of strain. Perception matters. It shapes spending, hope, and daily decisions, and it signals that some pressure has eased.

But hunger is rising, and that breaks the celebration. Feeling less poor does not fill plates or steady prices. Food insecurity exposes fragile gains, uneven recovery, and regions left behind. If optimism grows while hunger spreads, policy cannot stop at perception. Can relief endure if households still struggle to eat across the country?