Senator Loren Legarda touted Antique’s declining poverty rate, crediting years of livelihood and sustainability programs she championed.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed poverty incidence fell to 13.8% in 2023 from 18.2% in 2021, bringing the province close to pre-pandemic levels and marking steady recovery.
Legarda said the gains prove that community-based industries and local resources can drive long-term growth.
“Recovery was anchored on what communities already knew how to do and what the land could sustainably provide,” she noted.
From MSME support to infrastructure, hospitals, and livelihood programs, Antique’s progress reflects sustained investments, with poverty levels dropping sharply from over 50% in 2006 to near the national median today.
The senator also emphasized continuing support for small businesses and local industries to sustain the province’s momentum.IMT
