Palace: Improving economy, poverty reduction prove Marcos’ programs are working

Malacañang said the recent poverty and food insecurity numbers are concrete signs that President Marcos’ anti-poverty programs are delivering results.

Food poverty also fell to 35 percent from 49 percent in the previous quarter. This translates to 3.7 million families who do not think they are food poor.

In her press briefing on Friday, May 9, Castro said the recent economic figures show that the administration’s programs were working and leading the country in the right direction.

“Isa po itong patunay na patuloy ang pagsisikap ni Pangulong Marcos at ng kanyang administrasyon na tugunan ang problema sa kahirapan at kagutuman (This is proof that President Marcos and his administration continue to work hard to address poverty and hunger),” she said.

The Palace Press Officer added that Filipinos targeted by the government’s anti-poverty programs are beginning to feel improvements in their daily lives.

“Nararamdaman na rin po ng mga taong target ng mga programa ng Pangulo ang pag-angat (The people who are the target of the President’s programs are beginning to feel the progress), “she said.

Castro also welcomed reports that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025, saying it reflects the broader impact of the administration’s efforts.

“Maganda pong balita ’yan dahil yung GDP po nagpapakita ng progreso (That’s good news because the GDP shows progress),” she said.

The Palace official said President Marcos was pleased that the results of his administration’s economic push are starting to manifest.

“Nakikita na po at nababanaag, nagma-manifest na po ang mga pagsisikap ng ating mga opisyales para mapaangat talaga ang ekonomiya ng bansa (We are now seeing the efforts of our officials to lift the economy being reflected),” she said.

Asked how the government plans to sustain the trend, Castro said the administration will double down on its efforts.

“Lalong pagbutihan ang trabaho, lalong maging concerned sa mga pangangailangan ng taong bayan (We will work harder and be more attuned to the people’s needs),” she said. — Argyll Cyrus Geducos