Anti-Poverty Strategy – Masbate
PIA Press Release
2007/07/19
Gov't accelerates hunger-mitigation strategy
By Rose Palacio
Davao City (19 July) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would take further steps to accelerate the government's program to fight poverty and uplift the lives of the poor.
Presidential Spokesperson & Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the President also instructed the National Anti-Poverty Commission to bring to the countryside, specifically Masbate, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi - the three "most hunger vulnerable" provinces of the country - government programs and projects to accelerate food production.
There are 17 provinces listed as "very vulnerable" to the problem of hunger, but Masbate, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are considered "most vulnerable".
The peso is very strong and the stock market is bullish, credit ratings are up, so are investments. Philippine economy has bounced back fast just like during the administration of the late President Diosdado Macapagal in the 1960s, when the Philippines was the second fastest growing economy in Asia.
However, many are posing this question: what benefits do the people get from this growing economy?
The President makes one thing assured of - that the life of the ordinary Filipino must improve, Secretary Bunye said.
Saying that hunger and poverty go hand-in-hand, the President is determined to boost further government's programs to increase food production and ensure steady food supply through the Barangay Food Terminals, Tindahan Natin, family farms, construction of more farm-to market roads and irrigation systems, providing fish cages and cold storage to fishermen and the distribution of carabaos and native chickens to farmers.
The President also underscored the need to create more jobs to further grow the economy, fight poverty and enhance the country's global competitiveness. There is a need to support the sectors that create jobs for us such as the call centers and medical tourism.
The economy's resurgence is having impact not only on the peso and the stock market, but more important, on the poor.
Secretary Bunye said the government is harnessing improved revenues and economic resurgence to eradicate hunger and poverty in our land.