LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) conducted an orientation-seminar at the Provincial Auditorium in Ilocos Norte on August 22 to empower local government workers in implementing the Magna Carta of the Poor.
The event aimed to enhance understanding of the law and its implications for poverty reduction initiatives at the local level.
The NAPC presented Republic Act (RA) No. 11291, a law designed to uplift the lives of the poor through targeted government policies.
The Act outlines plans for investment in anti-poverty programs, accessing the poor to government services, setting up long-term strategies for the empowerment of the poor, and enhancing and promoting the capabilities and competencies of the basic sector.
Through this activity, participants are capacitated to craft their poverty reduction action plan based on the local poverty situation for the preparation of the national poverty reduction action plan.
“We are in Ilocos Norte in order to ensure that all provinces in the country will be capacitated in matters pertaining to the implementation of RA 11291 in order to have a local poverty reduction action plan,” said NAPC Director-General Esnaen Catong in an interview.
He further stated that the seminar is another strategy of the government in guaranteeing participative and inclusive planning for the national poverty reduction action plan and for the implementation of the said law.
“The national plan will be implemented across 82 provinces, 18 regions, and sectors to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Catong.
He added that government programs are pointless if not fully optimized and implemented.
Hence, the NAPC will monitor the action plans of the local government units.
In response, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc committed to supporting the commission in providing initiatives and programs that uplift the quality of life of the Ilokanos.
“These initiatives, such as sustainable livelihood programs, skills development training, and access to basic social services, are crucial in driving progress in our beloved province. May this seminar renew your enthusiasm and commitment to our shared mission of poverty eradication and social justice,” said Manotoc, who was represented by Board Member Rafael Chua Medina.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on July 14, 2023, that Ilocos Norte province had the lowest poverty incidence among both families and individuals in the Philippines.
Poverty incidence is defined as the percentage of families or individuals whose per capita income falls below the per capita poverty threshold.
According to the PSA’s data, Ilocos Norte’s poverty incidence among families was only 0.5% in 2023.
This was significantly lower than any other province in the country.
“Our focus extends beyond immediate benefits, looking toward the long-term impact on our community, particularly for the benefit of future generations who will inherit the results of our actions today,” Manotoc added.
The NAPC is a government agency under the Office of the President established to serve as the coordinating and advisory body for the implementation of the social reform and poverty alleviation agenda. (AMB/MJTAB/MAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)
