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NAPC Explained: National Anti-Poverty Commission

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) is a government agency in the Philippines that serves as the coordinating and advisory body for crafting anti-poverty policies and programs. It was established to ensure the active participation of basic sectors—including farmers, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous peoples, and workers—in national development efforts. The agency aligns its programs with poverty reduction initiatives and works closely with other government offices to promote inclusive, sustainable progress across the country.

NAPC was created through Republic Act No. 8425 or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997, as a response to the growing need for a unified strategy to combat poverty in the Philippines. Its primary objectives include promoting sectoral empowerment, ensuring access to basic services, and bridging the gap between the marginalized and government resources. By understanding what NAPC is all about, we become more aware of available government interventions that directly benefit us—especially in securing housing, financial assistance, livelihood support, and other forms of social protection programs.

What is NAPC

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Photo credit: NAPC

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) is a government body in the Philippines, tasked with spearheading the country’s efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce social inequality. Since its creation through Republic Act No. 8425, also known as the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, on June 30, 1998,  its main task has always been to serve as the main coordinator and adviser for the government’s anti-poverty strategies and social reform agenda. As an agency, it was also designed to coordinate all the nation’s anti-poverty strategies and ensure the active participation of marginalized sectors in decision-making processes. 

Legal Bases

Additionally, the following issuances outlined the NAPC’s duties and governance as follows:

  • Legal Basis: NAPC’s creation and authority comes from the law called Republic Act 8425 or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997, which officially created the agency.
  • Supporting Orders: These legal issuances below further guide how NAPC works:
    • Administrative Order No. 21 (2011): This outlines the rules on how to implement the anti-poverty law properly, especially the first part (Title I) of RA 8425.
    • Executive Order No. 110 (2002): This order gives NAPC the responsibility to manage and supervise the People’s Development Trust Fund (PDTF)—a special fund meant to support anti-poverty projects. It also works with the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) in doing this.

All of these are meant to empower the NAPC so it can better oversee and guide poverty reduction initiatives across the country.

Mandate

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) is a government agency that helps lead and coordinate efforts to reduce poverty across the country. Its job is to make sure that programs for social reform and poverty reduction are properly planned and carried out. 

Mission


“The NAPC is a government agency committed to undertake policy advocacy, oversee anti-poverty efforts, and ensure meaningful and inclusive people’s participation in governance and nationalist development.”

Vision


“The NAPC envisions a Philippine society free from poverty and inequality.”

Functions 

The agency operates with a clear mandate to oversee, coordinate, and facilitate the implementation of the Social Reform Agenda (SRA), which aims to uplift the living standards of marginalized sectors. Its core functions include:

  • Coordination and Oversight: NAPC works with national and local government agencies to ensure the successful implementation of poverty alleviation programs and social reforms at all levels.
  • Policy Advocacy: The commission recommends policies and actions to optimize the implementation of anti-poverty programs. It also advocates for the necessary reforms in laws, procedures, and budgets that affect marginalized groups.
  • Basic Sector Participation: A central component of NAPC’s work is involving the basic sectors—such as farmers, urban poor, workers, women, indigenous groups, and others—in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of anti-poverty initiatives.
  • Program Monitoring and Evaluation: NAPC is responsible for ensuring that poverty alleviation programs are effective and that resources are properly allocated. It also provides guidance on improving the delivery of social services to poor communities.
  • Mobilizing Resources: The NAPC advocates for the mobilization of funds from both national and local governments to support social reform programs. This includes financial assistance and incentives to local government units (LGUs) that contribute resources to poverty reduction efforts.
  • Incentives for Local Governments: NAPC encourages LGUs to implement poverty alleviation projects by offering financial and non-financial incentives, which helps ensure that poverty reduction efforts are localized and relevant to specific community needs.
  • Annual Reporting: The NAPC submits an annual report to Congress detailing its operations, including program implementations, financial status, and progress on poverty reduction goals.

Logo

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Photo credit: NAPC

Its logo prominently features the official coat of arms of the Philippines, symbolizing the agency’s national mandate and alignment with the government. The circular shape of the logo represents unity and inclusiveness—key principles in addressing poverty through multi-sectoral collaboration. Surrounding the coat of arms is the agency’s name, emphasizing its core mission and identity as the lead coordinating body for anti-poverty efforts in the country. The year “1998” at the bottom marks the official founding of NAPC, reflecting its institutional history and commitment to long-term poverty alleviation. Overall, the logo projects authority, national unity, and a commitment to empowering the marginalized sectors of the Philippines.

History

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) was established in 1997 through Republic Act No. 8425, also known as the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, under the administration of then-President Fidel V. Ramos. It was created to institutionalize a government-wide approach to poverty reduction and ensure that the basic sectors have a voice in policy-making. In its early years, NAPC focused on building partnerships between government agencies, civil society, and grassroots communities. Over the decades, the agency evolved to address new forms of poverty and inequality, especially in light of natural disasters, economic shifts, and the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it continues to serve as a key coordinating body for anti-poverty programs, integrating sectoral concerns into national development plans and promoting inclusive governance.

