Press Release
February 23, 2010

RP'S NEXT LEADERS SHOULD AIM FOR SUSTAINABLE
ANTI-POVERTY PROGRAMS - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today said the country's next administration should address poverty through sustainable poverty reduction programs and proactive development policies.

"If we want to achieve sustainable development, we shall aim for long-term anti-poverty programs that would focus on rural and agricultural development as well as other income-generating activities for the poor," Angara said.

He added, "Social safety net programs such as conditional cash transfers could help cushion the impact of poverty but how far these programs are effective in poverty reduction remains a question."

Citing a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that the number of poor Filipinos has been increasing despite relatively steady economic growth in recent years, Angara stressed the need to boost agricultural productivity as it will generate sustainable employment in the countryside.

"In the Philippines, agriculture remains to be the main source of livelihood in the rural areas where the bulk of the poor live. We shall therefore maximize the richness of our resources to provide jobs for millions of Filipinos in the provinces," the former Agriculture Secretary said.

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