Duterte administration on track

Malacanang on Tuesday expressed its firm stance that it will continue to implement medium to long-term programs to alleviate poverty in the country following the results of the Q3 2019 Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey on Self-Rated Poverty.

In a statement, Panelo explained that the government can alleviate poverty by enhancing investments not only in infrastructure to address economic disparities in urban-rural areas but also investing in human capital, including ease of access to education and health, in order to make good the commitment of President Rodrigo Duterte to deliver genuine and meaningful change to our society.

“The Office of the President has been apprised of the results of the third quarter survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) which shows that 42 percent of Filipino families labeled themselves as “mahirap” or poor,” said Panelo.

“This September survey also disclosed that self-rated poverty declined in all geographic areas except in the Visayas. Metro Manila and Balance Luzon registered the biggest drops at six percent,” he added.

“The Palace notes that the survey result is lower than the figure of 45 percent on the same subject last June. Bringing a comfortable life for all, with the objective of reducing poverty at a significant level, is the overarching socioeconomic goal of the Duterte Administration.”

The Palace official, however, said that poverty is a concern that cannot be addressed overnight and this Administration recognizes this fact.

“Hence, notwithstanding the latest survey showing favorable results, there is no denying that millions of families remain poor. Accordingly, our economic managers have intensified their efforts and targeted to lift one million Filipinos from poverty every year,” said Panelo.

“To realize this, pertinent departments and agencies have instituted social protection measures, which include rice liberalization and institutionalization of cash transfers, to ensure that no one is left behind as we progress as a nation under the leadership of PRRD,” he added.