Alleviating Poverty in Northern Samar

To strengthen poverty alleviation efforts in the province, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), in partnership with the Provincial Government through the Provincial Planning and Development Office, conducted an Orientation-Seminar on the Magna Carta of the Poor - Local Poverty Reduction Plan yesterday, July 16, 2024 at the Provincial Capitol Ibabao Hall.

NAPC emphasized the crucial role of local government units in poverty alleviation.  Salient features of the Magna Carta of the Poor and the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) were also presented by Ms. Rheleen S. Soco from NAPC-Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Service.

Republic Act No. 11291, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of the Poor, directs the government to establish a system of progressive implementation, and to help realize the five fundamental rights for the poor: the right to adequate food, decent work, relevant and quality education, adequate housing, and the highest attainable standard of health.    

This mandate drives the formulation of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) to help the poor escape the cycle of poverty.  According to the 2023 First Semester Poverty Statistics released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, a family in Northern Samar needed an average of Php 15,021.00 per month to meet basic food and non-food needs, 

The Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) is a 3-year plan which contains programs and projects of the Local Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders, directly addressing the needs of the poor and the marginalized sectors. 

An overview of Republic Act No. 8425 or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act, which was the basis of the establishment of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, was also presented by Mr. Judah S. Aliposa, Chairperson of the Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council of Region VIII.

Ms. Perigine C. Cayadong from NAPC-LACMS provided an overview of the LPRAP Formulation Guidelines and Template under the DILG-NAPC Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2024. This will assist LGUs, their respective basic sectors, civil society organizations, and government partners in formulating the LPRAP. The MCP-LPRAP rollout will begin in 2025.

Mr. Jathniel Earl F. Ando, MLGOO of Catubig, discussed the rationalized planning system, aiming to organize local planning in the country. By rationalizing the planning system, it harmonizes the mandated plans of LGUs, ensuring meaningful participation even from those not technically trained in the planning process.

The Orientation-Seminar was graced by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, National Anti-Poverty Commission key personnel, the 24 Local Government Units in the province represented by their respective MLGOOs and other personnel. 

The Provincial Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, remains steadfast in crafting and implementing programs that contribute to poverty reduction in the province guided by the development agenda dubbed as Sustained PROGRESS.

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