Every October 17, the United Nations observes International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which is celebrating its 25th year this year.

According to the original UN resolution, adopted on March 31, 1993, the eradication of poverty was described as “one of the priorities of development” and, through the observance, member states must “devote the day to presenting and promoting, as appropriate in the national context, concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution.”

The day was formulated in response to a “call to action” by Fr. Joseph Wresinski, the Catholic priest who penned a report on poverty that served as a basis for the UN resolution establishing the observance.

Last month, Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon called the unity ticket between the United Negros Alliance and Love Negros “the answer to progress and poverty alleviation.”/WDJ