NAPC chief Pacquiao plans regional offices, puts jobs and housing first for Mindanao poor

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) plans to open regional offices so its programmes can reach poor communities more directly, NAPC Secretary Manny Pacquiao said, according to Mindanao Times.

Pacquiao spoke at the Mindanao Development Forum 2026, organised by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), on Tuesday, October 27. In a sideline interview, he said the commission currently has no regional offices and that setting them up is part of its effort to bring its work down to the grassroots. He added that many Filipinos are unaware the agency exists and that it is time they feel its presence.

Jobs and housing are his main priorities, Pacquiao said. He plans to focus on sustainable livelihoods for families and on strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises, which he described as job generators. He also mentioned housing and support for the schooling of children from poor households.

He cited the programme "Masaganang Pamumuhay sa Bagong Pilipinas," which he said centres on job creation and housing, but he did not give a budget figure for Mindanao.

Pacquiao did not name a single priority area for housing. He listed Davao, South Cotabato, Agusan, Zamboanga and Marawi among the areas that need help, saying assistance would depend on what the agency is able to deliver.

The commission is also looking for investors from other regions and from abroad to put money into Mindanao, which is expected to create jobs, Mindanao Times reported.

In his speech, Pacquiao called for public-private partnerships, development financing and closer cooperation among government, business, civil society and communities. He pointed to Mindanao's potential in agriculture, agribusiness, tourism, energy, infrastructure and emerging industries, but said the challenge is turning these opportunities into decent jobs and better services for the poor and marginalised.

"Development must reach the people, not just the places where investments are made," he said.

Asked about plans for a government post in 2028, Pacquiao said he is not thinking about politics and is focused on public service, his family and their business.