Philippines releases first Multidimensional Poverty Index

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has released the country’s first official Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), revealing that approximately 12% to 12.8% of Filipinos are multidimensionally poor. Unlike traditional income-based metrics, the MPI evaluates poverty by assessing deprivations in essential areas such as education, health, nutrition, housing, water, sanitation, and employment.

Data from the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) indicates that education is the most significant contributor to multidimensional poverty, particularly among adults unable to complete high school. Other major challenges include inadequate housing, lack of access to clean water, and poor sanitation services.

Arsenio Balisacan, Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), stated that the MPI serves as a complement to existing income-based estimates. He noted that the index helps identify where government interventions can be most effective by targeting specific deprivations to improve public investment and sectoral coordination.