Unchanged

Critics have gleefully pounced on the report of the National Statistics Coordination Board, which showed poverty levels virtually unchanged nationwide since 2006. Malacañang pointed out yesterday that the period covered was in fact only until the first semester of 2012. But that still covers the first two years of the Aquino administration.

While Malacañang promised that figures for the second semester of 2012 would show some improvement, it stressed that progress would not happen overnight. The report was in keeping with official figures, acknowledged even by the administration, that economic growth has not been inclusive and its benefits have failed to trickle down to the grassroots.

The resulting criticism of the administration was expected, especially in an election season. Once the heckling has died down, however, politicians of all colors should consider ways of confronting a problem that has persisted since previous administrations. This is a failure of not just one branch of government or particular sector. It is a combination of many factors, including systemic and institutional weaknesses that the political establishment and concerned quarters have failed or refused to address.

Unlike survey reports, no one disputed the official figures trotted out by the statistics coordination board. A perfunctory drive around Metro Manila will make it impossible to dispute the figures. Once the criticism and blame game subside, the focus must be on a concerted effort to deal with a problem that has bedeviled the nation for several decades now.

Making a substantial dent in fighting poverty should be a challenge not just to the Aquino administration but especially to all candidates who will win in next month’s elections. While the government cannot be entrusted solely with the task of poverty alleviation, a lot depends on effective governance and political leadership. The poverty report is a challenge not just to Malacañang but to an entire nation.