From Luzon to Mindanao: The Changing Geography of Poverty in the Philippines
Growing up in the Philippines, I always knew poverty was more than just numbers on a page — it was a reality I saw every day. As I explored this topic for my analysis, I wanted to truly understand how poverty has shifted across our regions over the years. Between 2018 and 2023, a lot has happened: economic growth, a global pandemic, and rising costs of living.
I wanted to know:
How have poverty rates changed, and what do these changes tell us about the different struggles people face in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao?
Let me take you on this journey through the data, where each map and chart uncovers the deeper story of inequality in our country.
The Numbers Behind the Stories
To answer my questions, I relied on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This data showed me the Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold (APCPT) — the minimum income a person needs to meet basic needs. I also looked at the poverty incidence — the percentage of people living below that threshold.
I divided my analysis into three key years:
- 2018 – A period of relative stability.
- 2021 – The height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which shook our economy.
- 2023 – A time of slow recovery.
Seeing Poverty Through Maps and Charts
Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold (APCPT)
This dot plot helped me compare the poverty threshold across different regions.
What stood out to me was how the APCPT rose over the years:
- 2018: ₱25,814
- 2021: ₱28,794
- 2023: ₱33,296
Inflation pushed the cost of living higher, making it harder for low-income families to get by. Regions with higher poverty rates, like parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, often had lower APCPT values. It was clear: the poorer the region, the lower the threshold for what was considered "enough" to survive.
Poverty Incidence Trends
I also traced how the poverty rate changed over time. This chart shows the percentage of people living below the poverty line for each year.
- In 2018, the national poverty rate was 16.7%.
- By 2021, it jumped to 18.1% because of the pandemic's devastating impact.
- In 2023, it improved slightly to 16.4%, but the rising cost of living still made life hard for many.
Regional Disparities in Poverty Thresholds
When I mapped the poverty thresholds, the regional differences were striking.
Visual: 2018 APCPT Map
Visual: 2021 APCPT Map
Visual: 2023 APCPT Map
- Mindanao and parts of the Visayas consistently showed lower poverty thresholds, highlighting deeper struggles.
- Meanwhile, Luzon, especially urban areas, had higher thresholds due to better economic opportunities and higher living costs.
These maps reminded me how location shapes opportunity. The farther you are from economic hubs, the harder it becomes to escape poverty.
What I Learned
This journey through the data showed me that poverty in the Philippines is dynamic and deeply tied to regional inequalities and economic challenges. While the slight recovery in 2023 is hopeful, the rising cost of living is a storm that threatens to undo those gains.
Key Takeaways:
- Inflation has made it harder for families to meet basic needs.
- Mindanao and Visayas need more targeted support.
- We need flexible policies that can adapt to the changing economic landscape.
Poverty isn't just a statistic — it's a story of resilience, struggle, and hope. By understanding these patterns, I believe we can work toward solutions that lift up every Filipino, no matter where they live.
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