Over the course of December 1-3, 2023, the Manila Hotel Tent City hosted a gathering of over 1,300 leaders, each representing one of the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s (NAPC) 14 basic sectors. Hailing from diverse civil society organizations across the nation, these leaders convened for the 7th National Sectoral Assemblies (NSA), a critical platform for addressing issues and shaping the direction of the country’s anti-poverty initiatives.
The three-day assembly provided a structured setting for the basic sectors to engage in essential activities, including the election of new Sectoral Representatives and Council Members, the selection of a new Vice Chairperson for the Basic Sectors, and extensive discussions on achievements, challenges, and sector-specific priorities.
This NSA was notably overdue, originally slated for 2018 but delayed multiple times, primarily due to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of Under Secretary Santos, the NAPC took proactive steps by organizing a series of clustered Regional Sectoral Assemblies throughout the year. This initiative aimed to enhance basic sector participation and ensure more equitable regional representation.
Secretary Lope Santos III, Chair of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, articulated the Philippine government’s commitment to reducing poverty incidence to single digits by 2028. Emphasizing the fulfillment of five fundamental rights for impoverished individuals—comprising quality education, decent shelter, employment opportunities, health services, and food security—Secretary Santos outlined a comprehensive strategy for poverty alleviation.
As an integral part of the assembly, a knowledge management session and summation conference were conducted by the NAPC-Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Service for members of the various Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Councils (RBSCC). These council members, chosen in 2015, took stock of their efforts within the RBSCCs, sharing experiences and insights during breakout sessions. The discussions included recommendations on collaboration with national government entities, local government units, and special organizations or processes, fostering a collaborative environment for shared learning.
Representatives from the KPS Foundation, which holds a seat on the National Urban Poor Sectoral Council through its president and CEO, and former City Councilor of General Santos City Rodrigo ‘Boy’ Olarte, actively participated in the event. Noteworthy figures such as Arlene Panizales (KPSFI’s Admin and Finance Officer), Gelsa Pocdol (CMP Unit Head and community organizer), and Marife Enaya of Tacurong Branch (a project development staff) attended the two-day symposium concurrently with the National Sectoral Assemblies (NSA) 2023 in Metro Manila. This simultaneous symposium played a crucial role in the election of new council members, each set to serve a 3-year term, ensuring a continued and robust commitment to addressing poverty-related challenges in the country.
