MANILA – The Philippine government is set to implement a series of measures aimed at lowering the poverty incidence among Filipinos to 9 percent by the year 2028, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the statement comes in the wake of findings from a Social Weather Stations self-rated poverty survey that suggested nearly half of Filipino families view themselves as impoverished. The survey, conducted post-typhoon season which impacted food prices, may have influenced the self-perception of families' economic status due to the heightened inflation of essential commodities, particularly food.
NEDA notes that in response to the heightened inflation and its impact, the government has launched initiatives like the food stamp program and the removal of pass-through fees for vehicles transporting goods. In addition, there is the implementation of the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance program, which distributes cash aid to those classified as the poorest. Balisacan emphasized the administration's commitment to policies and programs designed to create more and better-quality jobs, including efforts to expand markets, enhance infrastructure, attract strategic investments, and ensure the workforce is equipped with necessary skills.
Further, Balisacan highlighted the government's action in ratifying the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, setting up green lanes for strategic investments, and streamlining the approval procedures for projects. Additionally, the government is keen on pursuing programs that modernize agriculture, increase productivity, and strengthen market linkages.
With these comprehensive strategies and a collaborative approach, Balisacan expressed confidence in meeting the goal of reducing the poverty incidence among Filipinos to the targeted 9 percent by the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s term.