Philippines Shows Moderate Progress in Global Hunger Index 2025
While millions of Filipino families still face empty dinner plates each night, new data shows the nation is making incremental progress in its fight against hunger. The Philippines ranked 66th out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index (GHI), maintaining its "moderate" classification with a score of 13.4 - slightly better than the global average of 14.2.
Behind the statistics are real stories of struggle. "My children sometimes go to school with just coffee in their stomachs," shares Maria Santos, a mother of three from Quezon City. Her experience reflects the 16% of Filipino households that reported involuntary hunger at least once in 2024 according to national surveys.
Steady but Slow Progress
The country's hunger score has gradually improved from 18.5 in 2015 to today's 13.4, outpacing neighbors like Indonesia and India but trailing behind Vietnam and Thailand. Agricultural scientist Dr. Ramon dela Cruz explains: "We're seeing benefits from farm modernization programs, but climate change impacts on rice production and persistent inflation keep pushing nutritious food beyond reach for many families."
The global report published annually by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe reveals a complex picture:
- Child stunting rates: Down to 25% from 33% a decade ago
- Child wasting: Remains concerning at 6.1%
- Food affordability: Rice prices up 12% year-on-year despite harvest improvements
Government and NGO Responses
Agriculture Secretary Jose Morela highlights recent interventions: "Our expanded urban gardening initiative has reached 300,000 households, creating community food sources in what were previously concrete jungles." Meanwhile, groups like Gawad Kalinga continue grassroots efforts, distributing weekly meal kits to 200,000 vulnerable families.
As typhoon season approaches - historically worsening food insecurity - disaster-preparedness food stockpiles stand at 56% of target levels according to NDRRMC reports.