The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has pledged to review the country’s food poverty threshold of PHP63.87 per person per day following concerns raised during a budget discussion for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Pangasinan Representative Christopher de Venecia highlighted that the current threshold, which excludes additional living costs, does not adequately reflect the needs of a family.
NEDA, in collaboration with the DTI and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), will reassess the threshold to better align it with nutritional needs and food prices.
The DTI is also working to ensure the availability and affordability of essential goods through initiatives like the “Diskwento Caravan” and the establishment of food terminals.
NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized that these thresholds are tools for assessing poverty and do not dictate household budgets, with ongoing efforts to address poverty through various social programs.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 19, 2024
