Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) attributed the sharp decline in food poverty in the last quarter of 2025 to sustained government efforts to secure food supply and stabilize prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA cited the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey by OCTA Research, which showed a decline in self-rated food poverty from 49 percent to 30 percent, marking a decrease of 19 percent. OCTA Research indicated that this represents roughly 5 million families and is one of the fastest improvements in food poverty perceptions in the TNM series.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the results as evidence of the effectiveness of government programs, such as the 'Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!' initiative, which aims to ensure adequate food supply and affordable prices for Filipino households. He emphasized that the government's efforts are making a tangible impact on families' access to food.

The Secretary also mentioned plans to expand President Ferdinand Marcos' PHP20 rice program to benefit 15 million households, or approximately 60 million Filipinos, with the goal of sustaining the program until the end of the President's term in June 2028. Additionally, increased budgets for farm infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities, and greenhouses, have been approved to boost production, reduce food costs, and enhance rural incomes.

While the DA noted a rise in self-rated hunger from 11 percent to 16 percent in the fourth quarter, OCTA Research pointed out that nearly 80 percent of affected families experienced hunger only occasionally, suggesting short-term food stress rather than chronic hunger. Economists acknowledge that continued support for food production and price management is crucial to maintain progress, but the survey indicates meaningful advancements in household food security due to consistent government efforts.