Some 4.7 million Filipinos have benefitted from anti-poverty programs of the government, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday.
In a statement, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the figure includes 1.69 million individuals who are beneficiaries of 1,067 projects funded by the Conditional Matching Grant for Provinces and Financial Assistance to local government units (LGUs).
Abalos said these projects are in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s target to significantly reduce poverty during his term.
Abalos added that around 3 million individuals are also benefitting from the completion of 2,778 farm-to-market roads, water and sanitation systems, health stations, school buildings, rural electrification and other infrastructure projects in geographically isolated and disadvantaged barangays under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) since 2021.
The SBDP is a program to help address development gaps in barangays that are cleared of communist influence.
“We continue to carry out these transformative programs to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of social services and alleviate the plight of our underprivileged constituents,” Abalos said.
He assured that the DILG will remain committed to actively contributing to the attainment of the President’s 8-point socio-economic agenda, particularly in the administration’s poverty reduction initiatives.
The DILG chief also vowed to fully support the Marcos administration’s plans to improve the economy, increase employment, improve the ease of doing business, boost agricultural production, ensure food security, and continue social programs for the poor and the vulnerable.
Abalos also emphasized support for the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” program which he said would help ensure food security and address stunting and malnutrition.
“We have heard the comprehensive report of the President, and the DILG will continue to carry out its mandate and deliver quality public service to help him attain his goals for a prosperous, peaceful, and resilient Philippines,” Abalos said. (PNA)