Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban, lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) yesterday (Feb. 18) called for a strong partnership between the government and the basic sectors to fight poverty.

Panganiban said “we must continue to work together as we confront the most sinister and divisive enemy – poverty.”

He told representatives from the government and the basic sectors all over the country gathered yesterday during the three-day Basic Sector Council Summit at the Bayview Plaza Hotel in Roxas Boulevard to review and harmonize national sectoral responsibilities in facing the challenges of poverty nationwide.

Panganiban said “as allies, partners and brother-in-arms, the 14 different sectors have worked together with NAPC and survived in dealing with the plights of the poor for many years.

During the summit, Panganiban is confident a unity of purpose will emerge with a common conviction, setting aside differences to help the poor and less fortunate individuals.

Panganiban said “poverty is not merely a sectoral issue. It is not a parochial issue. It does not involve partisan politics – or culture and religion. It is felt everywhere – by everyone.”

According to Panganiban, the objective of NAPC’s priorities and thrusts this year is to make that national purpose the heart and foundation of our continuing partnership with the basic sectors.

This government looks to the basic sectors for support as it works to lessen the burdens of the poor. Panganiban said NAPC has utilized the offices of the Presidential Assistants for basic sector coordination at the regional level.

Panganiban said the plight of the poor and the underprivileged has the single most urgent claim on President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo administration’s conscience and attention. And this administration has responded to that claim in full measure.

• We have assembled one of the most comprehensive campaigns against poverty and hunger this nation has ever seen – increasing our job creation and feeding programs throughout the country.
• We have moved forward on an aggressive skills training and technical education program, allowing thousands of underprivileged folk the opportunity to earn a decent living.
• We have provided housing and shelter security for nearly half a million informal settlers and low-income families over the past four years.
• We have expanded the country’s microfinance services and allowed the poor access to half-priced medicines through the Botica ng Barangay and Botica ng Bayan programs.
• Having built more than 22,000 classrooms since 2004, we have laid out a plan for the construction of an additional 12,083 new schoolrooms between now and 2010.