A volunteer group-turned-partylist aspirant, poised to enter Congress in the 2025 elections, aimed to revamp the dole-out programs with sustainable, empowerment-driven solutions to address the root causes of poverty, bringing lasting change to communities in need.
Attorney Nathaniel Oducado, the first nominee of the 1Tahanan Partylist, said that the government should go beyond dole-out programs and integrate sustainable livelihood components into social safety nets.
In an interview, Oducado emphasized that government programs must prioritize creating opportunities and linkages that would empower individuals, ensuring long-term economic stability rather than just offering temporary relief.
He explained the importance of including key elements such as skills training and comprehensive support that extends to the marketing stage of livelihood programs.
“This is what drives the economy. Without these initiatives, people will remain trapped below the poverty line,” Oducado told Brigada News FM Philippines.
He identified a gap in current livelihood programs, saying that while many people acquire skills, they struggle to find opportunities to use them effectively.
Oducado outlined the advocacy of 1Tahanan Partylist, which began in 2015 as a volunteer-driven initiative in Cebu, long before politics came into the picture.
He described the advocacy as a way to help Filipinos tackle systemic poverty through an integrated approach, equipping them not only with essential skills but also with the platforms and networks necessary to effectively market their products and services.
Oducado added that the partylist have consistently champions grassroots-driven solutions to poverty by strengthening existing livelihood programs and advocating for policies that ensure their long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.