The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) joined the celebration of the 55th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Aug. 10 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Manibi in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office in Pasay City.
NAPC Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary Paterna M. Ruiz and Senior Technical Officer Catherine Manangan attended the said event on behalf of the commission, said NAPC in a report.
According to NAPC, this year's anniversary theme, "Stronger Together," is in line with its mission to convene the 14 basic sectors, national agencies, and local government units in order to "provide responsive policy reforms and programs" for the sake of poor Filipinos.
The NAPC also added that it has always been an active supporter of ASEAN-related initiatives, one example is when the commission spearheaded the 5th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Awards last April 29 which aimed to recognize the achievements and contributions of non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and public sectors to the rural development and poverty reduction in communities.
The celebration was led by DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo and DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relation and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.