NAPC Organizational Structure

The National Anti-Poverty Commission is led by the President of the Philippines, who serves as its Chairman. Two vice-chairpersons assist the president: one for the government sector and another for the basic sectors. The commission also includes members from 25 national government agencies, presidents of the four leagues of local government units, and representatives from the 14 basic sector groups. The Secretariat, headed by the Lead Convenor, facilitates the NAPC’s activities. 

The National Government Agencies

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) works closely with these national government agencies to coordinate and implement programs aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social reform across the Philippines.

The Basic Sectors

A unique aspect of NAPC’s operations is its focus on collaboration with various basic sectors. These sectors are at the heart of the Philippines’ poverty alleviation initiatives, and their active participation is crucial for the success of anti-poverty programs. The 14 basic sectors include:

  • Farmers and Landless Rural Workers
  • Artisanal Fisherfolk
  • Urban Poor
  • Indigenous Peoples and Cultural Communities
  • Formal Sector Workers and Migrant Workers
  • Informal Sector Workers
  • Women
  • Children
  • Youth and Students
  • Senior Citizens
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Victims of Disasters and Calamities
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Cooperatives

NAPC works closely with these groups to develop tailored solutions that address the specific needs of each sector, helping to create a more inclusive approach to national development.

NAPC Flagship Programs

NAPC also leads several flagship programs aimed at addressing the specific needs of different sectors. These programs, which target both sectoral and cross-sectoral concerns, are key to the implementation of the Social Reform Agenda. They cover a range of issues, including poverty reduction, economic development, healthcare, and education.

NAPC designates lead agencies for each flagship program, ensuring coordination between different sectors and government bodies. These programs are also supported by dedicated teams within the respective lead agencies, which are responsible for day-to-day operations and monitoring the progress of these initiatives. They also ensure that the programs remain inclusive and that even the most vulnerable sectors of society benefit from its poverty alleviation purposes.

Here are some of the programs and projects of the agency:

1. National Poverty Reduction Plan (NPRP)

The NPRP is a strategic framework that prioritizes the fundamental rights of the poor, including access to education, health, and livelihood opportunities. It serves as a guide for implementing comprehensive poverty alleviation initiatives across various sectors.

2. Poverty Reduction Advocacy: Growth and Opportunities Program (PRA-NAPC Bagong Buhay para sa Mamamayan – PBBM)

This program focuses on intensifying poverty alleviation efforts in coastal communities, particularly targeting artisanal fisherfolk. It aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve the quality of life in these areas.

3. Basic Sector Empowerment

NAPC works to institutionalize the participation of 14 basic sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, women, and indigenous peoples, in governance and policy-making processes. This ensures that the voices of marginalized groups are heard and considered in national development plans.

4. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Materials

The agency develops and disseminates educational materials to raise awareness about poverty issues and the rights of the poor. These resources aim to inform and empower communities to actively participate in poverty reduction efforts.

5. Gender and Development (GAD) Initiatives

NAPC implements programs that promote gender equality and address the specific needs of women in poverty. These initiatives focus on empowering women through access to resources, education, and leadership opportunities.

6. Capacity Building and Training Programs

The commission conducts training sessions and workshops to enhance the skills and capabilities of individuals and organizations involved in poverty alleviation. These programs aim to build a more effective and responsive network of anti-poverty advocates.

7. Partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs)

NAPC collaborates with LGUs to implement localized poverty reduction projects, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of communities. These partnerships facilitate the efficient delivery of services and resources to the poor.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation Systems

The agency establishes mechanisms to track the progress and impact of poverty reduction programs. This data-driven approach allows for the continuous improvement of strategies and policies aimed at alleviating poverty.

These programs and projects collectively contribute to NAPC’s overarching goal of eradicating poverty and promoting inclusive development throughout the Philippines.

NAPC’s Role in Financial Assistance

As part of its mandate, NAPC also facilitates financial assistance to local governments and other sectors through various channels. The People’s Development Trust Fund (PDTF), for example, provides microfinance services to low-income communities, helping them access affordable financial resources for development projects. The NAPC also advocates for the creation of credit and savings options for the poor, working with both public and private financial institutions.

Collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs)

Local government units also work with NAPC as partners in the implementation of social reform programs. NAPC works closely with LGUs to ensure that their local development plans align with the national poverty reduction strategies. By empowering local governments, NAPC helps to streamline the implementation of programs and make them more effective in addressing the unique challenges of each locality.

NAPC’s Reporting and Accountability

The NAPC is committed to transparency and accountability. Each year, the commission submits a detailed report to Congress outlining its activities, the status of ongoing programs, and the financial health of its operations. This report serves as an important tool for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to strategies and policies.

Video: NAPC Consultation Meeting With Various Sectors

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) is a government agency in the Philippines designed and created to spearhead the country’s fight against poverty. It serves mainly as a liaison agency,  coordinating with government agencies, local governments, and civil society organizations, even as it strives to create an environment where marginalized sectors are actively involved in their own development. Through its wide range of programs, advocacy, and resource mobilization efforts, NAPC continues to work to reduce poverty and improve the lives of Filipinos nationwide. 

To learn more about the agency and to see how it actually works, watch this video of a consultation meeting between the agency and the other grassroot organizations below:

Contact Information

For inquiries or other concerns, you may reach out to NAPC via the following contact information:

National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)

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