The March 25-28 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows 50% of Filipino families considered or rated themselves mahirap or poor.

Government therefore needs to intensify its response in addressing the problem of poverty, with the help of business, civil society and other vital stakeholders, and it also has to heighten awareness of the programs and projects of the government in helping the poor.

Some of our pro-poor and inclusive efforts include higher pension for seniors, free medicine for indigents, added incentive and combat duty pay for police and soldiers, gratuity pay to job order and contract workers in the government, and regularization of tens of thousands of employees. To generate livelihood opportunities for our people, the Duterte administration gives certificates of land ownership awards to farmer-beneficiaries, turns over farm machinery and equipment to farmers and distributes fishing boats to fishermen, accelerates higher infrastructure spending, and promotes easy access microfinancing system, among others.

While circumstances are quickly improving, people need to know what is available “out there.”