Phl Poverty Level Remains Unchanged

According to the latest poverty data released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) yesterday, Filipinos living below the poverty line remained unchanged between 2006 and 2012.

In a report, the recorded poverty rate for the first half of 2012 was 27.9 percent which is statistically the same with the one recorded during the first half of 2006 and the first half of 2009 and 2011, which is 28.8 percent and 28.6 percent respectively.

The change occurred in the needs of family of five to not consider them as poor. In order for them to leave the ranks of the poor, the family of five needs to raise P7,821 a month. However, in order for them to meet the basic needs the family of five has to have P5,458 a month.

During the year 2006, a family of five needs P1,681 to come out from the poverty threshold. And in 2009, a family of five needs P2,042.

On average, 28 in every 100 Filipinos were poor in the last six years.

Mindanao ranked as the highest poverty incidence while National Capital Region ranked as the lowest as well as in Regions III and IV.

The full year 2012 poverty survey was not released yet. According to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, Arsenio Balisacan, it will come out by the third quarter or in September this year.

Balisacan also added that the annual tracking of poverty incidence will now be done for the government’s plans to make the necessary tactical or short-term changes in its Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.

Poverty survey is usually done every 3 years.

Sources: philstar.com, inquirer.net, gmanetwork.com