National Anti-Poverty Commission

25/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC-RBSCC NCR convenes inter-agency meeting on proposed WTE facility in Smokey Mountain

QUEZON CITY — The National Anti-Poverty Commission-Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council (NAPC-RBSCC) National Capital Region (NCR) spearheaded an Inter-Agency Meeting to tackle the pressing issues and possible health and environmental impacts of the proposed 100-megawatt (MW) waste-to-energy (WTE) project in Smokey Mountain, Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila on August 22.

The meeting was held as part of the Council’s 3rd Quarter initiatives and continuation of the multistakeholder dialogue conducted in Manila on July 17.

Representing the Metro Manila Metro Manila Development Authority-Solid Waste Management Office (MMDA-SWMO), Project and Development Officer (PDO) Patricia Albis elaborated on the agency’s mandates particularly in ensuring the implementation of programs and projects for proper solid waste management (SWM) in Metro Manila. Her presentation also bared the community-based strategies to minimize waste generation and integration of circular economy in SWM systems in communities.

PDO Albis also noted that the status of the WTE Incineration project in Smokey Mountain is unsuccessful due to framework conflict, based on the Renewable Energy Law and the Public Private Partnership Code.

Speaking on behalf Barangay Captain Sigfred Hernane, Councilors Ruth Palma and Chito Carza of Barangay 128 emphasized that the barangay local government unit (BLGU) will comply with the law and with the policies and requirements of the City LGU of Manila, as long as their residents are safe and no right is violated.

Meanwhile, Technical Staff Marjorie Badel of the Manila CLGU-Department of Environment and Public Services joined PDOs Melnes Garcia and Albis of MMDA-SWMO and Barangay Councilors Palma and Carza in fielding questions from the participating residents and the RBSCC NCR council members.
During the open forum, among the primary issues highlighted were the risks of the said project, specifically in the health, livelihood, and security of the residents.

The morning session concluded with a small-group discussion. Participants, comprising the BLGU officials, selected RBSCC NCR members, and representatives from the affected community and civil society organizations, agreed to convene a follow-up meeting to address the residents’ urgent concerns regarding the project.

In the afternoon, Dr. Gabriel Borlongan of the Department of Health-Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DOH-DPCB) shared the potential health risks of WTE facilities, noting the importance of community action and proper environmental and health impact assessment.

As next steps the RBSCC NCR will conduct research regarding the proposed Manila WTE incineration plan and draft a resolution urging the creation of a steering committee to lead the community consultations on the said project.

Additionally, the dialogue was facilitated by RBSCC NCR Regional Co-Coordinators Rowena Amon and Efren Manangan, with technical and administrative support from Development Management Officer (DMO) IV Leonora Acuña-Martinez, DMO III and NCR Focal Person Joy Bacon, and Community Development Assistant II Nelson Salas of NAPC Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS).

23/08/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: NAPC-RBSCC NCR hosts Inter-Agency Dialogue on proposed WTE project in Manila

In continuation of the dialogue held on July 17, the Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council National Capital Region (RBSCC NCR) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) hosted another Inter-Agency Dialogue in Quezon City to further discuss the issues and concerns on the proposed 100-megawatt (MW) waste-to-energy (WTE) project in the Smokey Mountain, August 22.

The meeting was participated by the representatives from the Department of Health-Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DOH-DPCB); Metro Manila Development Authority-Solid Waste Management Office (MMDA-SWMO); Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS) of the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) on Manila; the Barangay LGU officials and residents of Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila.

23/08/2026

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III on the results of the 2025 Family Income and Expenditure Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) welcomes the recent findings from the Philippine Statistics Authority which show that the national poverty incidence has gone down from 15.5 percent in 2023 to 9.7 percent in 2025.

On behalf of the Commission, I would like to personally thank various government agencies, the basic sectors, and other stakeholders for being steadfast partners in our fight against poverty. The achievement of a single-digit poverty incidence well before the 2028 goal outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 is because of our collective commitment and hard work, showing us the importance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government, whole-of-nation, and whole-of-society approach in governance.

While this is welcome news, we must ensure that this progress is truly reflective of the lived realities of our communities. We must also ensure that our progress is sustained, especially our interventions regarding access to quality education, health and nutrition, human capital development, agriculture, and food security.

Additionally, governance remains a keystone in poverty eradication. We must widen access to social services, improve public investment in infrastructure and utilities, and form stronger private sector partnerships to encourage investments.

To sustain our progress, we must make our communities resilient to external shocks through improving programs on disaster risk reduction and management, assistance in times of emergencies, and peace and unification.

