Based on SWS data, the latest hunger rate is the lowest since June 2007, when the recorded figure was at 14.7 percent.

In its survey, SWS asked 1,200 respondents nationwide: “In the last 3 months, did it happen even once that your family experienced hunger and not have anything to eat?”

Those who answered in the affirmative were further asked: “Did it happen ‘only once,’ ‘a few times,’ ‘often’ or ‘always?’”

SWS classified experiencing hunger only once or a few times as “moderate hunger,” while going hungry often or always was categorized as “severe hunger.”

Nationwide, those who experienced moderate hunger decreased from 15.7 percent (3.2 million families) in March to 13.1 percent (2.6 million families) in June.

Those who experienced severe hunger fell from 4.7 percent (950,000 families) in March to 2 percent (403,000 families) in June.

By geographical area, overall hunger rates decreased in Luzon outside Metro Manila and Metro Manila, but rose in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Read more here. Also, please consider a donation to the PAS soup kitchen.

In the Philippines, we managed the thrift store that my brother Steve and his wife Katy started while they were working for PAS earlier this year. The thrift store benefits the working poor by giving them quality clothing and children’s books for a fraction of what they’d pay elsewhere. It also helps us cover overhead expenses like utilities so that donations can go straight to feeding and caring for the poor. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to serve at our mobile soup kitchen during our visit. (I’ll post some pictures soon.)

I’m excited to announce that Philippine Aid Society will be expanding our partnership with the outreach ministry of the University of Pampanga in San Fernando. With their administrative structure and volunteer base, we will be able to help fund many new programs to help the poor and expand our service area. Thanks to all our donors for making this possible!

The Labor chief said that the new minimum wage rates shall apply to all minimum wage earners in the private sector in the region, regardless of their position, designation, or status of employment, and method by which they are paid.

But it allows troubled establishments and new business enterprises a one-year exemption from the payment of the new minimum wage, upon application with and approval of the RTWPB. The period for application for exemption shall be within 75 days from publication of its approved Implementing Rules.  Read the rest of the story…

The power supply in the Luzon grid is again in a precarious state, contrary to claims of the Department of Energy (DOE) that power supply is more than enough to provide electricity to households up to June.  Read the whole story.

Meanwhile, the Manila Times reports on the Mindanao power crisis:

THE House Energy Committee on Monday has greenlighted the passage of a resolution calling for a special joint session that will grant President Gloria Arroyo additional powers, aiming to address the Mindanao power crisis.  Read the whole story.