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Advocates Philippines
Good News: 11 Regions In The Philippines See Significant Drop In Poverty In 2023
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In a bright spot for the Philippine economy, recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals that 11 out of 18 regions saw notable reductions in poverty incidence last year.
The 2023 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics, updated from the preliminary 2023 Family Income and Expenditure Survey, paints a hopeful picture of progress across the nation.
The national poverty incidence, which measures the percentage of families struggling to meet their basic needs, was recorded at 10.9% in 2023. This translates to nearly 3 million Filipino families facing financial hardship.
However, the recent report highlights a significant improvement in various regions, showing a trend towards economic upliftment.
Regions Making Strides
Among the standout performers, Caraga led the charge with a remarkable reduction in poverty incidence. From a troubling 25.9% in 2021, Caraga’s rate plummeted to 14.9% in 2023—an impressive 11 percentage point drop. This positive change reflects targeted efforts and programs aimed at alleviating poverty in the region.
Other regions also showed considerable improvements, though not all changes were statistically significant. The updates also include fresh poverty estimates for the newly established Negros Island Region (NIR), which led to adjustments in the poverty rates of surrounding regions.
Challenges Remain
Despite these advances, some areas are still facing challenges. Regions like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Zamboanga Peninsula continue to grapple with higher poverty rates, recording 23.5% and 24.2% respectively in 2023. Notably, the NIR saw an increase in poverty incidence, with a rise of 4.4 percentage points from previous years.
Looking Ahead
While the drop in poverty across many regions is encouraging, the road ahead will require sustained efforts to address the disparities that remain. As the country continues to navigate economic challenges, these statistics offer a glimpse of hope and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to improve the livelihoods of all Filipinos.
The 2023 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics, updated from the preliminary 2023 Family Income and Expenditure Survey, paints a hopeful picture of progress across the nation.
The national poverty incidence, which measures the percentage of families struggling to meet their basic needs, was recorded at 10.9% in 2023. This translates to nearly 3 million Filipino families facing financial hardship.
However, the recent report highlights a significant improvement in various regions, showing a trend towards economic upliftment.
Regions Making Strides
Among the standout performers, Caraga led the charge with a remarkable reduction in poverty incidence. From a troubling 25.9% in 2021, Caraga’s rate plummeted to 14.9% in 2023—an impressive 11 percentage point drop. This positive change reflects targeted efforts and programs aimed at alleviating poverty in the region.
Other regions also showed considerable improvements, though not all changes were statistically significant. The updates also include fresh poverty estimates for the newly established Negros Island Region (NIR), which led to adjustments in the poverty rates of surrounding regions.
Challenges Remain
Despite these advances, some areas are still facing challenges. Regions like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Zamboanga Peninsula continue to grapple with higher poverty rates, recording 23.5% and 24.2% respectively in 2023. Notably, the NIR saw an increase in poverty incidence, with a rise of 4.4 percentage points from previous years.
Looking Ahead
While the drop in poverty across many regions is encouraging, the road ahead will require sustained efforts to address the disparities that remain. As the country continues to navigate economic challenges, these statistics offer a glimpse of hope and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to improve the livelihoods of all Filipinos.
Aug 16, 2024
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