Once again, we thank the strong leadership from local government units and national government agencies, active participation of the basic sectors, continued support from our development partners, and the strong leadership of PBBM. Through his vision, we have transformed our convergence efforts into something tangible for our communities, spurring economic development from the national to the local level, and making immense progress in our poverty reduction drive.

For the next years, I hope we redouble our efforts for bigger targets and a stronger collective action for our Filipino brethren.

Maraming salamat po. Sama-sama nating palakasin pa ang ating Aksyon Laban sa Kahirapan.

22/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC-RBSCC NCR Q3 meeting centers on reg’l engagement updates, PH Green Jobs Act

QUEZON CITY — The National Anti-Poverty Commission-Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council (NAPC-RBSCC) National Capital Region (NCR) started its 3rd Quarter Meeting focusing on the regional engagement updates and RA 10771, known as the Philippine Green Jobs Act, August 21.

Alongside RBSCC NCR Regional Co-Coordinator Efren Manangan, Regional Coordinator (RC) Atty. Maria Aleta Tolentino presided over the meeting and shared that NAPC was finally brought back under the Office of the President. She also updated the Council on the postponement of the Regional Sectoral Assembly to Q4 2026 until Q1 2027 and National Sectoral Assembly to December 2027, which was approved for endorsement by the Joint Interim Sectoral Representative Council (ISRC) and RBSCC RCs.

Council Member (CM) Chinito Reel Casicas informed the RBSCC about the May 19 Talakayan and July 17 Inter-Agency Civil Society Organization (CSO) dialogue on the proposed 100-megawatt (MW) waste-to-energy (WTE) project in Smokey Mountain.

Representing the Administrative, Financial and Management Service (AFMS), Secretariat Support Officer I Jojo Ferrer facilitated the orientation on the agency’s Special Order No. 2026-07-537 outlining the guidelines on the payment of travelling expenses of the NAPC 14 Basic Sectoral Council Members and Sectoral Representatives.

CM Estrella Soriano, on the other hand, gave updates on the policy dialogue on coastal resilience toward gender-transformative climate adaptation held in Manila on August 17, which she attended as representative of the RBSCC NCR.

Another highlight of the meeting was the session on Green Jobs Law 2026, led by Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) Dr. Rene Ofreneo. His presentation focused on the background, achievements, and the challenges in the implementation of the Green Jobs Act. He also called on the RBSCC to foster stronger community participation in steering the Philippines toward a green economy.

The first day sessions capped off with discussions on the proposed resolutions, such as the resolution urging the concerned agencies to review and consult the youth and children on the current system of the Department of Education in monitoring the abuse, violence and exploitation against Filipino learners; resolution supporting the positions of the Children Basic Sectoral Council and Youth and Students Sectoral Council against school-based violence; and the resolution advocating for community monitoring and evaluation of flood control projects in NCR.

Meanwhile, Development Management Officer III and NCR Focal Person Joy Bacon and Community Development Assistant II Nelson Salas of NAPC Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS) provided technical and administrative support during the meeting.

22/08/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: In her message during the recently held ceremonial signing of the Regional Technical Working Group for Poverty Reduction in Northern Mindanao, Regional Coordinator Cecilia Cabusas of the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council Region 10 (NAPC-RBSCC R10) highlighted that poverty is a complex issue that requires collaboration across all sectors, agencies, and institutions.

🙌 "Nobody knows the ground better than the people living on it.

True poverty reduction happens when the community has a seat at the table. NAPC emphasizes the need for stronger participation from our basic sectors in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating government programs.

By leveraging local experiences and grassroots knowledge, government agencies can design programs that actually work and truly match the needs of the community. 🇵🇭✨

22/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC-RBSCC R11 joins learning session on GEDSI, SOGIE, protection against bullying, abuse

The Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council Region 11 (RBSCC R11) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) participated in a series of learning sessions focusing on Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), and prevention of bullying and hazing incidents. These were held during the Council’s 3rd Quarter Meeting in Davao City on August 20
Serving as facilitators were RBSCC R11 Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person Council Member (CM) Rene Boy Abrea of the Workers in the Informal Sector and Assistant GAD Focal Person CM Corazon Kho of the Women Sector, alongside resource persons from government agencies and partner institutions sharing their expertise on the various topics.

Social Welfare II Krisiel Joy Udarbe of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) GAD Secretariat provided the Council with relevant information on GEDSI and SOGIE.

