THE EUROPEAN Chamber of Commerce (ECCP) collaborated with the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to launch a joint conference tentatively after the Holy Week to tackle anti-poverty initiatives in the country.
During the Habi at Kape forum on Jan. 18, Hon. Consul Antonio Peralta, ECCP-SMBC chair, said the conference will focus on corporate social responsibilities (CSR), particularly the role of companies in sharing a portion of their income with the communities.
“The conference will also be an introduction of new livelihood initiatives, support to certain communities in a way of providing equipment, and training,” Peralta said.
Peralta said large companies in the Philippines such as Ayala, Metrobank, SM group of companies, among others, will join the conference in April 2024 in Manila. However, they will stream the event allowing others to participate without being physically present.
Meanwhile, Sec. Lope Santos III, NAPC secretary, noted records from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing a 16.4% poverty reduction (from 18.1% Poverty incidence in 2021) in the country.
“Yung estimate na inilabas ng PSA recently, yung first semester ng 2023 ay nagkaroon ng estimate na reduction of poverty to 16.4% (from 18.1% Poverty incidence in 2021), which means ay na nakaka take-off yung ating mga poverty reduction programs at yung infrastructure ay isang malaking component dyan to create jobs, to create business, and other services,” Santos said.
Santos stressed the government continues its effort to further reduce poverty in the country by implementing programs for infrastructure, housing, employment, sustainable livelihood, agricultural development, education, and health.
