The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) recently sat down to explore possible partnership to support livelihood opportunities for urban poor communities.
The meeting was held on Monday, March 23, at the PhilFIDA central office in Quezon City, with PCUP Commissioner Reynaldo Galupo and PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold “Ali” Atienza focusing their dialogue on how both agencies can work together to implement livelihood programs to urban poor communities in relation to fiber production.
Galupo stressed how crucial it is to open up more ways for the urban poor to earn a living, especially by collaborating with other government offices. He said partnerships like this can help reach a lot more families and equip them with hands-on skills they can actually use.
Atienza welcomed the idea and shared some of PhilFIDA’s ongoing programs, which include trainings on the use of different fibers such as abaca, cotton, silk, pineapple, and coconut. He also mentioned current activities like abaca discussions (“talakayan”) and bag-making initiatives being conducted in provinces such as Catanduanes.
PhilFIDA also offered to invite PCUP to participate in its existing training programs, which may allow selected beneficiaries from urban poor communities to participate.
Both agencies agreed to move forward with the preparation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to formalize the partnership. The collaboration is expected to involve coordination with local government units for possible support and rollout needed on the ground.
Further discussions will be conducted to finalize the details of the proposed program, including target areas and beneficiaries. (PR)
