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The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed a concerning picture of poverty in the country. As of the third quarter of 2024, the survey found out that Filipino families who consider themselves poor increased to 59 percent, or 16.3 million families; 13 percent rate themselves as “borderline” (placing themselves between poor and not poor); and 28 percent as “hindi mahirap” or not poor.
The increase in the number of families who consider themselves poor underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts from all sectors of society to address the poverty problem. What is bothersome is that in the survey period, there were 2.5 million new families who now rate themselves as poor.
This is why a collective effort is necessary to address the problem.
The government has a pivotal role in addressing poverty through policy and program implementation. Key initiatives include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which provides conditional cash transfers to impoverished families; “Walang Gutom 2027 (No Hunger in 2027): Food Stamp Program (FSP)”, which aims to fight involuntary hunger by providing food augmentation to the bottom one million households who belong to the food-poor criteria; Lingkod Agapay Maralita (LAM), which aims to address the economic needs of urban poor families by stimulating savings mobilization that would be implemented in partnership with the private sector; and the Universal Healthcare Act, aimed at improving access to health services. Additionally, the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 focuses on job creation and poverty reduction to build a prosperous and inclusive society. However, these efforts must be continuously evaluated and expanded to ensure they reach the most vulnerable populations.
On the other hand, the private sector is crucial in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. Initiatives like the Zero Extreme Poverty Philippines 2030 (ZEP2030) coalition, which was launched in 2015, demonstrate how businesses can collaborate to uplift communities. By investing in sustainable business practices, providing fair wages, and supporting local enterprises, the private sector can significantly reduce poverty levels. Moreover, corporate social responsibility programs can address specific needs such as education, healthcare, and housing.
But poverty alleviation should not be left alone with the government and the private sector. Every Filipino has a role to play in combating poverty. This includes supporting local businesses, participating in community development projects, and advocating for policies that promote social equity. Education and awareness are also vital; individuals can volunteer their time and resources to support educational programs and skills training for underprivileged communities. By fostering a culture of empathy and solidarity, each person can contribute to a more equitable society.
With 43,033 politicians filing their certificates of candidacy just recently, there is a renewed focus on how elected officials can address poverty. They must prioritize poverty reduction in their platforms and ensure that their policies are inclusive and sustainable. This may include advocating for better education, healthcare, and social protection programs.
Transparency and accountability are essential; politicians must be held responsible for delivering on their promises and effectively utilizing public funds to benefit the poor.
Addressing poverty requires a multifaceted approach involving the government, elected officials included; private sector; and every citizen. By working together, we can foster a society where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive. The upcoming elections present a critical opportunity for voters to choose leaders committed to genuine and lasting poverty alleviation programs and economic growth. Let us all play our part in building a better future.
