Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) believes the historic drop of poverty incidence to 9.7 percent is an affirmation of the impact of the Marcos administration's flagship programs to help poor Filipino families like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
According to Philippines News Agency, the 2025 Full-Year Poverty Statistics released by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed a significant decrease in poverty incidence among the population, now at a record-low of 9.7 percent, down from 15.5 percent in 2023. Data indicated that 6.5 million Filipinos have been lifted out of poverty between 2023 and 2025.
"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. 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," DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a news release Friday.
Dumlao welcomed the poverty statistics report as an achievement for DSWD and the government's single-digit target under the Philippine Development Plan, which was accomplished three years ahead of schedule.
"The report shows the fruits of the collaboration between the national government, local government, private sector, and the Filipino people towards building a brighter future. Ikinatutuwa din ito ng DSWD, at nangangako kaming mas pagbubutihin pa ang pagbibigay serbisyo para sa ating mga benepisyaryo (The DSWD is also happy with this, and we promise to further improve the delivery of services to our beneficiaries)," Dumlao added.
In addition to 4Ps, the DSWD continues to implement programs such as the Walang Gutom Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Sustainable Livelihood Program, and other social protection interventions aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term needs of poor and vulnerable Filipinos.
"Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., patuloy pang pinaparami ng DSWD ang mga oportunidad sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino para sa kanilang development, magkaroon sila ng trabaho o di kaya ay hanap-buhay at magka access sa iba't-ibang programa ng gobyerno (In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DSWD continues to provide development opportunities to every Filipino family, for them to find jobs, livelihood and access to various programs of the government)," Dumlao stated.
