Ilocos Norte recorded the lowest poverty incidence among Ilocos Region provinces according to the report of the Philippine Statistics Autority (PSA)-Region I which was released last February 22.
PSA defines poverty incidence as the proportion of families or population with a per capita income of less than the per capita poverty threshold as compared to the total number of families or population.
At 9.0, Ilocos Norte is the only province in the region to have recorded a single digit “poverty incidence among the population” for the year 2021, with Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan recording 22.5, 13.9, and 23.6, respectively.
On the other hand, Ilocos Norte, likewise, was the only province that recorded a single-digit “poverty incidence among families” at 6.3.
In 2016, Ilocos Norte also recorded the lowest poverty incidence rate in Region I at 15%. As early as 2012, PSA already listed Ilocos Norte as one of the provinces with the least poverty incidence.
On the other hand, Ilocos Norte has been in the top quartile of provinces with the highest HDI (Human Development Index) since 1997. HDI is a summary measure of human development in three basic dimensions of human development: longevity, or a long and healthy life, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living.
Between 2009 and 2015, HDI in Ilocos Norte increased by 12.7%. Specifically, access to knowledge increased by 6.4% and the standard of living by 34.8%. In the same period, life expectancy recorded a 0.3% drop.
Furthermore, Ilocos Norte is a 1st Income Class province.
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, headed by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, sustains the low poverty status in the province through the ongoing “Capitol Express,” a program focusing on poverty reduction that brings the provincial government’s various programs on agriculture, health, education, jobs, and livelihood, among others, to all Ilokanos down to the grassroots.
Through efforts like this, Ilocos Norte sustains its lead in agriculture and tourism; and strives to raise the efficiency of its healthcare system, and preserve livelihoods and create jobs with its award-winning employment initiatives, among many others.
“Narimat ti masakbayantayo amin,” (Our future is bright.), Governor Marcos assures as he doubles his efforts to build a safer and better Ilocos Norte. (Cita Macalipis)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte – Communications & Media Office)