Philippine provincial government creates anti-poverty office Mar 26th, 2018   [viewed 27 times]

 

Fisherfolks prepare to sail to the high seas. Zamboanga Sibugay has 16 towns, 13 of which are coastal towns. (Photo: Contributed) 

The Philippine provincial government has created a special office, the Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Office (PPRAO) to develop a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the marginalized sector in this province.

“There is strategy needs to focus the livelihood condition of the marginalized people, so that, they have the financial means to meet their needs,” Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma said after signing Executive Order No. 1011-01-23-18-003.

Palma appointed a PPRAO chief, Rommel Duran, who was formerly assigned to the Provincial Planning Division Office.

Citing as one of the highest priorities of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the governor said the provincial government would have to reduce the poverty incidence especially in far-flung villages where access to basic social and economic services are hampered due to distance.

Zamboanga Sibugay is on the list of top 20 poorest provinces of the Philippines in 2015.

“To address the needs and aspirations of the people is a crucial step to achieve progressive and sustainable communities,” he said.

According to the National Economic and Development Authority, in 2016 some 26 million of the country’s population remains poor and about half are living in extreme poverty.

The governor said improving the living conditions of the people is urgent and should be given top priority enabling them to live in a safe and productive community.

“It is a common knowledge that the underprivileged people are the vulnerable sector of the society,” Palma said.

The governor stressed the need to capacitate and empower the poor. (Antonio Manaytay, Email: antonio.manaytay@yahoo.com)