Listahanan identifies 165,235 poor households in Region 1

The National Household Targeting Unit (NHTU) / Listahanan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office 1 (DSWD-FO1) bared the results of the Second Round of Household Assessment where 165,235 poor households (HHs) were identified during the recently held 2015 Listahanan Launching of Poor Households in Laoag City Auditorium, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

DSWD-FO1 Regional Dir. Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo presented the regional profile of the poor wherein out of the 165,235 identified poor HHs, 12,116 poor HHs are located in Ilocos Norte; 16,944 poor HHs are in Ilocos Sur; 22,595 poor HHs are in La Union; and 113,580 poor HHs are in Pangasinan.

Former Listahanan National Project Manager and now DSWD-NCR Dir. Vincent Andrew T. Leyson explained the Proxy Means Test Model in identifying the poor and the improvements done in Listahanan data sharing in compliance with Republic Act 10173. “Our task is not just to identify the poor but also to make sure that these data are used for planning and implementation of programs and services that address the needs of the poor,” said Dir. Leyson.

Meanwhile, Listahanan National Deputy Project Director / DSWD Policy and Plans Group USec. Florita R. Villar emphasized in her speech that lessons learned from 2009 Listahanan database inspired improvements in the 2015 Listahanan database.

USec. Villar added that those who need the resources most were prioritized in targeting through Listahanan assessment. “Listahanan database assures that the poor households are not left behind in the process of development,” said USec. Villar.

Further, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos testified to the credibility of the Listahanan Database. “Sa lahat ng sulok may mahirap kaya napaka-importante ng Listahanan. Sa Probinsiya ng Ilocos Norte, kinareer namin ang Listahanan para siguraduhin na well targeted ang ating mga efforts laban sa kahirapan (In every corner, there are poor that is why in the Province of Ilocos Norte, we utilized Listahanan database to make sure that the efforts to eradicate poverty are well targeted),” said Gov. Marcos. (by: Jaymante Pearl B. Apilado, Administrative Assistant III, NHTS-PR/Listahanan)