The poverty gap of the country for both 1997 and 2000 was estimated at 8.4 percent.  This value could be thought of as the amount relative to the poverty line that has to be transferred to the poor families to bring their incomes up to the poverty threshold. 

In 2000, Masbate has the biggest poverty gap at 22.6 percent, followed by Saranggani at 19.4 percent and Maguindanao at 19.1 percent (Table 1).  Of the 10 provinces with the biggest poverty gaps, 6 were from Luzon and the remaining 4, from Mindanao. 

Table 1.  Ten Provinces With Biggest Poverty Gap
(in percent)

Source:  Social Sectors B Division, NSCB

Poverty gaps were narrowest in Batanes, 0.6 percent; the 2^rd district of NCR, 0.7 percent; and the 4^th district, 0.9 percent (Table 2).

Table 2.  Ten Provinces/Areas With Smallest Poverty Gap, 2000
(in percent)

Source:  Social Sectors B Division, NSCB

Poverty Gap - is the total income shortfall (expressed in proportion to the poverty line) of families with income below the poverty threshold, divided by the total number of families (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