‘Kalinga posts 2nd lowest poverty rate in Cordillera… but gaps remain’ – DepDev – CAR

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Amid the province’s steady development, Kalinga was reported to have the second-lowest poverty incidence rate in the Cordillera Administrative Region in 2023, highlighting the provincial government’s relatively equitable income distribution and progress in addressing economic disparities.

The region, according to a representative from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development–Cordillera (DepDev-CAR), Odette Abitan, still shows spatial inequities in economic opportunities and access to services, as reflected in its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and other development indicators.

During the 1st Quarter Provincial Development Council Meeting on March 12 at the Davidsons Hotel in Bulanao, Abitan reported that while the region’s overall poverty incidence remains low, disparities persist, with two provinces still recording double-digit poverty rates.

Based on 2023 data, Mountain Province recorded the highest poverty incidence at 16.8 percent, followed by Abra (13.7 percent), Ifugao (7.4 percent), Benguet (6.4 percent), Apayao (5.8 percent), Kalinga (4.3 percent), and Baguio City, which recorded the lowest rate in the region.

For Kalinga, Abitan said the relatively low poverty incidence reflects the province’s more equitable income distribution compared with other provinces in the region.

“Another indicator is the poverty incidence. We are glad to report that Kalinga has the second-lowest poverty incidence among the population at around 4.5 percent. But we have to note that income inequality persists even with low overall poverty rates. The closer it is to 1, the more unequal it is,” she said.

Abitan added that six of Kalinga’s eight municipalities recorded a decline in poverty incidence over the calendar years 2018, 2021, and 2023, indicating progress in reducing poverty across most of the province. However, the remaining two municipalities saw increases in their poverty rates.

The municipality of Rizal recorded the highest decrease at -12.3, followed by Tabuk City (-10.7), Balbalan (-2.3), Pinukpuk (-2.1), Tanudan (-2.0), and Pasil (-0.7). Meanwhile, Lubuagan and Tinglayan recorded increases of 1.2 and 0.9, respectively.

Governor James Edduba, who was present during the meeting, emphasized that despite Kalinga’s low overall poverty rate, municipalities with rising poverty levels still need targeted support to ensure inclusive growth across the province.