Manila: The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) on Wednesday highlighted significant strides in the government's efforts to reduce poverty, pointing to a decrease in poverty levels and the implementation of over PHP600 billion in anti-poverty initiatives slated for 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III, in an interview on 'Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon' aired on PTV, referenced data from the Philippine Statistics Authority's family income and expenditure survey. This data showcased a reduction in the 'food poor' population, or subsistence incidence, from 5.9 percent in 2021 to 4.3 percent in 2023. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the National Nutrition Council indicated a drop in the rates of underweight and stunting among children.
Santos emphasized the tangible impact of government programs aimed at combating hunger, especially nutrition and feeding programs. He acknowledged that while a March survey suggested that 27 percent of Filipino families, predominantly from the Visayas and Metro Manila, experienced hunger, this was based on perceptions at a specific point in time, which may not align with official data trends.
The National Poverty Reduction Plan, according to Santos, hinges on the cooperation of 27 national government agencies alongside local governments. He reported that over PHP600 billion worth of projects were recorded in 2024, with plans to allocate even more resources in 2025.
Key initiatives include the Department of Social Welfare and Development's 'Walang Gutom' food aid and sustainable livelihood programs, the Department of Education's school-based feeding schemes for malnourished children, the Department of Agriculture's PHP30-million support for farmers, fishers, and urban agriculture, and the Department of Labor and Employment's job creation and skills training initiatives.
Santos also highlighted the critical role local governments play in customizing solutions for high-poverty areas, such as Eastern Visayas, ensuring national programs meet community-specific needs. Agreements have been signed with various leagues of provinces, cities, and barangays to enhance alignment and effectiveness.
He concluded by affirming that the Marcos administration prioritizes agriculture, aiming to improve farm productivity and affordability as foundational strategies for sustainable poverty reduction.
