The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday welcomed the results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing fewer Filipinos now consider themselves poor — calling it a sign that the government’s anti-poverty programs may be working.

“This is a good indicator that the government’s anti-poverty program is on the right track,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

“This also shows the effectiveness of the 4Ps insofar as helping the poor attain the level of self-sufficiency while providing them with the necessary interventions to ensure that they will not slide back to poverty.”

She was referring to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the government’s flagship cash transfer initiative aimed at breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty through education and health grants. Beneficiaries must attend monthly family development sessions.

“The latest SWS survey also shows that the Marcos administration’s whole-of-nation approach to poverty alleviation is gaining traction,” Dumlao said.

The SWS report noted a five-point drop in the nationwide self-rated poverty rate, driven by lower figures in Metro Manila and Mindanao. The scores in Balance Luzon and the Visayas remained steady.

Dumlao said the government’s quick response to natural disasters also helped.

“Disasters exacerbate poverty. So if their needs are immediately provided during typhoons, floods and other calamities, the impact on the poor is cushioned and we prevent them from becoming poorer,” she said.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian previously said the Marcos administration is focused on ensuring that families who exit the 4Ps program do not fall back into poverty. He cited job fairs and other interventions as part of this strategy.

The DSWD said it continues to coordinate with local governments to monitor exiting households and provide support through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

As of 30 April, a total of 860,471 households have exited the program, classified as self-sufficient based on the Social Welfare and Development Indicators. Beneficiaries are allowed to stay in the program for up to seven years.

The SWS survey also showed a jump in the percentage of families who consider themselves “not poor,” rising to 42 percent from 32 percent across all regions.