Ilocos Sur cited for poverty reduction

VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Ilocos Sur was adjudged the "Best Implementor" of the Provincial Poverty Reduction Program (PPRP) of the National Economic and Development Authority’s Regional Development Council.

The provincial government was cited for its various livelihood projects that have greatly helped ease the plight of the poor in Ilocos Sur’s 768 barangays, according to Dr. Enri Mendoza, presidential assistant on the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle.

To ensure the program’s success, Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson named all the mayors of the province’s 32 towns and two cities as "action officers" with specific instructions to monitor projects and file weekly progress reports.

Singson himself makes regular visits to the barangays "to personally see to it that the problems that crop up are promptly and properly addressed," Mendoza said.

"To further ensure success, Gov. Singson now plans to appoint an action officer in each barangay to pinpoint priority areas," Mendoza added.

The PPRP is sponsored by the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (Kalahi) program of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

In citing Ilocos Sur, the NAPC expressed hope that the award will encourage other provinces to emulate Ilocos Sur’s example.

Region 1, composed of four provinces, has so far been the only region to fully implement the poverty reduction program.

The awarding ceremonies will be held in San Fernando City, with Singson receiving the award from NAPC Secretary Zamzamin Ampatuan.