DSWD looks forward to working with Gadon on poverty alleviation –Gatchalian

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his intent to work with newly appointed Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon to strengthen the agency’s anti-poverty initiatives.

At the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Gatchalian said the DSWD would welcome the “additional person” that could contribute to achieving the government’s poverty alleviation goals.

“So we look forward to working with Presidential Adviser Larry Gadon,” the DSWD chief said.

Gadon, who was appointed presidential adviser last month, said he would focus on strengthening micro-industries to provide jobs for Filipinos and would push for a nutrition program called "BBM: Batang Busog, Malusog" to help address poverty.

In a phone interview with reporters, Gadon thanked Gatchalian for his willingness to work with him in implementing the programs of the Marcos administration on combating poverty.

“Nagpapatunay lamang ito ng ang mga opisyales ng mga sangay ng pamahalaan ay nagkakaisa sa layunin ng ating Presidente BBM at nagkakaisa sa adbokasiya ng pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan na nasa antas ng kahirapan,” the presidential adviser said.

Among the DSWD's poverty alleviation programs were the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDDS), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Listahanan or National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, and Unconditional Transfer Program.

In his first State of the Nation Address last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his government targeted to reduce poverty incidence to “9% or single-digit poverty rate by 2028.” — DVM, GMA Integrated News