By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Manny Pacquiao on Saturday assured poor Filipinos that the government is ready to assist them improve their lives.
During the celebration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty at Rizal Park’s Chess Plaza in Manila, he said the agency’s priority is to provide housing, sustainable livelihood and education to beneficiaries.
“Following the directive of President (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos Jr. to extend assistance to the peripheries of society, we express our gratitude for the trust. We will therefore do our absolute best to reach those truly left behind — those who are in need of care and support,” the boxing icon and former lawmaker said.
Pacquiao said he would be able to reach more poor Filipinos as a government official.
“We will do everything within our power — everything that can possibly be done. As I mentioned earlier, I have already been able to help many — thousands of families — using my own personal funds. Imagine what we can achieve now that we will be utilizing public funds,” he said.
“I guarantee, by the grace of the Lord, that we will be able to assist many poor individuals, providing them with decent homes, the means to educate their children, and sustainable livelihoods. Having a job — a daily income — so that they have food on the table.”
He assured that the NAPC would maximize its efforts and reach as many needy Filipinos as possible.
Officials of different government agencies and other partners gathered renewed their commitments to eradicate poverty by sustaining peace, protecting human rights and human dignity, and advancing adequate housing for all.
The agencies include the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Social Security System, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, local government of Manila, and representatives from All Together in Dignity Fourth World-Philippines non-governmental organization. (PNA)
National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Manny Pacquiao talks to the media during the celebration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty at Rizal Park in Manila on Saturday (Oct. 17, 2026).
