Informal settlements stand in contrast to Manila's modern high-rise buildings on July 9, 2026. While the Philippines has attained upper-middle-income status according to the World Bank, many Filipinos continue to face poverty and the rising cost of living.
Rappler
Around 6.5 million Filipinos were lifted out of poverty between 2023 and 2025, but the World Bank estimates that at least 28% of the population remain at risk of falling back into poverty
The poverty rate in the Philippines has dropped to 9.7% in 2025, with 6.5 million Filipinos moving above the poverty line, but many remain vulnerable to economic shocks.
The World Bank estimates that around 28% of Filipinos live just above the poverty line, highlighting the need for effective social protection measures to prevent them from falling back into poverty.
