OCTA Research reported that 35% of Filipino families identified themselves as poor based on its first quarter survey results.
The group released the findings on April 29, 2026, following a nationwide survey involving 1,200 respondents across different regions.
The survey, conducted from March 19 to 25, aimed to measure how families perceive their current economic condition.
Results showed that 24% of respondents said they are not poor, while 41% remained uncertain about their status.
OCTA compared the figures with the previous quarter of 2025, where self-rated poverty was slightly higher at 37%.
However, the research group clarified that the decline is not statistically significant and still falls within the survey’s margin of error.
Regionally, Mindanao recorded the highest self-rated poverty at 56%, reflecting persistent economic challenges among families in the area.
The Visayas followed with 44%, indicating that a significant portion of households also perceive themselves as poor.
Across socioeconomic classes, Class E posted the highest rate at 58%, showing the vulnerability of lower-income households nationwide.
Meanwhile, 35% of families in Class D identified as poor, compared to only 15% among those in Class ABC.
OCTA noted that the findings serve as a pre-shock baseline before the effects of rising transportation fares and food prices take hold.
