South Cotabato, Philippines — Through the commitment and dedication of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. to uplift the province’s economic status, South Cotabato has been removed from the list of poorest provinces in the Philippines.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato (PGSC) has witnessed a decline in poverty cases, from 24% dropping by 14%, with a continuing goal to reach single-digit results.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that increasing household income is essential to overcoming poverty and that the assessment is focused on assets and annual income generation rather than on service delivery.
“Para matanggal sa listahan sa poorest provinces in the Philippines, i-increase mo gid ang income,” he said. “Nagalantaw na sila sa asset kag income nga ma-generate yearly; wala na sila galantaw sa kung ano ang delivery sang services.”
As the Vice Chairperson of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Governor Tamayo is committed to prioritizing South Cotabato in poverty eradication initiatives to set an example and role model for other provinces.
“Sa Mindanao, kita ang una nga nakahimo sang LPRAP (Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan),” he said. “May ara na kita sang outline kung diin ang target areas para mas mapanubo naton ang poverty rate sa South Cotabato.”
Governor Tamayo discussed the utilization of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) during a meeting with the regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Naghambal ako na ang budget sa TUPAD gamiton naton sa tama nga pamaagi,” Governor Tamayo shared. “I-align naton didto sa kung ano man ang program sang other departments nga ma-elevate ang panginabuhian sang specific area.”
As an approach to Governor Tamayo’s initiative to eradicate poverty cases in provinces, he plans to conduct a general meeting with regional offices and directors to discuss strengthening the ongoing efforts.
South Cotabato’s journey from one of the poorest provinces to a symbol of progress is a reflection of good leadership and community efforts in combating poverty.
