Declaration of Policy
- The State aims to uplift the living standards and quality of life of the poor.
- Poverty alleviation efforts are area-based, sectoral, and focused.
- The State commits to international obligations to end all forms of poverty.
- Prioritizes investments in anti-poverty programs.
- Ensures full access to government services for the poor.
- Strengthens interventions addressing poor people's concerns.
- Enhances capabilities of basic sectors and development partners for effective program delivery.
Definitions
- Basic Sectors: Disadvantaged groups such as farmers, fisherfolk, workers, indigenous peoples, women, PWDs, senior citizens, victims of disasters, youth, urban poor, cooperatives.
- Development Partners: NGOs, POs, private organizations tackling poverty.
- Hazardous/Danger Zones: Areas unsafe for residential/business use.
- NGOs: Registered nonprofit organizations uplifting basic sectors.
- POs: Self-help groups with common social/economic goals.
- Poor: Individuals/families below NEDA poverty threshold or unable to meet basic needs, considering the Multidimensional Poverty Index.
- National Poverty Reduction Plan (NPRP): Consolidated bottom-up development plans.
- Progressive Realization: Implementation paced according to funding availability and changing conditions.
Scope of Fundamental Rights of the Poor
- Establishes progressive implementation to realize the following rights:
- Right to Adequate Food: Access to sufficient and healthy food; government agencies to mitigate hunger, maintain feeding programs, and promote food self-sufficiency.
- Right to Decent Work: Access to decent employment under fair conditions; priority labor allocation in public projects; livelihood promotion; compliance with labor standards; inclusive social dialogue.
- Right to Relevant and Quality Education: Free basic education; accessible higher education including scholarships and loan programs; access to technical and vocational training.
- Right to Adequate Housing: Decent, safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing; priority in socialized housing programs; housing for those in hazardous areas; enable security of tenure with minimal burden.
- Right to the Highest Attainable Standards of Health: Equitable access to quality health care; inclusive and non-discriminatory programs addressing maternal health, reproductive health, infectious diseases, immunization, and education; reduce financial burdens via socialized health insurance.
Non-Diminution Clause
- Existing rights of the poor under current laws remain effective.
- The law does not diminish rights but may enhance or add new protections.
Social Protection
- Establishes a comprehensive social protection system including social insurance, safety nets, social services, and labor market interventions.
- Ensures affordability and accessibility.
- Considers these protections in international and financial negotiations.
Targeting System for Beneficiaries
- NEDA maintains a single classification system to accurately target beneficiaries.
- Coordination with PSA, DSWD, and NAPC to identify the poor who should benefit.
National Poverty Reduction Plan (NPRP) and Government Coordination
- Each government agency to create a convergent poverty reduction plan within 100 days of implementing rules.
- Plans integrate provincial, city, and municipal development plans.
- NAPC compiles and harmonizes plans.
- DBM reviews NPRP plans for budgeting.
Participation of Basic Sectors and LGUs
- NAPC ensures engagement of basic sectors and LGUs in NPRP formulation and implementation.
- DILG monitors LGUs’ compliance in aligning and implementing plans with NPRP.
Funding Requirements
- Funding sourced from existing departmental appropriations under GAA.
- Specific programs identified for various agencies including DSWD, DOLE, TESDA, DepEd, CHED, NHA, DOH, PhilHealth, and SHFC.
- Preferential consideration for funding pro-poor programs.
- Additional funds allocated through the GAA.
Private Sector Participation
- Encourages private sector partnership in financing and implementing poverty programs.
- Government may accredit development partners to receive donations and grants.
- Donations to be transparent and comply with government regulations.
Tax Exemptions
- Donations, contributions, and grants for poverty programs are exempt from donor’s tax per pertinent tax laws.
Progressive Realization Implementation
- Implementation follows the principle of progressive realization based on available funding.
- President and Congress have discretion in fund allocation through the GAA.
- Immediate full implementation is not mandated.
Compliance Report
- NAPC oversees and monitors compliance.
- Implementing agencies must submit compliance reports every six months.
- Reports submitted to relevant Congressional committees.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- NAPC is responsible for promulgating implementing rules within six months of effectivity.
- Coordination with government agencies, LGUs, and basic sectors mandated.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.