The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that 12.8 percent, or about 14.4 million Filipinos, were classified as multidimensionally poor in 2024, based on its latest Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
The MPI measures poverty beyond income, covering deprivations in education, health and nutrition, housing, water and sanitation, and employment.
Data showed that education contributed the largest share to multidimensional poverty at 40.7 percent, followed by housing, water and sanitation (31.3%), health and nutrition (18.5%), and employment (9.5%).
The PSA also noted that several forms of deprivation remain widespread even among those not classified as poor. Housing-material deprivation affected 38.7 percent of Filipinos, followed by lack of internet access (26.4%), inadequate sanitation (24.1%), lack of assets (21.8%), and low educational attainment (20.2%).
Experts said the MPI is a useful tool in identifying priority areas for government intervention, particularly in improving access to education, healthcare, and basic living conditions.
Source: Business Mirror
