GMA heads anti-poverty body

President Arroyo has designated herself as the head of the 35-man National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) which is composed of representatives from different marginalized sectors.

She issued Administrative Order No. 21 last Nov. 8, spelling out the revised implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 8425 or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act.

The order stated that the President will appoint 14 representatives from basic sectors such as farmers and landless rural workers, artisanal fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, migrant workers, women, youth and students and persons with disabilities.

As NAPC chairperson, the President will appoint the body’s lead convenor who, at present, is Teresita Deles.

Heads of executive departments directly involved in poverty alleviation programs also composed the NPAC. — Marichu Villanueva