THE National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has partnered with Valladolid town for the implementation of a P3-million poverty alleviation project funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).
"We recognize the importance of delivering the poverty reduction programs and projects of the government to the communities that is why we strategized the implementation of the Poverty Reduction through Rural Development (PRRD) prototype projects," said NAPC Secretary Noel Felongco.
On Thursday, September 26, Felongco and Mayor Enrique Miravalles signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) during the launching program, which was held at the Valladolid covered court.
The project cost for the Integrated Community-Based Agricultural Production and Processing Facility includes P2 million for the construction of physical infrastructures and procurement of equipment, P500,000 for hauling support and provision for vehicle, and another P500,000 for capital infusion relative to the conduct of livelihood projects.
"We have signed the MOA to further strengthen our partnership and ensure the support of the local government unit (LGU) by providing necessary administrative and logistical assistance for the development of the project," Felongco said.
Miravalles thanked the NAPC for choosing Valladolid as a project partner.
Beyond just being a partner, the NAPC also established its first-ever provincial office in the country inside the Valladolid municipal hall.
The NAPC will provide policy guidelines and direction to ensure the proper implementation of the NAPC-LGU Project through its accredited volunteers and civil society organizations.
These will include providing informal settler families and the urban poor basic services and access to climate-responsive dwellings, livelihood, and employment and developing innovative infrastructure and financing mechanisms for the rural poor.
The NAPC will also push for strengthening of rural-urban agro-economic value chains, securing of health and general well-being of poor communities, and enhancing food security.
Meanwhile, the Valladolid local government will assist the NAPC and its volunteers to implement the project and Ka-Sambayanihan Volunteers Program in the municipality.
The Municipal Government will also provide a minimum lot area of 150 square meters for the construction of the Agricultural Center and Trading Post under a usufruct agreement.
The town will also be required to submit monthly financial reports and quarterly progress reports until the termination of the project.
The southern Negros municipality is one of the seven priority areas for the implementation of the PRRD prototype projects under the Pagcor-NAPC grant. Others are Majayjay, Laguna; Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya; Cebu City; Calbayog City, Samar; Talipao, Sulu; and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.
Also present during the signing were Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elena Serenias and NAPC legal consultant Ervin Estandarte, who signed as witnesses. (PNA)