According to SWS, the new record-low self-rated poverty score is a continuing recovery from the 10-point rise within the first three quarters of 2018. The proportion of self-rated poor families rose from 42 percent in March 2018 to 48 percent in June 2018, and 52 percent in September 2018. The remaining 26 percent, or about three out of four poor families, have never experienced being non-poor (“always poor”). SWS explained that the new record-low proportion of self-rated food poor families comes after the recovery from the seven-point increase in self-rated food poverty in the first three quarters of 2018. The proportion of self-rated food poor families was at 29 percent in March 2018.

Source: Manila Bulletin June 19, 2019 03:33 UTC