Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former world boxing champion and ex-senator Manny Pacquiao to head the government’s anti-poverty agency. Marcos' office said it trusts Pacquiao to intensify poverty-reduction efforts, push social reform and improve delivery of services to communities. Pacquiao, 47, expressed gratitude and cited his own experiences of homelessness and hunger as the motivation for his public service.
Manny Pacquiao Tapped to Lead Philippines' Anti-Poverty Agency
FILE PHOTO - Philippine boxing legend and presidential candidate, Manny Pacquiao, arrives to cast his vote during the Philippines presidential elections at a polling station in Sarangani. (is associated with: «Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao appointed anti-poverty tsar») Maverick Asio/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday named former world boxing champion and one-time senator Manny Pacquiao to lead the government's anti-poverty agency.
"The President has expressed confidence in Secretary Pacquiao's ability to intensify the government's anti-poverty efforts, push forward social reform, and bring programmes and services closer to communities nationwide," Marcos' office said.
In a statement, Pacquiao, 47, expressed gratitude for the appointment and said he welcomed the opportunity to return to public service after serving as a senator from 2016 to 2022.
Pacquiao recounted his personal experience with hardship: "I have slept on the streets, gone hungry and at times survived on nothing but water, saving coins just to support my family." He added that those experiences motivate his commitment to helping struggling Filipinos.
What to expect: The administration says Pacquiao will be tasked with strengthening anti-poverty programs, advancing social reform and improving delivery of services to communities across the Philippines. Details about the specific agency priorities and implementation plan are expected to follow from the president's office.
Background: Pacquiao is internationally known for his boxing career and previously represented constituents as a senator between 2016 and 2022. The appointment marks his return to a government role focused on social and economic welfare.
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