Workers of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) are appealing for exemption from a P17 million cost-cutting measure to be able to fulfill its mandate of helping the poorest of the poor as the nation combats the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Mandated by the Department of Budget (DBM) circular 580, the cost-cutting measure aims to institute economy measures in government due to the emergency health situation brought about by COVID-19.
However, implementation by the NAPC would result in the loss of its effectiveness in pursuing programs that support the administration’s efforts to address poverty, said the Contractual Workers Welfare Association of National Anti-Poverty Commission.
This was contained in a statement signed by officers of the workers welfare group led by its president Vicente R. Poseran sent to Secretary Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista (Ret.) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Quezon City.
The cost-cutting “… would greatly affect the members of the Association, who have been in the forefront in the battle of the Agency against the ongoing pandemic situation. A ten percent cut in the MOOE would mean a reduction in the present Contract of Service and Job Order personnel of the Agency, which comprise the bulk of the workforce of the Agency,” said Poseran.
“It is in this light that we are appealing to you to consider our tenure as we are part in the fight of our government to stop this emergency health situation. We are attaching herewith a copy of our petition paper for your perusal and reference.” Poseran added.
The association statement said these workers are partners of NAPC in winning the war against the pandemic and the worsening of the impact of poverty because of COVID-19.
During the pandemic, the more national government needs the NAPC workers to assist national agencies and LGUs in communities where the poorest of the poor live and monitor implementation.
Aside from these, NAPC activities include the dispersal of vegetable seeds and assistance for poor families to engage in backyard gardening in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) that provided the seeds.
This way, NAPC helps in strengthening the immune systems, provide additional food sustainability, and provide the poor with an additional worthwhile activity during the quarantine.
Besides, an exemption would help our grassroots workers take care of their families while doing their pro-poor work for the government.
“We want to continue helping government bring the poorest of the poor to become worthy members of Philippine society,” said the NAPC workers.
