FILE

It’s a troubling time for many Filipino families, as the latest Social Weather Survey reveals a sharp increase in hunger. Conducted from September 14-23, 2024, the survey found that 22.9% of families experienced involuntary hunger—meaning they went hungry at least once in the past three months because there wasn’t enough food on the table. This figure marks a significant spike from the 17.6% reported in June 2024 and is the highest level seen since September 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

The data shows a concerning trend: hunger rates have risen steadily over the past year, jumping by 13.1 points from September 2023. The average hunger rate for 2024 now sits at 18.2%, a significant increase from the 2023 average of 10.7%. In fact, the current figure is just a few points shy of the 2020 record when the annual average hit 21.1%.

Regions Feeling the Brunt

The survey reveals stark differences in how hunger is affecting various regions across the Philippines. The problem is most severe in Mindanao, where hunger has nearly doubled to 30.7%, up a whopping 15 points from June. The Visayas has also seen a significant rise, with 26% of families experiencing hunger, a 12.3-point jump. Metro Manila saw a more modest increase from 20% to 21.7%, while Balance Luzon actually saw a slight improvement, with hunger dipping from 19.6% to 18.1%.

Moderate vs. Severe Hunger

Breaking down the 22.9% hunger rate, the survey found that 16.8% of families experienced “Moderate Hunger,” meaning they went hungry only once or a few times, while 6.1% faced “Severe Hunger,” meaning it happened often or always. Both figures have increased since June, with Moderate Hunger up by 4 points and Severe Hunger up by 1.2 points.

In Metro Manila, Severe Hunger rose to 8.3%, while Moderate Hunger remained steady. The Visayas and Mindanao experienced more dramatic increases, with both regions seeing double-digit rises in Moderate Hunger.

Hunger and Poverty Go Hand-in-Hand

It’s no surprise that hunger is hitting hardest among those who consider themselves poor. The survey shows that 59% of families now rate themselves as "Mahirap" or Poor, while 46% consider themselves "Food-Poor" based on the quality of food they can afford. Hunger among the Self-Rated Poor has surged to 29.3%, while those who identify as Food-Poor are struggling even more, with 34.5% experiencing hunger.

The numbers suggest that while hunger affects everyone, those living in poverty are bearing the brunt. The gap between hunger rates among the poor and the non-poor continues to widen, reflecting deepening inequality in the country.

What’s Behind the Rise?

While the survey doesn’t pinpoint exact reasons for the increase, the sharp jumps in Mindanao and the Visayas suggest that economic conditions, inflation, and possibly disruptions in food supply chains are playing a role. It’s also worth noting that more families are identifying as poor compared to previous months, suggesting that financial pressures are mounting across the board.

Looking Forward

The recent surge in hunger highlights the need for urgent action. Addressing the root causes of poverty and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food must be a priority for policymakers. While some regions have seen slight improvements, the overall trend shows that more and more Filipino families are struggling to make ends meet.

As the year draws to a close, the hope is that these figures will prompt a swift response to alleviate hunger and improve the quality of life for millions of Filipinos who are currently going without.