National Anti-Poverty Commission

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC chief participates in inaugural GPPAD meeting in China

BEIJING, CHINA – National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Lope Santos III joined high-ranking government officials and representatives of international institutions during the inaugural Meeting of the Committee of the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development (GPPAD), held on the sidelines of the 2026 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum (GPRDF), May 27.

Jointly initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the People’s Republic of China, together with 53 countries and nine international institutions, GPPAD seeks to promote mutual respect, knowledge-sharing, and cooperation in advancing global poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The meeting was presided over by MARA Party Secretary Zhang Zhu and focused on key organizational matters, including the announcement of committee officials, the adoption of the GPPAD Charter, and discussions on initiatives aimed at strengthening poverty alleviation capacities in developing countries.

GPPAD officials emphasized that the partnership upholds countries’ right to pursue development strategies suited to their unique national contexts. It also serves as a platform for exchanging governance experiences in poverty reduction and exploring long-term, sustainable solutions to eradicate poverty worldwide and achieve the global development agenda.

NAPC Policy and Planning Service Division Chief Ronaldo Mateo and Office of the Lead Convenor Executive Assistant Jiru Nikko Rada provided technical assistance to Secretary Santos throughout the meeting.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC attends Global Poverty Reduction and Dev’t Forum 2026 in China

BEIJING, CHINA – The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) participated in the 2026 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) through the International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), May 27.

The two-day forum gathered more than 300 delegates from 40 countries and created a platform for government leaders, development agencies, businesses, think tanks, and academic institutions to exchange experiences and best practices in poverty reduction.

With the theme “Uniting Global Efforts to Advance Poverty Reduction,” the event featured plenary sessions and parallel fora with nearly 70 speakers, including high-level Chinese government representatives. Discussions focused on China’s strategies for eliminating extreme poverty and its pursuit of shared global prosperity, targeted and development-oriented assistance, green development, social equity, and strengthened social mobilization and participation.

NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III led the Philippine delegation and served as one of the keynote speakers during Parallel Forum 4: Social Mobilization and Social Participation, where he underscored the Commission’s efforts to institutionalize basic sector and civil society involvement in policymaking and to advance the Social Reform Agenda.

Secretary Santos was joined by Policy and Planning Service Division Chief Ronaldo Mateo and Office of the Lead Convenor Executive Assistant Jiru Nikko Rada.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC orients DILG Cluster Tribu LGUs in Cebu Province on LPRAP formulation

TOLEDO CITY — The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) gathered the local government units in Cebu Province (LGUs) under the Cluster Tribu of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for an orientation on the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) formulation, May 19.

The activity, moderated by the DILG Cebu Province, was participated by the representatives from the municipalities of Alcantara, Alegria, Aloguinsan, Badian, Barili, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, and Ronda, as well as Toledo City as the host LGU.

On behalf of Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Joie Perales, City Administrator. Mae Delia Tacandong welcomed the participants to the City. She also thanked the NAPC and DILG for choosing Toledo City as the host LGU for activity, which is important in making plans to address local poverty in the province.

Regional Director Leocadio Trovela of DILG Region 7 emphasized that the LPRAP process gives the community an opportunity for empowerment to engage in the planning process, particularly in decision-making, to address poverty. He also assured the full support of DILG Region 7 in the LPRAP implementation in Central Visayas.

Director Alexis Lapiz of the NAPC Administrative, Financial and Management Service (AFMS) noted in his message the significance of prioritizing the five fundamental rights in LPRAP formulation.

In her video message, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro expressed full support for LPRAP implementation and congratulated NAPC for continuously championing programs that uplifts the lives of Filipinos.

Serving as resource persons in the activity were Development Management Officer (DMO) III Roxanna Ladlad Roxanna Ladlad of the NAPC Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service, who tackled NAPC’s mandate and the poverty incidence in Region 7, and Sectoral Representative Concordio Austero of the Urban Poor Sector, who elaborated the mechanisms and operations of the NAPC Basic Sectors.

DILG Cluster Tribu Head Leilani Lopez followed with the discussion on NAPC-DILG JMC No. 1 series of 2025, which outlined the policy guidelines for LPRAP formulation, while Senior Technical Officer II Reclynes Dela Cerna from the Office of the Lead Convenor presented the LPRAP Planning Formulation and Process Flow.

DILG Cebu Provincial DirectorJesus Robel Sastrillo wrapped up the activity with a message emphasizing that every LPRAP is an essential plan that each LGU should have, as it encourages the active participation of the basic sector in the planning process of the government.

𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: As part of the 2nd quarter engagements of the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council Region 11 (NAPC-RBSCC R11), a brief consultative meeting was held with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office (DSWD FO) XI in Davao City, May 26.

The meeting focused on strengthening the coordination between DSWD FO XI and NAPC-RBSCC R11 to ensure that the agency’s programs, projects, and services are accessible and will reach the marginalized and vulnerable sectors across the region.

Joining the meeting were Project Development Officers II Rosamar Provido, Wilfredo Planas, and Kerwin II Gabasa from the Promotive Services Division of DSWD FO XI, as well as NAPC Undersecretary Mary Rose Villaflor, OIC Assistant Secretary and Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS) Director Ana Cañeda, RBSCC R11 Regional Coordinator Engr. Darlito Palermo, BSCAS Region 11 Focal Person Fritz Escudero, and Technical Officer V Mary Ann Artil of the Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Service.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: BFAR XI capacitates NAPC-RBSCC R11 on Backyard Fish Farming

DAVAO CITY — In pursuit of its cross-sectoral agenda anchored on advancing food security and environmental protection, the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council Region 11 (NAPC-RBSCC R11) participated in a Learning Session on Backyard Fish Farming, led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office XI (BFAR XI), May 26.

In a video message, NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III encouraged all members of the RBSCC to optimize and maximize their representation and participation in governance, not in only in policy-making process, but also in actual program implementation and monitoring

Representing BFAR XI, Technical Personnel Nathaniel Perigrino of the CIty Fisheries Office equipped the Council with vital information on setting up a pond, breeding, and grow-out production of catfish and tilapia for mass production. His presentations also underscored that feeds and proper feeding management are critical in achieving a successful aquaculture enterprise.

In addition, NAPC Undersecretary Mary Rose Villaflor, Region 11 Focal Person Fritz Escudero of the Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service, Executive Assistant III Cliford Natividad and Administrative Assistant Elgene Esparaguera from the Office of the Deputy Director General, Technical Officer (TO) V Vanessa Joy Socorro from the Office of the Lead Convenor , and TO V Mary Ann Artil from the Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Service also joined the activity.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC Secretary meets PH Consul General in Beijing ahead of 2026 global poverty forum

BEIJING, CHINA – National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Lope Santos III paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Rodillo Catalan of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in China during his official trip for the 2026 Global Poverty Reduction and Development Forum (GPRDF), May 26.

During the meeting, they discussed the Philippines’ ongoing efforts and progress in poverty reduction, the country’s contributions to global initiatives, and opportunities for expanding partnerships. They also talked about NAPC’s participation in the launch of the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development.

The two-day forum, scheduled from May 27 to 28, is organized by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs through the International Poverty Reduction Center in China. Secretary Santos is a keynote speaker on social mobilization and people’s participation.

NAPC Policy and Planning Service Division Chief Ronaldo Mateo and Office of the Lead Convenor Executive Assistant Jiru Nikko Rada are part of the Philippine delegation accompanying Secretary Santos.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC-RBSCC NIR convenes Q2 meeting

The National Anti-Poverty Commission-Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council (NAPC-RBSCC) Negros Island Region (NIR) commenced its 2nd Quarter Meeting in Dumaguete City, May 24-25.

The Q2 meeting, led by RBSCC NIR Regional Coordinator (RC) Atty. Charles Mangga, opened with messages from NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III and Deputy Director General (DDG) Mary Rose Villaflor highlighting the vital role of the RBSCC in advancing regional development and advocating for the welfare of the marginalized communities in NIR.

The next day, the Council conducted a courtesy call to Valencia, Negros Oriental Mayor Edgar Teves Jr., represented by Municipal Administrator Albert Tubal. The visit aimed to introduce the members of the RBSCC NIR, along with the NAPC mandate and functions.

The Q2 engagements of the RBSCC also included a community consultation with the basic sector/civil society organizations in NIR, which facilitated the identification of issues and concerns, as well as best practices of the communities for poverty reduction.

During the activity, RC Atty. Mangga presented the Magna Carta of the Poor’s five fundamental rights of the poor, namely: right to adequate food, right to decent work, right to relevant and quality education, adequate housing, and the highest attainable standard of health.

