Malaca±ang: Malaca±ang on Thursday assured the public of the administration’s commitment to addressing food insecurity, acknowledging that the recent series of calamities has contributed to the rise in hunger incidence.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro admitted that the successive disasters hampered the delivery of relief assistance to affected communities by concerned government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Castro remarked that the successive calamities are a significant factor leading to the current hunger situation.
Hunger among Filipino households climbed in the third quarter of 2025, as indicated by the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Wednesday. The survey, conducted from September 24 to 30, found that 22 percent of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger, which is an increase from the 16.1 percent recorded in June. Castro emphasized that the government would take the survey into account as it amplifies its efforts to tackle hunger.
Castro stated that these surveys are beneficial and will be compared and cross-checked with the data gathered by the government itself. She also highlighted that the government continues its initiatives such as the Walang Gutom Program, Special Feeding Program, and other poverty alleviation programs.
Meanwhile, Castro responded to the results of the latest OCTA Research survey, which indicated a notable drop in public trust in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She reiterated that survey figures would not impact the government’s work and emphasized that the majority still maintain their trust in the President. Castro asserted that regardless of the numbers, the commitment of the President and the government to work for the people remains steadfast.
The OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from September 30 to October 4, showed that public trust in Marcos decreased from 64 percent in the second quarter to 57 percent, marking a 7 percentage point drop.
