MANILA, Oct. 25 (PNA) – Senator Grace Poe called on Sunday for more programs for women that would alleviate poverty and prevent a crisis of malnutrition.
Poe made this statement in reaction to a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report stating that gender sensitive programs can produce better results for food security and nutrition.
“Women are usually the ones who have to manage the household budget, and, more often than not, they will prioritize the needs and welfare of family members, especially their children,” Poe, who is leading surveys for the 2016 presidential elections, said.
”When women have access to income, they will surely put food on the table,” she added.
Poe reiterated the need to protect the rights of marginalized sectors, provide equal opportunities for livelihood, social services like education and health, and the creation of more programs and services to alleviate poverty all over the country.
She added that the government should intensify programs on disaster rehabilitation so that affected families and communities can more quickly recover from natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes.
“This is why we are proposing the creation of a permanent and dedicated agency for disaster risk reduction and management,” Poe said.
Last Friday, Poe and her running mate, Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero endorsed the senatorial bid of Lorna Capunan, a women’s right lawyer. (PNA)