Also present were Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service NIR and BARMM Regional Focal Person Favian Magallanes and Secretariat Support Officer I Michell Merlo, Executive Assistant II Ronaldo Crescini of the Office of the Lead Convenor, and Executive Assistant IV Wilfred Carba Jr. of ODDG.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC’s 3rd Talakayan sa Dose spotlights Right to Decent Work

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) held its 3rd Talakayan sa Dose media briefing, focusing on the Magna Carta of the Poor (MCP)’s Right to Decent Work, in Koronadal City on May 25.

The event aimed to strengthen public awareness and inter-agency collaboration on employment, livelihood, and social protection programs benefiting vulnerable sectors in Region 12.

The Talakayan gathered key government representatives, including Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) 12 Assistant Regional Director Jeanette Escaño; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 Senior Labor and Employment Officer Kenneth Paul Pacatang; Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) 12 Planning, Economy and Development Chief Eden Ridao; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 Regional Program Coordinator of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP ) Edgar Guerra and Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (SLP) Jonathan Quizon; Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 Project Technical Director Ray Embajador; and the Philippine Information Agency Region XII.

The participating agencies gave updates on the status of the reintegration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), enforcement of labor standards, livelihood initiatives, skills training, agricultural employment, and poverty-reduction strategies in SOCCSKSARGEN region.

A moderated open forum tackled key implementation concerns under RA 11291 or MCP, including sustainable livelihood opportunities for geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, protection for informal and agricultural workers, and efforts to address job-skills mismatches among vulnerable sectors. The discussion also highlighted the need for stronger inter-agency coordination to improve employment access, economic inclusion, and decent work opportunities for low-income communities across the region.

NAPC Council Member (CM) Christian Salazar of the Children Basic Sector capped off the event with a message conveying gratitude to DOLE, DA, DMW, DSWD, and DEPDev for recognizing that protecting the right to decent work, not only safeguards workers, but also the future of Filipino children. He further stressed that advancing secure jobs, fair wages, and social protection help keep children in school and away from hazardous labor.

Moreover, CM Salazar called for concrete action, such as formalizing informal work, strengthening OFW protection, improving skills training, and supporting farming and fishing communities. He also urged the inclusion of the voices of Filipino children and youth in policy implementation, emphasizing that decent work among families will drive the next generation toward a better future.

Also joining the activity were NAPC Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS) Division Chief Jocelyn Apag and Region 12 Focal Person Sheila Vallejo and the members of the Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council (RBSCC) Region 12, led by Regional Coordinator Patriotismo Germise Jr.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC-RBSCC R11 holds Inter-Agency Meeting on Regreening Program replication

DAVAO CITY — As part of its 2nd Quarter engagements, the Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council (RBSCC) Region 11 (R11) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)conducted an Inter-Agency Meeting with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office (DSWD FO) XI and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Davao Region, to discuss and seek their support for the replication of the Regreening Program in the region, May 25.

On behalf of NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III, Deputy Director General (DDG) Mary Rose Villaflor delivered a welcome message expressing support for the convergence activities of the Council. She also highlighted the active facilitation of the agency in the formulation of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan of the local government units in Davao Region.

RBSCC R11 Regional Coordinator (RC) Engr. Darlito Palermo, President of the Davao del Norte Persons with Disability Association, presented the ongoing efforts of the organization, such as empowering the sector through green livelihood and skills development, addressing unemployment through indigenous tree nursery, and the major income-generating engagements of the organizations.

The highlight of the activity was the discussion on the proposed replication of the association’s Nursery Management and Tree Propagation through Cloning Method Project. This cross-sectoral initiative seeks to promote environmental restoration, sustainable food production, and climate-resilient communities through tree growing, organic agriculture, agroforestry, aquaculture, and diversified farming systems.

During the open forum and commitment setting, DSWD FO XI Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Regional Partnership Officer Shaira Gauran addressed the concerns raised on SLP implementation and articulated the agency’s openness to forge a partnership with NAPC and RBSCC R11 for the said initiative, which will boost livelihood among the basic sectors in the region.

The DENR Davao Region, represented by Development Management Officer (DMO) I Ilyn Manliguez and Cartographer I Jesucelyn Calianga, reaffirmed its commitment to support the Council’s advocacy for the replication of the the regreening program that promotes environmental protection and food security across the region.

Also present during the meeting were Region 11 Focal Person Fritz Escudero of the NAPC Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service; Technical Officer (TO) V Mary Ann Artil of the Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Service; Secretariat Support Officer III Julie Anne Bayan of the Administrative, Financial and Management Service; Executive Assistant III Cliford Natividad and Administrative Assistant Elgene Esparaguera from ODDG; and TO V Vanessa Joy Socorro from the Office of the Lead Convenor.