Talk of the Town: Persistent poverty
January 16, 2026
Comments on “Persistent poverty” (Social Climate by Mahar Mangahas, 1/10/26) via https://opinion.inquirer.net:
SWS’ self-rated poverty seems to hover at 50 percent since it started the survey in 1983 (at 55 percent). The most common numbers have been 60s and 50s. Thus, nothing’s changed. About half of the population is poor, more if you add the undecided or “borderline” poor (12-30 percent).
Romy S. Aquino
While the analysis correctly identifies great-power hubris as the primary danger, a crucial avenue for hope exists: the deliberate, positive use of social media by the younger generation.
Monk Manuel

Green transition for a better future