Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

The Tale of 42 Percent Poor

“Figure does not lie”, according to mathematicians. And the latest figure on poverty is: “some 42 percent of the Aklanons are in the poverty threshold.”
This figure is based upon that data the Bureau of National Statistics Office, Aklan gathered and analyzed. This present figure shows an increase of nine (9) percent over the previous years which was 33 percent poverty threshold.
This 42 percent threshold level means that for every 100 persons living in Aklan, 42 of them are poor while 58 are above the poverty line who are living with all the basic requirements of life such as food, housing, clothing, health, education and recreation.
On the other hand, the persons who belong to the poor group are characterized as having no employment with small income, if any, who can hardly or even unable to support to live a normal life. They maybe living partly on government charity and some dole outs from relatives, friends and charitable institutions.
This high poverty incidents in Aklan is hard to believe but that is the figure released by no other than the official statistician of the government. Unless another figure is released by the government mandated to conduct studies and release result of the study, the 42 percent of Akeanons are living below the poverty level stands.
But some people concerned in economic enhancement in the provincial capitol in Kalibo, Aklan are questioning the credibility of the 42 percent poverty threshold level of Aklan. Engr. Roger M. Esto, chief, Provincial Development Planning Office of Aklan has expressed doubts on the figure. He questioned the sampling method used, the identification of samples, the questionnaire used and the enumeration process.
Engr. Esto may have the good points, but still the 42 percent threshold level stays.
It maybe to the best interest of the provincial government of Aklan to review the twin provincial program, Tourism and Agriculture. Questions like: 1. Does the benefits of the twin program in tourism and agriculture really benefit the 42 percent for which the program is addressed to? Is the program really implemented accordingly with full support? Are the processes and methods of program implementation complied with?

Field Level Grain Center

For instance the Aklan provincial government has installed a field level grain center in Brgy. Laguinbanwa, Ibajay, Aklan. This project cost P7 million which was started in 2002. The project is designed to provide warehousing, drying, milling and hauling facilities of palay of the farmers. It is designed to improve the quality of palay produced, increase milling recovery of rice and finally increase the net profit of palay producers in Aklan particularly of Ibajay. The lot where the grain center is located is being rented by the provincial government from the land owner. However, until today, the grain center is not being utilized. This post harvest facilities for palay has never contributed in economic progress until today. It even increased government expenditure.

Symptoms of Poverty

To disprove the 42 percent poverty threshold level, it will require another data gathering, tabulation, and analysis using the proven statistical and scientific method of studies. However, this will entail some budget, any expenditure which may not be available at this time.
But how about observing the present situation in Aklan, review the data already available on hand? The provincial government may have the record as to the number of Philhealth Cards it issued in the year 2007? This is one good indicator of the economic status of the Aklanons. The more Philhealth Cards issued, the more poor families there are. Also, from the office of the Provincial Treasurer of Kalibo, Mr. Evan Timtiman may collate and reveal the percentage of collection of real estate tax. How many percent for every 100 centavos collectibles real estate property tax is collected? This will also serve as good indicator of poverty or wealth. The ability to pay taxes may show the economic status of the people.
In the government hospitals like DRSTMH, they may have some data of 2007. How many were indigent patients compared to patients in the paywards? In the office of the Provincial Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Office of Municipal Mayors and Sangguniang Bayans of 17 towns, they might have data on the number of solicitors who requested financial assistance for food, hospitalization, schooling and other assistance. This will help disprove the 42 percent threshold poverty level in Aklan.
Statistics cannot be disproved unless another record is shown to invalidate it. Those concerned in the upliftment of the standard of living of the 500,000 Aklanons must take note of the 42 percent threshold poverty level. There is a need to review the present programs and adjust it to address poverty. After a year, once that number is substantially reduced, that is a big success. The 42 percent is a good baseline data to be used as a gauge of success in the coming year. Let the provincial planners and program implementors review the current programs, if necessary and implement it according to the purposes for which it were drafted and approved. /MP