A recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS), conducted from January 17 to 20, revealed that 59% of Filipinos feel the effects of surging rice prices the most, with many claiming the price hike has been the most significant among food items purchased in the last quarter of 2024. The survey, commissioned by Stratbase Group, paints a troubling picture of the government’s efforts to manage inflation, particularly as rice is a staple for many Filipino families.
Rice Prices Soar, Affecting Many Households
When asked about food prices from October to December 2024, the majority of respondents (59%) reported that rice had the highest price increase. Meat products, such as chicken, pork, and beef, were the next most cited by 25% of respondents. A smaller portion of the population noted rising vegetable (11%) and seafood (4%) costs. These findings reflect the heavy burden placed on families as they struggle to cope with the rising cost of rice, an essential food item in many households.
Dissatisfaction with Government Efforts
The SWS survey also revealed that 58% of Filipinos believe the government's efforts to control inflation have been insufficient. Only 16% felt the measures were adequate, while 19% were neutral on the matter. Regional data highlighted higher dissatisfaction in Mindanao (65%) and Metro Manila (60%), signaling widespread concerns across the country regarding the government's response to the issue. Despite claims of inflation control, many Filipinos feel that their financial struggles are not being effectively addressed.
A Call for Action
Despite official inflation figures remaining steady at 2.9% in January 2025, government claims of economic stability don’t align with the reality faced by many Filipinos. Data from the Department of Agriculture indicated that rice prices remained relatively high at the beginning of the year, ranging from P42 to P60 per kilo for both local and imported varieties.
Stratbase Institute president Dindo Manhit called the survey results a "wake-up call" for government leaders, urging them to take more decisive actions to address inflation and restore public confidence. With rice prices still soaring, Filipinos are looking for concrete solutions to ease their economic burdens.
