BACOLOD CITY: Three local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental and one in Iloilo province have signed an agreement with the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) for the implementation of the Sambayanihan Serbisyong Sambayanan (3S) poverty-reduction program. The towns of Moises Padilla, Murcia and Calatrava in Negros Occidental and Carles in Iloilo were included in the priority areas under the 'Adopt 40-10-10,' a core program of 3S. Noel Felongco, NAPC secretary and lead convenor, said the memorandum of agreement that was signed virtually will 'pave the way for a deeper connection and stronger partnership in reducing poverty by uplifting the lives of impoverished, oppressed and marginalized sectors,' who were mostly farmers and fisherfolk. Under the agreement, the NAPC would provide the direction for the implementation of the program through its accredited volunteers. The direction has to anchor on core components to include providing basic services and access to climate responsive dwellings, livelihood and employment to the informal sector families, developing infrastructure and financing mechanisms for the rural poor, strengthening rural-urban and agri-economic value chains, securing the health and general well-being of poor communities, and enhancing food security. LGUs should provide assistance in the implementation of the program within its jurisdiction. The NAPC's Antonio Donguines said the provision of quality and sustainable services will never stop amid the health pandemic. 'This program aims to implement a climate-responsive, gender- and culture-sensitive, [and] convergent and participatory anti-poverty strategy,' Donguines added. Also joining the virtual-signing ceremony were priority LGUs from Luzon and Regions 7 and 8.
