The number of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger (being hungry and having nothing to eat) has increased to 22 percent over the past three months, rising by 5.9 points from 16.1 percent in June 2025, according to a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
In the latest survey, results showed that the increase interrupts the previous downward trend, which saw hunger incidence drop from 27.2 percent in March 2025 to 19.1 percent in mid-April and 20 percent by late April.
Across major areas, hunger is most pronounced in Metro Manila with 25.7 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 23.8 percent, Mindanao at 19.7 percent, and the Visayas, which recorded the lowest rate at 17.7 percent.
The SWS noted that the 5.9-point rise in hunger between June 2025 and September 2025 was observed across all regions, except in the Visayas.
When compared to June 2025, hunger incidence rose by 10.0 points to 19.7 percent in Mindanao, by 8.5 points to 23.8 percent in Balance Luzon, and by 4.0 points to 25.7 percent in Metro Manila. However, it decreased by 4.0 points in the Visayas, falling to 17.7 percent.
The survey also revealed that the rate of total hunger increased among the self-rated food-poor, rising from 21.3 percent to 31.5 percent. Among the non-food-poor (including those not food-poor and borderline food-poor), the rate increased from 12.4 percent to 15.3 percent.
According to the SWS, hunger rates vary between the poor and the non-poor. At any given time, hunger is typically higher among the poor.
However, the rates among both groups can change from quarter to quarter, either increasing or decreasing. Hunger is highest among those classified as food-poor.
This nationwide survey was conducted from September 24 to 30, 2025, and included 1,500 respondents aged 18 and above: 300 in Metro Manila, 600 in Balance Luzon, and 300 each in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The survey has a margin of error of ±3% for national percentages.
