MANILA, Philippines — A new Pulse Asia survey released in March 2026 shows that 41% of Filipinos want the government to prioritize making food prices more affordable, with rice, meat, and fish identified as the most urgent concerns. This marks a three-point increase from December 2025, when 38% of respondents expressed the same demand.

The survey, conducted from February 27 to March 2, 2026 and commissioned by the Stratbase ADR Institute, highlights food affordability as the top issue Filipinos want addressed by national leaders. The findings reflect growing frustration over inflation and rising household costs, particularly in Luzon outside Metro Manila and in Mindanao, where support for lowering food prices reached 46%.

Pulse Asia noted that the demand for affordable food has overtaken other pressing concerns such as corruption and job creation. According to the survey, 26% of respondents want the government to focus on reducing corruption, while 24% prioritize job creation and livelihood opportunities. The remaining 10% cited accessible education and healthcare as their main concerns.

Analysts point out that the surge in calls for food affordability is linked to global fuel price hikes and supply chain disruptions, which have driven up the cost of basic commodities. The Manila Times reported that soaring fuel costs, partly due to international conflicts, have sharpened the urgency of lowering food prices as households struggle to cope with higher expenses.

The survey results underscore the political and economic pressure facing the administration, as food inflation continues to be a major driver of overall consumer price increases. Economists warn that unless the government implements stronger measures to stabilize food supply and reduce costs, public dissatisfaction could intensify.

In response to the findings, policy experts from Stratbase emphasized that ensuring affordable food prices is not only a matter of economic stability but also of social equity. They argue that food affordability directly impacts poverty reduction and national productivity, making it a critical priority for governance.

The Pulse Asia survey serves as a reminder that for millions of Filipinos, the most immediate measure of government performance is whether families can afford to put food on the table. With inflation still the country’s most urgent concern, the call for affordable food prices is expected to remain at the forefront of public discourse and policymaking in the months ahead.