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The Philippines, together with other members of the United Nations, had adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), which is to eradicate poverty by 2015.

National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Assistant Secretary Dolores de Quiros Castillo, at a press conference of "Stand Up Take Action" Campaign at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, called on Congress for the passage of the proposed P246-billion pro-poor budget for 2009 in order for the Philippines to meet its MDG target.

"Halfway towards the Millennium Development Goals’ target date of 2015, our nation is well on its way to attaining most of our millennium objectives. We, however, lag behind in terms of achieving universal primary education and improving maternal health," she said.

"The attainment of these two fundamental goals will require massive public investments -- and it is precisely for this reason that our agency is now batting for the approval of the government’s proposed P246 billion pro-poor budget for 2009," she added.

Under the proposed budget, Castillo said, includes programs that ensures adequate food for the poor, better education and social welfare services, and comprehensive health program.

"These are all crucial to the attainment of the MDGs," she stressed.

There are eight goals in the MDG that is relevant to the Philippines -- eradicate poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; and develop a global partnership for development. - PNA

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