Ladies and Gentlemen:
Thank you for responding positively to our invitation.
We have come to this forum committed to chart a new course for our country's progress - one that embraces new partners, new ideas, and new missions.
We all remember that this administration rose to the call of duty during a time of great political upheaval, social dissent, and economic downturn. Today, because we faced those challenges with resolve, we have historic goals within our reach, and high hopes for prosperity in our future.
But while we have made a difference, we cannot say that our work is done.
Our economic recovery has not reached all communities, or created enough jobs. In spite the massive decline in poverty rates since the year 2000, close to 24 million Filipinos remain poor.
The task has fallen on us to bring them into the mainstream of economic development.
Our shared objective, as directed by the President, is to reduce the incidence of poverty in the country to 17 percent -- or at least 20 percent -- by the year 2010.
To attain that objective within the limits of a manageable budgetary deficit, one step - above all - is necessary: the convergence of government efforts in precise points of the archipelago where poverty is rampant.
This strategic aim implies the need for accuracy, collaboration, and consensus.
And I am pleased to report that the National Anti-Poverty Commission is taking strong steps to ensure that our development system has all these crucial requisites.
First, to increase the precision of government policies and services:
- We have embarked on an endeavor to improve the national poverty database through a Community-Based Monitoring System.
- This endeavor -- which we are advocating with the generous support of the United Nations Development Program - will allow us to collect real-time information on poverty down to the household level.
- Once completed, it will form a precise basis for the programs of our national agencies, and allow us to target exact locations for development projects.
- It will determine where -- and why -- so many of our countrymen live below the poverty line;
- And it will indicate not only what types of government intervention are needed in places of extreme poverty - but also when they are needed.
Second, to expand collaboration and build consensus:
- We are carrying out measures to strengthen the partnership between the state and the grassroots populations.
- Six months ago, the Commission convened a number of national government agencies to determine the status and progress of national poverty alleviation programs.
- Between August and October, we held two consultations with the basic sectors, and gathered inputs and ideas from the most vulnerable quarters of Filipino society.
- In the days and months ahead, we shall consult various local governments, and press from them a firm commitment of resources for local pro-poor programs.
- We will likewise step up our efforts to ensure the participation of the basic sectors in both local and national governance through our Kalahi initiatives.
This morning, we are hopeful of the support of our legislators.
I wish to assure each of you that I have assumed leadership over the Commission with a clear and positive plan to build a stronger national poverty alleviation program - one that will produce tangible results.
For too long, the government has had to carry out its pro-poor agenda under a patchwork of outdated systems and inefficient partnerships.
With your help, we will correct that.
The Commission's legislative agenda combines the President's social and economic objectives, and makes the principles of free enterprise and social equality work together.
I am certain that, if we enact this agenda together, we can fulfill our nation's pledge to the Millennium Development Goals -- and make our nation undertake the great leap forward into a full production economy.
With your support:
- We will arrange for stronger focus in the government's support services for all priority provinces and sectors.
- We will mobilize big business and local governments in social development initiatives.
- We will coordinate programs to increase the productivity of small farmers, fishers, and indigenous folk in the poorest municipalities and barangays of the poorest provinces.
- And we will turn the most disadvantaged corners of the country into zones of opportunity and development.
We will translate economic recovery into people-centered growth - into growth with a conscience.
I believe this to be our foremost obligation as public servants -- and our greatest duty as citizens of this Republic.
I am therefore confident that by the close of this gathering:
- We will have gained your commitment to a comprehensive, pro-poor legislative agenda.
- We will have enlisted the help of Champions among our lawmakers.
- And we will have established the foundations for a truly effective working relationship between Congress, the basic sectors, and our Commission.
Clearly, ours is a difficult responsibility. But today, because we stand among allies, we are reminded that the burden of building a just and equitable nation is lighter when carried on the shoulders of many.
Thank you and again, welcome.
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