FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State of Filipino People’s Hunger Worsened under President Arroyo’s Watch says anti-poverty group

Manila, Philippines 2007-07-17

Anti-poverty group, Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP)-Philippines says it is short-sighted to congratulate the Arroyo administration for a reported decline in the incidence of hunger within the first six months of 2007.

The latest hunger survey from Social Weather Stations shows a decline in self-rated hunger from the record high of 19% posted in the first quarter down to 14.7% in June.

 “Mrs. Arroyo should not credit her administration for the decline in hunger,” says Marivic Raquiza, National Coordinator of GCAP-Philippines, “The duration of the survey coincides with the seasonal agricultural harvest, which may explain an uptick in short-term employment. Also the period of February to June served as the backdrop of national and local elections which is characterized by short-term election-related spending and generation of temporary jobs. Both factors provided additional income to Filipinos, which can explain why more people can afford to eat, at least in the short-term."

Raquiza stresses the need to look at the bigger picture. “The 14% hunger level is still higher than the incidence of hunger in 2001, which stood at 11.4% when Mrs. Arroyo first assumed power. Worse, it was under Mrs. Arroyo's watch that hunger incidence peaked to its highest, compared to previous administrations."

Raquiza continues, "Ironically, the national budget is at an all-time high, hitting   trillions of pesos. Where is the money going?  Who is benefitting from the huge amounts in the national budget? Obviously not ordinary Filipinos who say they are hungrier now more than ever before.”

The Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) is a worldwide alliance of trade unions, community groups, faith groups, youth and campaigners working together across more than 100 national platforms. GCAP is calling for action from the world’s leaders to meet their promises to end poverty and inequality. In particular, GCAP demands solutions that address the issues of public accountability, just governance and the fulfilment of human rights as well as trade justice, aid quality and quantity, debt cancellation and gender equality.

For information:

May-i Fabros
Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP)-Philippines
Rm 130 Alumni Center UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
telefax: 632 9208949
mobile: +63917 2069803
website: www.endpovertynow.org.ph

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