Palace welcomes survey saying fewer Filipinos go hungry now

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which said fewer Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger in the last three months.

READ: Filipino families experiencing hunger down to 3M – SWS

“The SWS survey’s finding that hunger has declined in all areas encourages us to continue our pursuit of inclusive growth,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

Lacierda noted that families experiencing involuntary hunger dropped from 17.2 percent in December last year to 13.5 percent in March.

Pointing out that it is the lowest recorded rate in the last 10 years, he said, “This 3.7-point drop translates to an estimated 800,000 families no longer experiencing involuntary hunger.”

“The administration’s investment in social services—in the form of budget increases—is truly paying off,” he said.

Lacierda said the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, through its various agencies, will continue programs that address poverty and hunger in the country.

Among the programs he enumerated were the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the K to 12 reform and the expansion of PhilHealth coverage.

“All these contribute to a better quality of life for our people, equipping them to find better opportunities to lift up their families and, ultimately, the nation,” he said. TVJ

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