‘Gov’t achieved much in poverty reduction’

MANILA, Philippines - Contrary to the bleak picture Vice President Jejomar Binay wanted to paint, the Philippines actually has bright prospects for the future since President Aquino has alleviated poverty and replaced what used to be the “vicious cycle with a virtuous cycle,” Malacañang declared yesterday.  

With more than five years in office, Press Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Aquino administration managed to address the problems of the poorest of the poor, among which were the increase in the number of conditional cash transfer beneficiaries.

“This administration was able to put a stop to the vicious cycle of poverty, unemployment, lack of educational attainment, further unemployment and more poverty,” Coloma stressed.

“We were able to defeat this cycle by employing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program,” he said.

From 800,000 families in 2010, it has now increased to 4.4 million family-beneficiaries.

Binay’s so-called true state of the nation address was the exact opposite of what every Filipino feels, according to Coloma.

“We have achieved so much for the country from 2010 particularly in the aspect of the economy. The people are now feeling the effects of having a better economy,” he added.

Coloma cited the latest Social Weather Stations survey showed that more Filipinos are hopeful of a better quality of life and the general economy in the next 12 months.

“Results of the latest SWS survey on personal optimism and optimism about the economy affirm President Aquino’s report to his bosses that, indeed, the Filipinos have acquired a highly positive mindset during the past five years,” he said.