Poverty incidence in Western Visayas declined from 17% in 2021 to 13.7% in 2023, according to the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

NAPC attributed the improvement to the region’s continued economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and the active participation of basic sectors, particularly farmers and fisherfolk, in local governance mechanisms.

The poverty data were presented by NAPC Secretary Lope B. Santos III during the 13th episode of Kapihan sa PIA Western Visayas held on July 14 at the Goldberry Lite Hotel.

Santos was joined by NAPC Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service Director Ana Cañeda and Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council–Western Visayas Regional Coordinator Delia Leonor.

Among the provinces in the region, Aklan posted the biggest improvement after its poverty incidence dropped from 20.2% in 2021 to 4.4% in 2023.

Antique also recorded a decline from 23.7% to 18.9% during the same period.

Iloilo province likewise reduced its poverty incidence from 17.8% in 2021 to 15.2% in 2023.

Guimaras also posted lower poverty incidence after its rate fell from 10.0% to 6.5%.

Meanwhile, Capiz was the only province in the region that registered an increase, with poverty incidence rising from 9.5% in 2021 to 13.4% in 2023.

With this, Santos said Capiz needs stronger support for its agricultural sector and increased business investments to help reduce poverty in the province.

He also noted that Iloilo City posted an improvement after its poverty incidence declined from 3.3% in 2021 to 2.3% in 2023.

Santos emphasized that poverty is not measured solely by income but also by people’s access to basic services and the enjoyment of fundamental rights.

He explained that poverty is assessed through four multidimensional aspects, namely social services, economic well-being, governance, and the ecological dimension.

According to Santos, these indicators measure access to healthcare, education, insurance, adequate income, participation in governance, and a clean and healthy environment.

He added that the Magna Carta for the Poor guarantees every Filipino the right to adequate food, decent work, relevant and quality education, adequate housing, and the highest attainable standard of health.

During the forum, Santos underscored that reducing poverty to a single-digit rate, one of the administration’s goals, requires sustained and long-term interventions.

He stressed that the NAPC’s role primarily formulates anti-poverty policies, unlike agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which directly provide financial assistance.

Santos and Cañeda also highlighted the implementation of the National Poverty Reduction Plan (NPRP).

They explained that the plan adopts a rights-based approach to poverty reduction instead of the traditional charity-based model and is now being rolled out to municipalities nationwide.

Meanwhile, Leonor emphasized the important role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and People’s Organizations (POs) in local governance.

She encouraged greater participation in local decision-making processes to strengthen community-driven development and anti-poverty initiatives.Jose Alphonso Ceria, WVSU-COC intern/IMT