Representing the Philippine National Police (PNP) Davao City Police Office, GAD Focal PMAJ Alberto Abella, together with PCPL Trisha Marie, and PSSG Loremae Labor discussed various forms of bullying, while OIC Supervising Education Specialist Liza Suan of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) presented the SOGIE framework.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) TESD II Specialist Nelson Embat followed with the presentation of the agency’s scholarship and training programs, while Educational Program Supervisor and Division Child Protection Specialist Jonas Piore of the Department of Education (DepEd)–Davao City tackled child protection and measures to prevent bullying and other forms of abuse.
An open forum was held afterward, which afforded the participants an opportunity to exchange views, clarify concerns, and deepen their understanding on the presented topics.

The learning sessions equipped participants with practical tools and insights to drive safer, more inclusive, and responsive engagement across sectors and communities in the region.

21/08/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) brought together the regional line agencies in Northern Mindanao for the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) for Poverty Reduction and the 1st Regional Inter-Agency Meeting, held in Cagayan de Oro City on August 18.

Present during the landmark event were NAPC Deputy Director General Mary Rose Villaflor, Vice Chairperson for the Basic Sectors Fermelo Enaya, Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS) Division Chief Jocelyn Apag, Regional Coordinator Cecilia Cabusas of the Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council Northern Mindanao, as well as Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Northern Mindanao Chief Statistical Specialist Sarah Balagbis and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Richardson Cua, EnP. of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Northern Mindanao.

Local leaders from the Municipal Governments of Balo-i, Matungao, Tagoloan, and Pantar also shared their respective local needs for alignment with the national anti-poverty programs.

21/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC, DILG hold MCP-LPRAP formulation workshop for MLGU Calamba

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), facilitated a Magna Carta of the Poor-Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (MCP-LPRAP) Formulation Workshop for the Municipal Government of Calamba, Misamis Occidental on August 19.

The opening sessions were led by Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Marcies Annie Sardam, EnP.

Calamba Mayor Dr. Luisito Villanueva gave an opening message expressing the municipal government’s commitment to promoting responsive anti-poverty programs in the locality, while NAPC Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS) Division Chief (DC) Jocelyn Apag and DILG Municipal Local Government Operations Officer VI Faith Constantino delivered their respective messages of support.

BSCAS Region 10 Focal Person and Senior Technical Officer I Aljon Mariquit outlined the NAPC mandate, explained the legal bases and salient features of RA 11291 or the MCP. He also discussed the policy guidelines under NAPC-DILG JMC No. 1, Series of 2025 and the workshop mechanics.

Meanwhile, DC Apag followed with the presentation of the LPRAP template, the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) tool, and the plan aggregation procedures.

In the afternoon, participants underwent an initial workshop, where they began drafting a the Municipal PRAP that is anchored on MCP’s five fundamental rights, namely: right to adequate food, right to decent work, right to relevant and quality education, right to adequate housing, and right to the highest attainable standard of health.

21/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC-RBSCC R11 convenes Q3 meeting

The Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council Region 11 (RBSCC R11) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) convened its 3rd Quarter Meeting in Davao City on August 19 to discuss key initiatives and concerns affecting the basic sectors across the Davao Region.

The meeting was presided over by RBSCC R11 Regional Coordinator Engr. Darlito Palermo with technical support from R11 Focal Person and DMO III Roxanna Ladlad of the Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS).

Representing the Administrative, Financial and Management Service (AFMS), Senior Secretariat Support Assistant Elizabeth Fabito updated the Council regarding Special Order No. 2026-07-537 containing the guidelines for the reimbursement of traveling expenses of the NAPC 14 Basic Sectoral Council Members and Sectoral Representatives.

The council also discussed the key takeaways from the Joint Interim Sectoral Representative Council (ISRC) and Regional Basic Sectors Coordinating Council (RBSCC) Regional Coordinators (RCs) Meeting, including the plans for the conduct of a Service Caravan in November 2026 in the region’s poorest province. Members likewise crafted new resolutions and addressed other operational matters in support of the council’s continuing activities.

During the Q3 meeting, the RBSCC R11 reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coordination and advancing initiatives that respond to the needs of basic sector communities across the Davao Region.

Also providing technical and administrative assistance during the activity were BSCAS DMO IV Catalina Ocampo and Secretariat Support Officer Angelika Joyce Agarin.

21/08/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗔. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀!

Your National Anti-Poverty Commission family extends its warmest wishes and deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of the President’s vision for a more progressive Bagong Pilipinas.

May the year ahead bring you joy, good health, and continued success.

My dear Liza, we're celebrating today a most important day in the calendar; Liza Day! Happy Birthday to the First Lady of every day of my life... and beyond!