Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 183)
Presidential Proclamation No. 717, Series of 2004, declared October 17 to 23 of every year as the National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty (NWOEP), emphasizing the importance of nationwide efforts to combat extreme poverty.
October 17 each year has been declared as the National Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty.
The NWOEP aims to unite and gather the support of all sectors of society — including national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, private sector, and poor communities — in the fight against extreme poverty.
The memorandum refers to the United Nations' 'Stand Up, Take Action' global campaign aimed at creating awareness and encouraging action against poverty. The Philippines distinguished itself by setting a world record in people participation during the previous year.
The localized theme is 'Stand United, Fight Poverty,' which aims to foster stronger stakeholder demand for policies ensuring attainment of certain Millennium Development Goals.
The campaign focuses on four MDGs: MDG 1 - Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, MDG 2 - Achieve universal primary education, MDG 4 - Improve maternal health, and MDG 6 - Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
They are directed to participate in or stage activities that generate awareness and commitments to fight poverty, including the MDG motorcade, wreath-laying ceremony at the Commemorative Stone for Victims of Poverty, and the National People's Day Fair on October 17, 2009 at Luneta Park.
They are expected to prepare and conduct activities from October 16 to 18, 2009.
They are directed to take guidance from, and follow the lead of, the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
The directive is based on Memorandum Circular No. 183 dated October 13, 2009, issued to implement the observance of the NWOEP and the participation in the 'Stand United, Fight Poverty' campaign in line with Presidential Proclamations No. 717 and No. 269.