JV Ejercito: Good local governance needed to reduce poverty

Former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said improving local governance can greatly reduce poverty in the country.

In an interview with DZRH, Ejercito said his hometown San Juan City reported the lowest poverty incidence in the National Capital Region after he implemented a series of governance reforms during his term as mayor.

“Noong mayor ako ng San Juan, pinakaproud ako hindi sa mga malalaking proyekto o malalaking infrastructure. Pinakaproud ako doon sa we had the lowest poverty incidence sa buong bansa, percentage-wise. Kasi nabigyan natin ng trabaho at hanapbuhay (ang mga tao) because of our thrust, because of our good governance and practice of transparency,” he said.

Under his watch Ejercito said the local government of San Juan City was able to professionalize its local civil service, computerize local processes, and improve tax mapping in the city.

The former Senator said these reforms increased investor confidence and encouraged businesses to move into San Juan City.

Despite not raising taxes during his term as mayor, San Juan City had a budget of around P1.2 billion by the time he stepped down as local chief executive, he said.

“Ginawa natin ‘yan para magkatiwa ang mga investors at pumasok ang mga negosyo. Siyempre, pag may pumasok na negosyo, magbibigay ng trabaho at hanapbuhay ‘yan,” he said.

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