Government social welfare programs, or ayudas, continue to serve as a vital safety net for poor Filipinos, with recent surveys by Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, showing overwhelming support for these initiatives.
Among the most impactful programs is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which 90% of Filipinos found helpful, according to SWS.
Pulse Asia supports this, with 82% of respondents saying 4Ps improves the financial stability of lower-income families.
The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program also received high approval, with 88% of respondents considering it helpful, and 51% calling it “very helpful.”
Other ayuda programs also gained strong approval ratings. The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) was considered beneficial by 81% of Filipinos, a figure mirrored in both surveys.
The Walang Gutom Program (WGP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, was also deemed helpful by 81% of respondents, while the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program registered an 80% approval rating.
Stratbase Group President Dindo Manhit underscored the relevance of these programs, particularly in light of rising costs of basic commodities.
“With 90% of Filipinos feeling the strain of rising food prices—particularly rice—social welfare programs have become an essential lifeline for struggling families,” Manhit said.
“There’s no doubt that Filipinos can feel the importance and impact of the government’s ayuda programs. These are strong examples of public funds being used to respond to the needs of the Filipino people,” he added.
Such reality is also reflected in the past survey. Earlier, a SWS poll found that 9 out of 10 Filipinos would likely vote for candidates prioritizing food security, highlighting the issue of access to basic goods as a top concern.
The SWS survey, conducted from January 17 to 20, 2025, interviewed 1,800 respondents with a ±2% margin of error, while the Pulse Asia survey, conducted from January 18 to 25, 2025, interviewed 2,400 respondents with the same ±2% margin of error.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Most Filipinos agree ‘ayuda’ beneficial for the poor.”