Millions rise above poverty as the Philippines records its lowest rate in history

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 21, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Adobe Stock

PHILIPPINES – The Philippines is seeing a historic decline in poverty, with the national poverty rate falling to 9.7 percent in 2025, the lowest level ever recorded.

The figure is down from 15.5 percent in 2023, meaning around 6.5 million Filipinos have moved above the official poverty line, bringing the number of people living in poverty to roughly 11 million.

The country also reached single-digit poverty ahead of its original 2028 target.

Officials attributed the improvement to economic growth, stronger employment, moderating inflation and higher household incomes, which rose significantly between 2023 and 2025.

Behind the statistics are millions of Filipino families who now have more room to earn, provide for their needs and build a better future.

But the milestone is not the end of the fight. The challenge now is to ensure that those who have escaped poverty do not fall backand that progress reaches even more Filipino families.