IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Gov. Wilter Yap Palma created the Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Office (PPRAO) to determine a poverty reduction strategy on sustainable livelihood development program for the marginalized sector in this province.
The creation of the PPRAO was pursuant to Executive Order No. 1011-01-23-18-003 signed by Palma.
“There is strategy needs to focus the livelihood condition of the marginalized people, so that, they have the financial means to meet their needs,” Palma said.
He appointed Romel Duran as PPRAO chief and ordered him to draft programs that will address the dire need to improve the living condition of the poor.
Duran was formerly assigned with the Provincial Planning Division Office.
Citing as one of the highest priorities of President Rodrigo Duterte, Palma said the President wanted to reduce the country’s poverty rate to 17 percent by the end of his term as the country’s chief executive.
He said poverty is even more pronounced, and felt, in the rural areas.
“To address the needs and aspirations of indigent people is a crucial step to achieve progressive and sustainable communities,” he said.
In 2016, according to the National Economic and Development Authority, some 26 million of the country’s population remain poor and about half are living in extreme poverty.
The picture is no different in the province: the Philippine Statistics Authority had included Zamboanga Sibugay in the top 20 poorest provinces in 2015.
Palma said creating programs will address the dire need to improve the living conditions of the poor people is urgent and paramount to assist the marginalized community 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, stressing that this sector needs to capacitated and empowered. (PNA)
