Philippines Food Poverty Threshold Analysis

Questions and Answers

What is the computed daily 'food poor' threshold set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)?

P75

P64 (correct)

P50

P70

According to economist Emmanuel Leyco, what is needed for a more accurate understanding of citizens' needs?

More government funding

Increased daily wages

Higher food prices

A proper and meaningful survey (correct)

What monthly amount did NEDA secretary Arsenio Balisacan suggest for a family of five to meet the threshold?

P10,000

P9,581 (correct)

P12,000

P7,500

What factors did Leyco mention should be considered when computing the food threshold?

Regional wages and inflation Signup and view all the answers

How did the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) determine the daily food cost for the threshold?

Based on nutritional guidelines prepared by a nutritionist Signup and view all the answers

What does the sample food bundle for breakfast include?

Scrambled egg, coffee with milk, and boiled rice or rice-corn mix Signup and view all the answers

According to the article, how much does the sample menu cost at Mega Q-Mart?

P174.50 Signup and view all the answers

What was the conclusion of the PSA regarding the daily amount of P64 per person?

It needs to be increased for better health outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What ingredients were Bayan Muna able to purchase based on the PSA’s sample menu?

Mung beans, salt, a banana, kamoteng kahoy, and some rice Signup and view all the answers

What might be a potential consequence of adhering to the recommended diet based on the sample menu for an extended period?

Sickness and weak performance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Poverty Threshold in the Philippines

Current Threshold: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) computes the "food poor" threshold at P64 daily per person.
Expert Opinion: Economist Emmanuel Leyco states that P64 is inadequate for fulfilling daily nutritional needs.
Call for Surveys: Emphasis on conducting meaningful surveys to assess the true food requirements of citizens.

Nutritional Requirements

Nutritional Assessment: Importance of evaluating what can be bought with P64 and its nutritional value.
Sample Food Bundle: PSA's costed menu includes:
- Breakfast: Scrambled egg, coffee with milk, boiled rice.
- Lunch: Boiled monggo with malunggay, dried dilis, banana, boiled rice.
- Dinner: Fried fish or boiled pork, vegetable dish, boiled rice.
- Snacks: Bread or boiled root crop.

Regional Variability Impact

Regional Disparities: Inflation, prices, and wages can vary widely across different areas in the Philippines.
Monthly Threshold: NEDA estimates that a family of five requires P9,581 monthly, averaging P64 per person daily.

Market Observations

Market Prices: Actual expenses for the PSA's sample menu in Mega Q-Mart observed at P174.50, excluding rice and cooking essentials.
Bayan Muna Investigation: Attempt to buy sample ingredients revealed inability to match the PSA menu costs with budget constraints.

Implications and Recommendations

Insufficient Amount: PSA acknowledges that P64 fails to meet nutritional needs, with methodology under review.
Health Risks: National Nutrition Council warns that sustained consumption within this budget may result in health issues and impairment.

Description

This quiz examines the complexities surrounding the computation of the 'food poor' threshold in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for the government to consider inflation, regional wages, and nutritional requirements. Learn from economist Emmanuel Leyco's insights on whether the current P64 daily allowance is sufficient for Filipinos' food needs.