Ilocos Norte records lowest poverty incidence in the country

According to the report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on July 14, 2023, the Province of Ilocos Norte records the lowest “Poverty Incidence Among Families” and the lowest “Poverty Incidence Among Population” in the country for the provincial category.

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 0.5%, Ilocos Norte recorded the lowest poverty incidence among families out of all the provinces in the Philippines for the year 2023, followed by Pampanga at 3.7%; Siquijor at 4.6%; Apayao at 5.4%, and Aklan at 6.2%.

Also, in 2021, Ilocos Norte was the only province in Region I to record a single-digit “Poverty Incidence Among Population” rating at 9.0%, which further decreased to 0.9% for 2023, making Ilocos Norte one of the provinces consistently belonging to the group with the lowest poverty incidences in the country.

These achievements are proof of the Provincial Government’s continued efforts to support the Ilokano populace by fostering collaborations with key stakeholders to provide employment opportunities, drive economic growth, and ensure sustainable development.

Recently, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) Public Employment Services Office and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Office received significant regional and national awards for providing quality services to the Ilokano community.

PGIN, under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc continues to prioritize programs on poverty reduction by improving agricultural productivity, education, and employment, among others to help enhance the lives of every Ilokano family in the province.