NEW DELHI — A 15‑member Philippine delegation has arrived in India for a week‑long immersion visit aimed at learning how to lift vulnerable households out of extreme poverty. The exchange, running from July 20 to 25, 2026, focuses on the Graduation Approach, a proven anti‑poverty strategy that could reshape the country’s livelihood programs.
A Delegation Seeking Proven Solutions
The Philippine team is led by DEPDev Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos and DOLE Assistant Secretary Julie Ann V. Chang‑Lim. They are joined by senior and regional officials from both agencies, along with Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio. The group traveled to New Delhi and Nashik to study community‑led economic inclusion models.
The immersion is hosted by BRAC India and the Trickle Up Foundation, two organizations with deep experience in implementing the Graduation Approach. The goal is to gather firsthand knowledge that can strengthen the Philippines’ own “big push” against poverty. Amb. Ignacio stressed that effective policy must be grounded in the daily realities of the people it aims to help.
Understanding the Graduation Approach
The Graduation Approach is a time‑bound, multi‑step process that typically spans 18 to 36 months. It begins with consumption support to meet immediate needs, then provides a productive asset—such as livestock or a small business starter kit—to generate sustainable income. Participants are also enrolled in savings groups and receive regular coaching.
This integrated method has been tested across multiple countries and has shown lasting results. Households that complete the program often see higher incomes, increased savings, and improved food security even years later. The approach treats poverty not as a permanent condition but as a challenge that can be overcome with the right tools and support.
From Indian Fields to Philippine Policy
During the immersion, the delegation will observe programs in urban and rural settings. The visit to Nashik, in particular, offers a close look at how self‑help networks operate on the ground. Philippine officials will interact directly with community members and field workers to understand what makes the model tick.
The exchange is especially timely for the Philippines. DEPDev and DOLE have been exploring ways to transition beneficiaries from emergency aid to market‑linked livelihoods. The Graduation model offers a structured pathway that could complement existing government initiatives. By adapting proven strategies, the country can accelerate its economic inclusion efforts.
A Timely Partnership for Shared Growth
Both the Philippines and India are fast‑growing economies that still grapple with pockets of severe poverty. The immersion is therefore more than a study tour; it is a platform for South‑South cooperation. Amb. Ignacio noted that the two nations share comparable development challenges, making the lessons from India highly transplantable.
The exchange also reinforces bilateral ties at a time when both governments are deepening their economic engagement. The presence of senior officials from DEPDev and DOLE signals the importance Manila places on inclusive growth. Practical knowledge gained here could influence policy design for years to come.
The Road Ahead
As the Philippine delegation completes its immersion, the focus will shift to how these lessons can be localized. The Graduation Approach does not offer a one‑size‑fits‑all solution, but its core principles—asset transfer, savings, and coaching—can be tailored to fit local conditions. The real work begins when the team returns home and begins translating observations into action.
