MANILA, Philippines — Filipino households now believe they need a minimum monthly income of ₱12,000 to avoid poverty, with Metro Manila families placing the threshold significantly higher at ₱20,000, according to a new survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS).
The nationwide survey, conducted in the second quarter of 2025, highlights growing concerns about the rising cost of living, especially in urban areas. Respondents across the country reported that a ₱12,000 monthly budget is the minimum amount required to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, transportation, and education.
However, those residing in the National Capital Region (NCR) said they would need at least ₱20,000 per month to stay out of poverty — a stark contrast to households in other regions.
The figures far exceed the official poverty threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which in 2023 placed the minimum income needed by a family of five at around ₱13,800 per month.
The gap between official statistics and self-assessed poverty lines reflects the increasing pressure families face amid persistent inflation. Rising prices of essential goods and services — such as food, electricity, fuel, and transportation — are likely driving the public’s perception of a higher poverty threshold.
SWS has long used self-rated poverty surveys to capture how Filipinos assess their own economic situation. These surveys provide insight into the lived experiences of households, offering a broader view than government-defined metrics alone.
As of the latest PSA report, around 22% of Filipino families remain below the poverty line. With inflation and wages continuing to be major economic concerns, the new survey underscores growing demands for more responsive social protection and wage policies.
SWS has yet to release full details of the survey, including regional breakdowns outside NCR and margin of error. However, the initial findings are already sparking debate on whether official poverty lines should be updated to reflect current living conditions.
