The income gap in the country was 29.6 percent in 2000, not significantly different from the 29.8 percent income gap computed in 1997. The income gap figure means that on the average, the per capita income of poor Filipinos is 29.6 percent short of the poverty threshold.

In 2000, income shortfall of the poor families was biggest in Saranggani, at 40.4 percent, followed by Mt. Province, 38.0 percent, and Zamboanga del Norte, 37.6 percent (Table 1).

Table 1.  Ten Provinces With Biggest Income Gap, 2000
(in percent)

Source:  Social Sectors B Division, NSCB

On the other hand, a better situation was observed in Batanes (Table 2) as it had the smallest income gap in 2000, at 3.1 percent.  Bataan was next although its income gap of 15.3 percent was way above that of Batanes. 

Table 2.  Ten Provinces With Smallest Income Gap, 2000
(in percent)

Source:  Social Sectors B Division, NSCB

Income Gap - refers to the average income shortfall (expressed in proportion to the poverty line) of families with income below the poverty threshold (1997 Philippine Poverty Statistics, NSCB)

Notes on this Release:
• 1st District - Manila
• 2nd District - Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, and San Juan
• 3rd District - Valenzuela, Caloocan City, Malabon, and Navotas
• 4th District - Las Pinas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Pasay City, Pateros, and Taguig