South Cotabato, Philippines — In a commitment to uplift communities and combat poverty, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. implemented the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP), making South Cotabato the first province in the Philippines to adopt this strategy.
Governor Tamayo emphasized the importance of identifying and prioritizing the most vulnerable areas to ensure that government interventions reach those communities that need more support and assistance.
“Gusto ko na mayroon tayong targetting system,” Governor Tamayo said. “Yung target areas na may maraming mahihirap, mapa-priotize agad natin na mabigyan ng suporta at magawan ng paraan kung papaano sila matutulongan.”
LPRAP is designed to empower and uplift marginalized communities by providing sustainable livelihood programs that allow beneficiaries to establish their sources of income.
The effectiveness of this initiative will be measured by monitoring the progress of these beneficiaries, including improvements in their monthly earnings.
The 25 agencies and four leagues—ABC League, City Mayors League, Municipal Mayors League, and Governors League—coordinate to address the needs of 14 basic sectors, including senior citizens, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), the urban poor, disaster victims, and farmers.
“Ang purpose ko as the vice chairperson ng LPRAP ay ico-connect ko ang lahat ng government agencies doon sa pangangailangan ng basic sectors,” Governor Tamayo explained.
Through this approach, local government units (LGUs) are tasked with developing action plans that are reviewed and filtered by government agencies to ensure that deficiencies in community services are addressed effectively.
“Nakatutok ang 4 leagues at ang 25 national government agencies para ma-address yung mga kailangang suporta ng basic sectors,” Governor Tamayo reiterated. “Ang gagawin ng LGUs ay mag provide ng action plan para ma-assess sila at maibigay ng gobyerno ang nararapat na serbisyo direkta sa kanila.”
With this initiative, Governor Tamayo aims to uplift South Cotabato’s communities and set an example for other regions across the Philippines, fostering a nationwide movement toward sustainable poverty eradication.
