Peso to US dollar rate....

In 2001, the exchange rate then was 51 in Philippine pesos to a US dollar. The peso got weaker and weaker and in 2004 it reached to a high 56 pesos to a dollar! Today, it is 43 pesos to a dollar! I should be glad about this because it is supposed to show an improvement in the Philippine economy but how come the people never felt any improvements at all? Prices continue to rise! Life gets harder and harder! I am poor in economics and i don't seem to understand. I am just venting in a way because i am sending the same amount in peso over there but the equivalent dollar amount is increasing. It's good i have these online stuff that earns for me extra money, it is big help, you know.