As part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision to reduce poverty incidence in the Philippines to single digits by 2028, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) successfully held the Philippine Poverty Reduction Summit 2025 (PPRS25) from June 30 to July 1.
The two-day summit united a diverse group of stakeholders—including 27 national government agencies, 14 Basic Sectoral Councils, the four Leagues of Local Government Units, development partners, and private sector representatives. Their discussions centered on advancing the five fundamental rights of the poor: the right to adequate food, decent work, quality education, adequate housing, and the highest attainable standard of health.
“This gathering is both historic and timely,” said NAPC secretary Lope Santos III during his opening message. He noted that the summit coincided with the Commission’s 27th founding anniversary and the transition period in Congress and LGUs, presenting key opportunities to embed focused poverty reduction strategies into national and local budgets and development plans.
Representing NAPC vice chairperson for the Government Sector Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., chief of staff Alayyza Tolimao emphasized the need for convergence among poverty alleviation programs, services, and initiatives. Acting vice chairperson for the Basic Sectors Paul Paraguya added that the poor should be empowered not just as beneficiaries, but as active agents in driving change.
Plenary sessions tackled critical issues such as:
- Implementation of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028
- Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS)
- Enhancing social protection programs
- Government funding for anti-poverty efforts
- Disaster risk reduction and climate resilience
- Local government action and private sector collaboration
- Basic sector participation and public transportation modernization
Breakout discussions further explored priority topics, including:
- Food security and the Walang Gutom 2027: Philippine Food Stamp Program
- Land and asset reform
- Formal and informal labor sector empowerment
- OFW welfare and protection
- Addressing learning poverty through early and basic education
- Universal healthcare and mental health initiatives
- Shelter assistance in disaster response
- The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition
- Strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy
In closing, NAPC Undersecretary Esnaen Catong encouraged active participation from all sectors in shaping local poverty reduction action plans.
The summit not only celebrated NAPC’s 27 years of advocacy but also reinforced the whole-of-nation approach to eliminating poverty in the Philippines—an approach rooted in collaboration, convergence, and inclusivity.
