Davao Region reports decline in family poverty incidence for 2025

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that family poverty incidence in the Davao Region fell to 5.5% in 2025, the lowest among regions in Mindanao. This represents a significant decrease from 11.3% in 2023. The number of poor families in the region dropped to approximately 82,250 in 2025, down from about 165,000 in 2023.

According to Baby Jean Alid, PSA XI OIC, the decline was primarily driven by income growth among low-income households outpacing the rising costs of basic food and non-food commodities. Specifically, income for families in the first decile grew by 33% in 2025. The subsistence incidence, representing families unable to afford basic food needs, fell to 0.8% in 2025.

Despite these improvements, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) noted ongoing challenges regarding child labor. The agency has withdrawn 85 children from labor in the region so far in 2026. Officials warned that rising prices, particularly for rice, continue to threaten household stability and could drive more children into hazardous work to support family survival.