Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday welcomed the latest reduction in self-poverty ratings of OCTA Research, saying the efforts of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in addressing poverty through a whole-of-government approach are slowly but surely bearing fruit.
Romualdez lauded the Marcos administration for the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey results from OCTA Research, which showed a significant decrease in self-rated poverty and hunger levels during the third quarter of 2024.
“The reforms and programs being implemented by President Marcos Jr.’s administration are now bearing fruit. The latest survey shows that over a million Filipino families no longer consider themselves poor, which can only mean one thing: the Marcos administration is succeeding in its mission to reduce poverty,” Romualdez said.
“We are happy with this good news. Our efforts to bring our countrymen to the New Pilipinas campaign of our beloved president are not wasted.”
The OCTA Research survey, conducted from August 28 to September 2, 2024, revealed a 5-percentage point drop in self-rated poverty, with an estimated 1.4 million Filipino families now considering themselves “not poor.”
Additionally, self-rated hunger also fell from 16 percent to 11 percent, meaning approximately 1.3 million families no longer experience hunger.
“Despite the global challenges brought about by conflicts and supply chain disruptions, our administration continues to prioritize the welfare of the people, especially the marginalized,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez emphasized that the Marcos administration’s targeted support programs, including food assistance and social safety nets, have been instrumental in lifting Filipino families out of poverty.
He highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring that no Filipino is left behind, especially during these trying times.
“President Marcos has been consistent in his vision of building a resilient economy, one that is capable of withstanding the pressures of international disruptions. Through the administration’s interventions, we are seeing the positive impact on the lives of ordinary Filipinos,” Romualdez explained.
“Dito sa Kongreso, patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga pagsisikap ng administrasyon ni Panguloing Marcos sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasa ng mga panukalang magsusulong ng economic growth at dagdag social protection sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
(Here in Congress, we will continue to support the efforts of the administration of President Marcos by passing proposals that will promote economic growth and increase social protection for our countrymen)
Romualdez also commended the administration’s approach to addressing food insecurity, which has led to the significant reduction in self-rated hunger.
He noted that the success of these programs should inspire continued support from both the public and private sectors.
“As we move forward, it is essential for everyone – government, private sector and civil society – to work hand in hand to sustain the momentum of our economic recovery. Dapat nating tiyakin na mas maraming pamilya ang makikinabang sa pag-unlad ng ating ekonomiya (We must ensure that more families will benefit from the development of our economy),” Romualdez said.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang suporta ng Kongreso sa mga polisiya at programa na makakatulong sa ating mga kababayan. (Congress continues to support policies and programs that will help our countrymen) We are committed to ensuring that the Marcos administration’s vision of a more equitable and prosperous Philippines becomes a reality,” he further stated.
“We have started to see the positive changes, but this is only the beginning. With sustained efforts, we can further reduce poverty and provide more opportunities for our people to thrive.”
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