PSA: Apayao is 4th ‘least poor provinces’ in first half of 2023

Apayao, Philippines – Poor people in Apayao are becoming lesser as compared to previous years.

Report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that the province, along with Kalinga, Benguet and Ifugao, joined the roster of the least poor provinces in the first semester of 2023, with Apayao ranking fourth.

From 12.6 percent in 2021, the province’s poverty incidence was reduced to 5.4 percent of its 124,366 population during said period. Poverty incidence, as defined by the agency, is the proportion of families whose per capita income is not enough to meet their basic food and non-food needs. To meet the minimum basic food needs, a family with members need at least P9,550 per month.

The figure is based on the results of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey conducted by PSA in July 2023.

The development could be attributed to the efforts of the provincial government in implementing projects which provides additional livelihood opportunities for the locals.

Meanwhile, Kalinga settled on the sixth spot with 6.32 percent poverty incidence followed by Benguet with 6.45 percent, while Ifugao landed at the 17th place with 10.13 percent poverty incidence.