Ahon Mahirap Partylist's second nominee, Mayor Miguel “Ike” Fernando Ponce III, is advocating for the institutionalization of livelihood funding to ensure that local governments receive consistent financial support from the national budget.
During the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Friday, Ponce noted that while many municipalities have livelihood programs, these often fail due to a lack of funding.
“Ang isa sa konkretong plano natin na gagawin namin, instead magbigay ng ayuda gusto kong sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulong natin ng institutionalize ang pagpopondo sa mga livelihood ng bawat local government,” he explained.
According to Ponce, Ahon’s goal is to establish a dedicated government fund that will provide capital to small entrepreneurs and unemployed Filipinos looking to start businesses.
By pushing for a structured and well-financed national livelihood program, the partylist aims to empower Filipinos with economic opportunities, reducing dependence on government aid (ayuda) and fostering long-term financial stability.
Proposed advocacies for Filipinos
“‘Yung adbokasiya na isinusulong ng Ahon Partylist ay tatlo, ‘yung economic empowerment, financial literacy at social justice,” said Ponce.
During the interview, he emphasized their commitment to promoting economic empowerment, financial literacy, and social justice.
“Alam naman natin ‘yung social justice ay masyadong gamit na gamit na ‘yan pero ang kagandahan naman ay pag when we speak of social justice parang sinasama niya na nito ang lahat. Pagkakapantay-pantay para i-angat yung antas ng buhay ng mga mahihirap kapantay ng mga mayayaman, Ponce explained.
“Napakarami nating pwedeng maisip dito pero ang gusto talaga natin bigyan ng pansin ay yung economic empowerment. Paano ba natin maiaangat ang buhay ng mga mahihirap. Paano natin sila matutulungan,” the mayor added.
Addressing the root causes of rising rice prices
Ponce also tackled pressing economic issues such as inflation, high rice prices, and the plight of informal workers. He pointed out that while the government has implemented efforts to provide affordable rice, the real issue lies in middlemen and cartels manipulating prices.
“Actually nung kami ay bahagi ng ginawa ni Presidente Bongbong Marcos na magbigay ng murang bigas sa ating mga kababayan, ang nakita nating number 1 problem ay hindi naman doon sa pagtatanim ng bigas at yung presyo doon sa nanggagaling sa mga magsasaka. Ang nakita nating problema ay along the way, galing sa magsasaka papunta doon sa konsyumer, papunta doon sa consumer sa retailer. Dito na nagkaroon ng maraming kalokohan kung bakit tumataas ang presyo ng bigas natin,” he said.
To combat the problem, Ponce said that AHON aims to push for stricter regulations and oversight on rice distribution to ensure affordability.
“Ang pinakamalaking problema natin, tama ang sinabi mo Deo, ay yung kartel na kukunin ng mura, itatago lang, at pagkatapos magkaroon ng savings shortage at tsaka kunwari ilalabas na kunwari ito’y kakaani lang pero ang totoo matagal na nilang hawak hawak," Mayor Ponce explained.
Support for senior citizens and PWDs
Ponce expressed his concern for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly those left out of government pension programs.
“Naawa ako sa kanila eh, ang meron lang social pension ay yung walang SSS, walang GSIS. At yung mga talagang hirap na hirap sa buhay, ibig sabihin kahit wala ka nitong mga SSS at GSIS, kapag medyo maayos yung bahay na tinitirahan mo ay hindi ka rin bibigyan.”
He pointed out that all seniors, regardless of their previous employment status, should receive some form of social pension.
According to him, Ahon plans to propose an increase in government funding for senior and PWD benefits, ensuring that even those receiving minimal Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pensions can qualify for additional assistance.
“Isa sa aming isusulong talaga ang totoo, yung ating komisyon ng senior citizen ay palagi nating kausap diyan ang direktor, yung chairman, at ang isa sa ating nagpanukala ay isulong nila na magkaroon ng social pension ang ating mga senior citizen at mabigyan ng malaking pondo galing sa nasyonal itong mga PWD natin,” he reiterated.
Ponce’s campaign under Ahon Mahirap Partylist centers on empowerment over dependence, advocating for livelihood support, better budget management, and sustainable solutions to uplift marginalized communities.
With his experience as mayor since 2016, Ponce hopes to bring his vision to Congress.
