National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary and Lead Convenor Manny Pacquiao is joining forces with Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to strengthen government efforts to alleviate poverty, particularly among farmers and fisherfolk, who remain among the country’s most economically vulnerable sectors.
The two Cabinet member met recently and discussed ways to coordinate their agencies’ programs and resources to expand livelihood opportunities, improve agricultural productivity, and bring assistance to underserved communities.
Pacquiao, whose rise from poverty to become the Filipino boxing icon and the world’s only 8-division champion has sparked admiration and inspiration, said their discussions centered on creating sustainable sources of income for poor households, with irrigation for farmers and support for fisherfolk among the key priorities.
“We discussed how we can provide sustainable livelihoods for the poor, especially our farmers. Irrigation is one of the things we talked about,” Pacquiao said. He added that the two agencies would work together to maximize government assistance to disadvantaged communities and address the challenges confronting those who depend on agriculture and fisheries for their livelihoods.
Tiu Laurel said the collaboration aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to work together through a whole-of-government approach to addressing poverty and other pressing concerns.
“We’re so happy to have Sec. Manny as part of the Cabinet,” said Tiu Laurel, noting that the partnership would focus on helping farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers by improving the delivery of government interventions. Under the proposed collaboration, Pacquiao would help bring Department of Agriculture (DA) programs closer to poor communities, including urban areas, to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.
Tiu Laurel also said Pacquiao would join him in field activities, including livestock distribution, allowing more Cabinet officials to participate in bringing government assistance directly to communities. “Instead of just one person going around, now there are two or even three Cabinet members,” Tiu Laurel said.
Pacquiao said the initiative reflects the President’s directive to prioritize Filipinos who have been left behind, particularly those without stable incomes or sustainable livelihoods. The collaboration comes as farmers and fisherfolk continue to face challenges that threaten their livelihoods, including high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities.
Closer coordination between the NAPC and the DA could help connect vulnerable households with agricultural assistance and livelihood programs. The next step is to translate the discussions into concrete, accessible, and sustained interventions that can improve household incomes and strengthen economic security.
For Pacquiao and Tiu Laurel, the goal is to make government assistance more responsive to the needs of the poor while helping Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and other vulnerable sectors build more secure livelihoods.
