THE poverty incidence among the Northern Mindanao populace has decreased by 10.4 percent in 2018, according to the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Noel Felongco.

Felongco, who was in Cagayan de Oro City for the Multi-Sectoral Consultation on NAPC Flagship programs last Friday, January 17, said that based on the data by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the 41.9 percent poverty incidence in 2015 went down to 31.5 percent in 2018.

All of the provinces of Northern Mindanao have recorded a decline in poverty incidence, with Misamis Oriental as the province with the lowest poverty incidence of 23.6 percent.

However, Bukidnon appeared to be the province with the largest drop in poverty incidence among population, recording a 21.4 percent drop from 59.3 percent poverty incidence in 2015 to 37.9 percent in 2018.

This was followed by Lanao del Norte, from 50.6 percent poverty incidence in 2015 to 30 percent in 2018; Camiguin, from 44 percent in 2015 to 29.6 percent in 2018; and Misamis Occidental, from 42 percent in 2015 to 41.4 percent in 2018.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City, according to Felongco, has 15.2 percent poverty incidence in 2018, which is lower than the national poverty incidence.

Felonco said there is still the 15.2 percent poverty incidence in the city due to migrants and the problem in resettlement.

“Daghan kaayo mga urban poor ug mga informal settlers dinhi sa Cagayan de Oro. I think kana nga sitwasyon ni-contribute diri sa 15.2 poverty incidence,” Felongco said.

(There are many urban poor and informal settlers here in Cagayan de Oro. I think that situation contributes 15.2 poverty incidence.)