The Malabon City government was recognized by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) for its successful implementation of poverty reduction programs that resulted in a significant drop in the city’s poverty incidence.

According to NAPC, Malabon’s poverty rate among families decreased from 2.9 percent in 2021 to 1.5 percent in 2023, lowering the number of poor households from around 2,600 to 1,300.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval credited the improvement to the city’s sustained efforts to deliver social aid and livelihood opportunities to residents through various local programs.

“Patunay po ito ng ating pagtupad sa pangako at layuning maitaas ang antas at kalidad ng pamumuhay para sa bawat tahanan dito sa Malabon. Mula sa mga programang tumutulong sa pangangailangan, pagpapalago ng ekonomiya, hanggang sa mga inisyatibong nagbibigay ng oportunidad para sa kabuhayan at trabaho (This stands as proof of our commitment to fulfilling our promise and our goal of improving the standard and quality of life for every household in Malabon, through programs that address basic needs, strengthen the economy, and create opportunities for livelihood and employment),” she said.

According to the city’s Public Information Office, the NAPC commended the implementation of the Malabon Ahon Blue Card (MABC) program, which provides quarterly financial assistance and access to social services through a digital platform.

It added that more than 93,000 households benefit from the program. 

The MABC has also extended burial and hospitalization assistance to 1,700 residents, while 3,400 Grade 1 students have received P1,000 each under the MABC Eskwela Savings Program.

The city also received recognition from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) after its Public Employment Service Office (PESO) was named Best LGU Implementing the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). 

It assisted more than 200 beneficiaries, including child laborers and low-income workers, by providing NegoCarts, Bigasan Packages, and Carinderia Kits to help them start small businesses.

To encourage entrepreneurship, the city launched an Electronic Business One-Stop Shop under the Ease of Doing Business Program, allowing business owners to process transactions online.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also reported that Malabon recorded a 7.27 percent GDP growth rate in 2024, higher than the National Capital Region’s 5.6 percent average. The city’s economic output rose to P72.34 billion from P67.44 billion in 2023.

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Sandoval recently met with NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III on Thursday, Oct. 9, to discuss the formulation of Malabon’s Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) in line with the Magna Carta of the Poor. 

The plan aims to further improve the city’s anti-poverty and livelihood programs.

Meanwhile, City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete expressed gratitude to residents and city employees for their support, saying the recognition from NAPC reflects the collective effort of the Malabueño community toward inclusive growth and a better quality of life.

“Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa bawat Malabueño, empleyado, at residente na patuloy na nakikiisa sa ating mga inisyatibo (Our heartfelt gratitude goes to every Malabueno, employee, and resident who continues to support and take part in our initiatives),” he said. 

“Ang parangal na ito at ang inyong suporta ang nagsisilbing inspirasyon ng Pamahalaang Lungsod, sa pangunguna ni Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, sa pagbuo ng mga programang nakatuon sa pagpapabuti ng buhay at pag-unlad ng Malabon (This recognition, along with your unwavering support, serves as the inspiration of the City Government, under the leadership of Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, in creating programs that uplift lives and drive the continued progress of Malabon),” Rosete added.