NAPC seeks bigger workforce to roll out 2026 programs

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) disclosed on Monday that it is seeking additional manpower to implement its programs in 2026.

NAPC lead convenor Lope Santos III admitted that the commission currently lacks sufficient personnel and is discussing with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the possibility of hiring new staff.

“Kulang. Meron kaming mga mungkahi na additional personnel, both regular and contract of service. But siyempre, ito ay for discussion with the DBM,” Santos said in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(It's not enough. We have proposals for additional personnel, both regular and contract of service. But of course, this is still for discussion with the DBM.)

The NAPC is tasked with coordinating and implementing programs and policies to alleviate poverty.

Its main focus is on promoting the welfare and participation of poor and marginalized sectors in the planning and execution of national and local development initiatives.

Santos expressed optimism that its anticipated funding for 2026, which received an increase in the final version of the proposed national budget, will be sufficient to implement the agency's programs.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo at nadagdagan uli tayo ng kaunti na budget at yung ginawa natin nung nakaraang taon ay masasabi nating kaya na nating ulitin ito… at meron pang madadagdag na mga programa,” Santos added.

(We are thankful that our budget has been slightly increased again, and we can say that we are capable of repeating what we did last year… and there will even be additional programs.)

The NAPC also said it aims to engage more actively with Congress next year to push for policies that would benefit vulnerable sectors.

“Well, consistent tayo sa mandato—mas malakas na engagement sa Kongreso at Senado para doon sa mga pagtutulak ng mga nakaabang na polisiya na makikinabang ang ating mga mamamayan,” Santos said.

(We are consistent with our mandate—stronger engagement with Congress and the Senate to push for pending policies that will benefit our citizens.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News