DSWD: Drop in poverty affirms gov’t programs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) believes the record-low drop in poverty incidence from 15.5 percent to 9.7 percent in 2023 affirms the programs of President Marcos’ administration to help poor Filipino families.

The figures were based on 2025 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

“This is a positive development and an affirmation that the whole-of-government strategy to address poverty alleviation is working, especially through the flagship programs like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps),” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency’s spokesperson, said on Friday.

READ: PSA: PH poverty hit lowest, single-digit level in 2025

“We also take this historic achievement as proof that what we are doing in implementing our programs is working to help the poor and vulnerable sectors.” She added: “The DSWD is also happy with this, and we promise to further improve the delivery of services to our beneficiaries.’ /cb