Palace: Gov’t social programs easing hunger, ‘Walang Gutom Program’ shows impact

Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s social protection initiatives, particularly the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), are now being felt by the poor, citing recent survey results showing a nationwide decline in hunger.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the latest SWS survey found hunger incidence dropped to 20.1 percent in November 2025, from 22 percent in the third quarter, amid the rollout of the DSWD-led WGP.

Castro said the decline shows the positive impact of government social protection programs. 

On the President’s order, she added that the DSWD will further strengthen the WGP and expand its coverage to 300,000 beneficiaries this year.

The Palace official also cited the Tugon ng Masa OCTA Research survey conducted in December 2025, which showed self-rated poverty falling sharply to 37 percent from 54 percent in the previous quarter—the biggest three-month drop on record. Food poverty likewise declined to 30 percent from 49 percent.

Despite the gains, Castro said the government will continue efforts to fight poverty and address hunger nationwide.IMT