"Single-Digit Poverty: Strongest Blow Against Insurgency — Gadon

August 28, 2026

Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon said Thursday that the Philippines’ historic achievement of single-digit poverty at 9.7% — reached three years ahead of the 2028 target — is far more than an economic milestone: it is the most powerful tool against insurgency the country has seen in recent years.

At a FAQCheck press conference, Gadon said progress in poverty reduction directly undercuts the root cause armed groups have long exploited to recruit mostly in GIDA areas.

"This — poverty reduction — has a huge direct effect on insurgency," Gadon stated.

"Poverty is the root cause that insurgents exploit. When people have a decent livelihood — irrigation, fair income, a sure market for their produce — they have no reason to join conflict. Development removes the very desperation that armed groups feed on," he added.

Gadon emphasized that farmers — the sector most often targeted for recruitment by NPA terrorists — and residents of GIDA and former conflict-affected communities now see tangible support: debt relief, free seeds, farm machinery, irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, and direct market access through the Kadiwa Program and partnerships with major retailers like SM. These interventions provide real alternatives to conflict.

"Where development reaches, recruitment fails. When a farmer can earn a living without picking up a gun — insurgency loses its strongest foundation,” he said.

Highlighting the single-digit poverty milestone and the country’s rise to upper-middle-income status, Gadon also addressed criticisms of government data — including claims from local think tank IBON Foundation. He affirmed that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) draws from comprehensive, verified records across DTI, BIR, Customs, and labor agencies — findings independently validated by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

He noted that those questioning the data lack access to the full scope of government records. He also pointed out that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio of 62% remains well within international benchmarks — compared to Japan at 220% and the United States at 88%.

To sustain these gains, the administration is expanding access to capital for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through whole-of-government and private-sector partnerships. LandBank provides loans from ₱500,000 up to ₱50 million for business expansion, while the Small Business Corporation offers no-collateral loans from ₱30,000 to ₱5 million. For larger ventures, DBP extends financing from ₱50 million to ₱300 million. Private institutions including First Circle and GCash are also extending accessible financing — with interest rates as low as 1% to 3% per month — making capital available even to the smallest enterprises.

"We are working across agencies and with the private sector to open opportunities for all Filipinos — so that the wealth of the nation is shared by all. When one builds a business, one creates jobs, and we all rise together," he stated.

Gadon called on the public to trust the administration’s whole-of-nation approach under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"We are doing everything to lift the lives of every Filipino. We have proven this — poverty has gone down significantly, and for those who have not yet risen, government support continues through our social protection programs through the DSWD. Help is available — inquire about the many programs and financing opportunities open to you. Trust that we will keep working to improve your livelihood. This is the future we are building — together,” he stressed.