THE sharp decline in self-rated poverty and hunger among Filipino families could be attributed to the anti-poverty programs of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., including the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) and the initiatives he led such as Cash and Rice Distributions (CARD) and other related programs.

This is according to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as he welcomed the very recent survey of the OCTA Research indicating a decrease of 3 percent in both the number of families who consider themselves poor and their self-rated hunger, from 45 percent in the 4th quarter of 2023 to 42 percent during the 1st quarter of 2024, and from 14 percent to 11 percent during the same period, respectively.

“It is heartening to see that the number of families considering themselves poor has dropped to 42 percent, down from 45 percent in the previous quarter. Similarly, self-rated hunger has decreased to 11 percent from 14 percent in the same period,” Romualdez said.

“These figures represent a decline of approximately 800,000 families in both categories, a clear indication that our economic measures are effectively reaching and improving the lives of our people,” the House leader noted.

Romualdez attributed the sharp decline to President Marcos Jr.’s economic programs and his administration’s anti-poverty efforts, which he said the House of Representatives strongly support.

These include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers(TUPAD), and other programs such as free college education, free health insurance, and the grant of direct cash subsidies.

The Speaker also highlighted the efforts of the House of Representatives, in collaboration with national government agencies, to complement the President’s programs such as the BPSF, CARD Program, the Start-up, Investment, Business Opportunity and Livelihood (SIBOL), and the Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM).

Romualdez said the BPSF, which just concluded its 15th installment in Benguet province, is realizing President Marcos Jr.’s desire to bring government services closer to the people, including food, financial, and livelihood assistance to all 82 provinces across the country.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas