SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)—Region 1’s poverty incidence has significantly declined, dropping to 8.4 percent in 2023 from 11.0 percent in 2021.
This improvement reflects the region’s progress in reducing poverty despite economic challenges, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority-Regional Statistical Services Office 1 (PSA-RSSO 1).
The decline in poverty can be attributed to economic growth, increased employment opportunities, and expanded social assistance programs that have helped families navigate rising living costs.
Effective inflation control and enhanced access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, have also played a crucial role in supporting households.
The annual per capita poverty threshold in Region 1 has increased from P27,055 in 2018 to P34,454 in 2023, indicating a growing need for income to meet basic necessities.
Despite this higher threshold, the region has managed to reduce the proportion of families living in poverty, showcasing the effectiveness of government initiatives and community efforts.
“We have made significant progress in reducing poverty, reflecting our collective efforts to improve the living conditions of families in the region,” said Ednore Freynon Perez, officer-in-charge Assistant Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority.
Lawyer Sheila De Guzman, regional director of PSA RSSO 1, emphasized the significance of these statistics in shaping policies and guiding effective poverty reduction programs, stating, “These data provide a clearer understanding of the economic realities faced by families in Region 1.”
Randulph Nuvasca, representative from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Mid-La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC), highlighted the potential of data for research studies, particularly in assessing the impact of poverty alleviation programs.
Similarly, Dr. Melody De Vera, a representative from Pangasinan State University (PSU), expressed the university’s commitment to engaging in research projects aligned with the findings to help further reduce poverty in the region.
Dr. Divina Gracia Del Prado, deputy national statistician at the Sectoral Statistics Office of PSA, reaffirmed the importance of academic engagement, stating, “Engaging the academic community is crucial, as it allows us to explore deeper insights and solutions to poverty-related issues.”
These positive trends underline the importance of sustained efforts to address economic challenges in Region 1.
The 2023 poverty statistics serve as a foundation for government and community initiatives aimed at sustainable development, ensuring that progress continues. (AMB/AIHR/PIA Region 1)
