Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday said National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary and Lead Convenor Manny Pacquiao's experience and compassion for Filipinos from marginalized sectors were among the considerations in his appointment.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Pacquiao's history of helping people from poor and marginalized communities makes him suited to lead the NAPC. "Alam naman po natin na si dating senator Manny Pacquiao kung papaano siya nakisalamuha ng ibang mga kababayan natin na nasa laylayan ng lipunan. Alam natin na kung papaano siya dumamay sa ating mga kababayan," Castro said.
Pacquiao took his oath as NAPC lead convenor in a ceremony presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malaca±an Palace in Manila on Tuesday. He replaced former NAP lead convenor Secretary Lope Santos III. Castro emphasized that Pacquiao's willingness to help those in need is rooted in his personal advocacy and concern for disadvantaged Filipinos. "Kumbaga nandoon na iyong kaniyang mithiin, ang kaniyang damdamin na tumulong sa nasa ilalim nga ng lipunan," she said.
"Siguro doon nanggagaling ang dahilan kung bakit siya ang na-appoint sa nasabing posisyon, dahil nakikita natin na ang pagtulong ni Senator Manny Pacquiao sa ating mga kababayan ay nanggagaling sa kaniyang puso, sa kaniyang magandang mithiin," she added. The NAPC serves as the government's coordinating and advisory body for social reform and poverty alleviation.
It is primarily tasked with coordinating the implementation of the government's Social Reform Agenda (SRA), strengthening anti-poverty policy advocacy, and promoting the meaningful participation of basic sectors in governance and development. Under Republic Act No. 8425 or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997, the NAPC is mandated to prepare and adopt the National Anti-Poverty Action Agenda (N3A).
The N3A adopts a multidimensional approach to poverty eradication, covering the social, economic, ecological, and governance dimensions of poverty and providing a framework for timely and responsive government interventions.
