MANILA, Philippines — Despite a recent survey showing that 27 of Filipino families experienced hunger—a figure described as highest in the Visayas and Metro Manila—National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Lope Santos III sought to temper public concern, describing the results as merely “a perception” at a fixed point in time.

In a televised public briefing on Wednesday, Santos said that the March survey was based on a sample population and should be seen as a feedback mechanism rather than a definitive measure of hunger. Instead, he pointed to official government statistics showing improved indicators.

“For example, the Family Income and Expenditure Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that food poverty—or subsistence incidence—dropped from 5.9 percent to 4.3 percent in 2023,” Santos said in mixed English and Filipino.

Santos said the agency is prioritizing areas with high poverty incidence and magnitude, such as Region VIII in the Visayas. Regional consultations are ongoing to address localized needs, including proposals from the Bangsamoro Anti-Poverty Commission and concerns related to climate change and disaster risk in the Cordillera region.

He stressed the importance of ensuring access to national programs by basic sectors in coordination with local government units (LGUs).

The NAPC collaborates closely with LGUs through formal partnerships, including a memorandum of understanding with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines. Santos said LGUs play a crucial role in implementing local poverty reduction action plans.

“Our convergence programs ensure that national agencies align their efforts with LGU priorities and target vulnerable families more effectively,” he said.

On the importance of agriculture in addressing hunger, Santos underscored the need for accessible and affordable food, which hinges on strong support for farmers and fishers. He noted that the Department of Agriculture has integrated around P30 million worth of agricultural programs into the anti-poverty plan.

Programs include rice and corn production, livestock raising, urban and organic agriculture, and feeding initiatives.

Santos also credited the recent drop in the country’s unemployment rate—cited in the Philippine Statistics Authority’s February labor force survey—to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

“With continuous public investment in infrastructure, active private sector participation, and community-level enterprise development, we can sustain this momentum,” he said.

Santos concluded the interview by reaffirming NAPC’s commitment to aligning national efforts in the fight against poverty.

“Asahan ninyo, ang NAPC ay nandito lang para sa convergence ng ating aksiyon laban sa kahirapan,” he said.