Five wishes that could end poverty

Poverty in our country is neither a mystery nor an accident. It is the inevitable outcome of decades of policy choices, governance gaps and collective tolerance for inequality. If we all want to make 2026 a genuine historical turning point, we must be totally honest about what needs to be changed – and wish for this loudly and courageously.

As we have entered the new year 2026, the big question to ourselves is not whether poverty can be ended, but whether we finally have the strength and will to end it.  I’ve listed at least five crucial wishes for the Philippines on how to begin ending poverty which is almost in every corner of the country.

First, I wish for decent jobs that truly pay enough for a family to live on. Economic growth as expressed by numerical reports means little when wages lag far behind the cost of living, which seems to rise constantly with inflation now forecasted to be in the vicinity of two to four percent. In many regions, especially in the rural areas, full-time work does not guarantee dignity. For this new year, we should wish for an aggressive job creation in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, tourism and services. This must be coupled with realistic minimum wages and stronger enforcement of labor laws. Freedom from poverty means families are not merely surviving but rather, they are lifted way above the poverty threshold.

Second, I wish for an education that matches the real economy. For decades, we have produced many graduates whose skills do not align with available jobs. This mismatch traps young Filipinos in a desperate dilemma where they are obliged to be underemployed or to find options outside the country. By 2026, education policy must prioritize foundational literacy, digital competence, technical trainings and systematic partnerships with industries as practiced in other progressive nations. Diplomas should not be lottery tickets that would spontaneously help you grab any available jobs. Diplomas must be the bridge to stable employment and, in the process, be the precursor to nation-building.

Third, I wish for our farmers to become real economic partners, not mere charity cases. I’ve written so many times for the last five years as an opinion writer that in our country, being a farmer is almost synonymous to being poor. Rural poverty remains one of our deepest wounds which provided the inspiration to insurgencies and rebellions. Farmers struggle not because they are inefficient or lazy. Far from it. They are exceptionally hard-working and patient but humbled by their long history of bondage to institutional oppression. The system is stacked against them – poor infrastructure, weak access to meaningful credit, volatile prices and competition without effective protection. There’s not enough investments in irrigation, water catchments, farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, logistics chain and modern access to consumers. The countryside must be simultaneously developed if we aspire to end poverty.

Fourth, I wish for government services that transcend personal interests. Poverty is worsened by corruption and inefficiencies in the bureaucracy. And in a vicious cycle, corruption causes poverty. So much has been lost from our national treasury. Programs and infrastructure were sacrificed due to the greed of those who have access to huge public funds. And also, when our citizens have to rely on connections to avail of health care, permits or social assistance, the poor are either left behind or manipulated. I’m glad that Secretary Rex Gatchalian of DSWD is working hard to correct this. I personally witnessed his tireless sacrifices.

Starting 2026, digitalization must not be a buzzword nor tags for optics but a standard that must be achieved. Digitalization will deliver faster transactions, transparent systems and fewer to no opportunities for illicit discretion and abuse. A government that is anchored on patriotism and lives in a culture of integrity will eventually free our citizens from poverty.

Lastly, I wish for massive investments outside of Metro Manila. Economic and professional opportunities are dangerously centralized in the National Capital Region (NCR).  As long as growth is limited to a few urban centers, poverty in the regions, especially in the countryside, will persist. For 2026, we should wish for infrastructure, internet connectivity and effective incentives that would attract local and foreign businesses to the provinces. I’m sure that our people would opt to be near their homes and towns if they can find decent work there. The local economies must steadily grow and reverse urban migration from the densely populated and unsustainable metropolis.

Our political leadership must treat poverty as a national emergency. This must be at the top in the list of our national security concerns. Ending poverty requires extreme urgency, consistency and courage – especially when genuine reforms are unpopular and painful. The process of ending poverty demands that our leaders think beyond election cycles and measure our success not through the lens of media and headlines. Rather, success must be evaluated by how many Filipino lives are improved and freed from hunger and given a fair chance for proper education, comfortable homes, basic health care and adequate nutrition.

These are not radical wishes. They are practical, achievable and long overdue. Starting this year 2026, we must hopefully align national policy, purpose and politics that would break poverty’s hold on our nation.

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