Pulse Asia: 95% of Filipinos spent more on food over past three months

Ninety-five percent of Filipinos spent more on food over the past three months, the latest Pulse Asia survey showed.

The results of the September 2023 Ulat ng Bayan Survey showed 83% cited rice while 61% identified non-rice food items.

Sixty-two percent said they spent more on electricity.

The survey said year-on-year, the only significant changes are recorded in spending on food and electricity.

Other items Filipinos spent more were: 

• Gasoline/Diesel - 22%
• Medicine and health - 17%
• Water - 16%
• LPG - 15%
• Transportation - 13%
• Cellphone load - 4%
• Expenses for outings - 3%
• Others - 3%

The nationwide survey fieldwork was conducted from September 10 to 14, 2023, using face-to-face interviews, based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above. 

The respondents were asked the question: Nitong nakaraang tatong buwan, alin sa mga suusunod ang mas malaki ang inyong pinagkagastuan? Pumili ng hanggang tatlo lamang. Alin po ang una? Pangalawa? Pangatlo?

(Over the past three months, which of the following did you spend the more on? Please select up to three. Which one is the first? Second? Third?)

The survey showed that year-on-year, the only significant changes were recorded in relation to spending more on food and electricity. —NB, GMA Integrated News

In September 2022, 89% spent more on food over the past three months. In September 2023, there were six percentage points more to 95%. 

The opposite was true for electricity. There were 68% who spent more for elecricity in September 2022 over the past three months compared to 62% in September 2023. —NB, GMA Integrated News