Anti-poverty effort in Buenavista puts livelihoods at center

By Rowena T. Cruz Residents and government agency representatives gather in Buenavista, Quezon, on October 20 for discussions on livelih...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Residents and government agency representatives gather in Buenavista, Quezon, on October 20 for discussions on livelihood opportunities and social protection during the 2026 National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty. (PIA Quezon)

BUENAVISTA, Quezon - Sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities anchored a renewed commitment against extreme poverty as the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), the Buenavista municipal government and regional government agencies gathered on October 20. Held in Buenavista, Quezon, during the 2026 National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty, the activity linked efforts to improve families’ living conditions with access to government services.

NAPC Administrative, Financial and Management Services Director Alexis Lapiz emphasized that lasting peace requires addressing poverty and protecting human rights, with accountable governance guiding the delivery of public support. Representing NAPC Secretary and Lead Convenor Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao Sr., he highlighted safe and dignified housing alongside reliable sources of income as essential needs.

“Hindi natin makakamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan kung patuloy na may mga pamilyang nabubuhay sa matinding kahirapan, walang ligtas na tahanan at kulang sa oportunidad para sa marangal na kabuhayan. Kailangang magtulungan ang pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan, mga ahensya at komunidad upang mailapit ang mga serbisyo, mapangalagaan ang karapatang pantao at matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga higit na nangangailangan.” Lapiz said.

Representatives of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Social Security System, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment presented their respective programs and services. Their participation brought health insurance, social security, welfare assistance and employment support into discussions on how government agencies could respond to the needs of residents.

The observance carried the theme “Nagkakaisa para sa Kapayapaan at Karapatang Pantao: Ligtas na Tahanan para sa Lahat,” emphasizing the relationship between secure living conditions and the broader campaign against poverty. According to NAPC, participating institutions reaffirmed cooperation with different sectors and communities in pursuing concrete measures to advance the objectives discussed during the gathering.