HUNGER RATE AMONG FILIPINOS RISES TO 25.9%, HIGHEST SINCE PANDEMIC – SWS

Number of Filipino households experiencing involuntary hunger rose, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

The number of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger has jumped to 25.9% in December 2024, the highest since the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

25.9% of Filipino families have experienced being hungry and without food at least once in the previous three months. The latest figure is higher than the 22.9% recorded in September last year. It is also the highest since the 30.7% recorded in September 2020 when movements were limited to curb the spread of COVID-19.

With the December 2024 hunger rate, the resulting annual hunger average is almost twice the annual hunger average from 2023. The 2023 hunger average was 10.7%; the 2024 hunger average is 22.9%.

The SWS defines involuntary hunger as “being hungry and not having anything to eat.” Of the 25.9% figure, 18.7% experienced “moderate hunger,” or those who experienced it only once or a few times, and 7.2% experienced “severe hunger,” or those who experienced being hungry often or always.

Both moderate hunger and severe hunger rates rose when compared to September 2024. Across the country, moderate hunger rose from 13.3% in September 2024 to 17.8% in December, while severe hunger rose from 6.1% to 7.2%.

Among the areas, Mindanao had the highest hunger rate at 30.3%. This is followed by Balance Luzon (areas outside of Metro Manila) at 25.3%, Visayas at 24.4%, and Metro Manila at 22.2%.

The SWS said that those hungry were often poor. “Hunger occurs at different rates among the Poor and the Non-Poor. At any single point in time, hunger is usually higher among the Poor. From quarter to quarter, however, the hunger rates among the poor and the non-poor may change, either upward or downward. Hunger is highest among the food-poor.”

The non-commissioned survey was conducted from December 12 to 18, 2024, through face-to-face interviews with 2,160 adults nationwide: 1,080 in Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila) and 360 each in Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer 

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]