Iloilo province has committed to support the goal of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., through the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), to lower the poverty rate of the country to a single-percentage by the end of his term in 2028.

During the celebration of National Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty, Barotac Viejo mayor Niel Tupas said that Iloilo, particularly his municipality, is one with the NAPC’s goal in the fight against poverty, citing that the local government units in the province have made significant efforts to contribute to the campaign, benefiting their communities.

“Iloilo is one with the goal of NAPC to eradicate poverty. On our part in Barotac Viejo, we have different programs implemented to support this agenda through our scholarship programs for students and assistance to our less privileged constituents through our social services,” Tupas said.

The nationwide celebration, which Barotac Viejo played as one of the host-LGUs in the country, was anchored to the theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies,” emphasizing the importance of a collaborative, whole-of-society approach to addressing poverty.

NAPC undersecretary Esnaen “Teng” Catong, who served as keynote speaker during the event, stressed the need for holistic approach and unity among stakeholders for the attainment of the five basic rights of the poor, which include the right to adequate food; right to decent work; right to relevant and quality education; right to adequate housing; and right to the highest attainable standard of health.

Data from NAPC revealed that the country has already made a significant stride in lowering the poverty incidence nationwide from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent in 2023. President Marcos, being the chairman of NAPC, looks to improve it at the end of his term by lowering the rate to single-percentage only.

NAPC is composed of 24 government agencies, four local government leagues, and the 14 basic sectors, which Catong said that they continue to monitor to ensure that all the programs and policies being implemented by these stakeholders are aligned with the needs of the community.

“We are making it a point that the programs of the agencies will be properly monitored in order for them to reach the intended beneficiaries for us to achieve our goal. This isn’t just the goal of the President, but the goal of everyone, including the underprivileged to eradicate poverty,” he said.

Meanwhile, as part of its commitment against poverty, different stakeholders, led by USec Catong, NAPC director Nelson Tupas, and mayor Tupas signed the Pledge of Commitment, forging cooperation and invaluable support for the call to end poverty and uplift the lives of poor people toward a life lived in dignity.

The event also observed a delivery of basic services in Barotac Viejo participated by the Social Security System (SSS), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD); and a wreath laying activity before a replica of the commemorative stone marker or “Bato ng Buhay” in front of the Municipal Gym, serving as a reminder of the continuing campaign to combat poverty. AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo