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The latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showing self-rated
poverty incidence declining in December is a proof that the
government’s antipoverty programs are working, President Gloria
Arroyo said.
The December decline in the poverty incidence
was the lowest in 20 years, according to the survey.
In her opening statement at the National
Economic and Development Authority-National Anti-Poverty
Commission-Cabinet Group meeting in Malacañang, the President
expressed her elation that fewer Filipinos now perceive themselves
as poor.
“This is the result of the tough economic
reforms we implemented, stability, and increased confidence of the
international financial community on the country,” the President
said in Filipino.
SWS data showed that the last time self-rated
poverty went below 50 percent under the Arroyo administration was in
June last year at 47 percent, down from the 49 percent in August
2005. The SWS also noted that self-rated poverty has been on a
generally downward trend since mid-2006.
However, the President admitted that many
Filipinos do not yet feel the benefits of the growing economy. Her
administration, she added, is now focusing its efforts to spread the
payback of the economic turnaround among the people, especially the
poorest of the poor.
She said she convened the Cabinet on Tuesday to
consult various sectors, including religious groups and other
stakeholders, to map out plans to further strengthen the
government’s antipoverty programs.
“We assure you, we will listen and act on your
concerns,” the President said.
Mrs. Arroyo said the government will use its
extra revenue collected to fund livelihood, health, education and
housing programs, and other government projects for the farming and
fisheries sectors.
She also called for national unity to sustain
economic growth and ensure the continuous delivery of basic services
in the face of increasing oil prices and the uncertainties hounding
the US economy.
-- Angelo S. Samonte
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