Labega calls for joint poverty strategy and funding plan

Member of Parliament Dimar Labega called for ministries to coordinate the implementation of a National Poverty Reduction Strategy and for a funding plan to support it. Labega said the strategy requires cooperation among ministries responsible for social development, finance, housing and economic affairs.

Parliament's debate on the 2027 national budget was expected to begin during the week of 1 November. Labega said the draft budget did not adequately identify new revenue-generating measures for long-term poverty-reduction initiatives.

Labega said Parliament unanimously approved his motion on the strategy during the 2026 budget debate. He said he later met with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, VSA, about progress on implementing the motion.

He called on the Finance Minister to provide timelines and measurable milestones for developing and introducing new revenue streams. Labega said improving tax compliance and collecting existing revenue may not provide enough funding for structural social and economic reforms.