More Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger during the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest survey released by Social Weather Stations.
The survey, conducted from March 24 to 31, showed that self-rated hunger rose to 23.2 percent from 20.1 percent recorded in November 2025.
SWS said the latest figure translates to nearly one in four Filipino families experiencing hunger at least once in the past three months.
The nationwide poll surveyed 1,500 adults and carried a margin of error of ±3 percent.
Of the total hunger rate, 17.7 percent were classified under moderate hunger, while 5.5 percent experienced severe hunger.
SWS defines moderate hunger as families experiencing hunger “only once” or “a few times” in the past three months. Severe hunger refers to families who said they went hungry “often” or “always” during the same period.
Among major areas, the Visayas posted the highest hunger incidence at 28 percent, significantly higher than the 20.3 percent recorded in the previous survey.
Hunger also increased in Balance Luzon, rising to 22.4 percent from 20.3 percent, and in Metro Manila, where it climbed to 22 percent from 20.3 percent.
Mindanao was the only major area that recorded an improvement, with hunger declining to 21.7 percent from 26.7 percent previously.