San Jose, Antique — Governor Salvacion Z. Perez issued an Executive Order No.6 series of 2006 creating a Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Team in support to the poverty alleviation measures of the present administration.

Governor Perez noted in the said EO that under the provisions of the Local Government Code (RA 7160) the local government units are mandated to enhance economic prosperity and social justice. It is also stated in the Dept of the Interior and Local Government memo circular that localities are urged to undertake local programs on poverty reduction and local economic transformation.

The KALAHI (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan) framework has been adopted as the embodiment of the government poverty reduction initiatives stipulated in the Memorandum Circular No. 33 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on November 28, 2002.

Nicolasito Calawag, Provincial Agricultural Officer is designated Action Officer. The team is task to undertake provincial assessment of poverty situation, plan programs and policy interventions for poverty reduction and generate resources for implementing these interventions.

The team has already conducted orientation meetings with program stakeholders on the poverty situation, Millennium Development Goals Progress Report, KALAHI Framework and Overview of Local Poverty Diagnosis and Planning.

Governor Perez stressed that to reduce poverty at the local level there is need to formulate Local Poverty Reduction Plan based on the guiding principles thereof, the plan shall be considered not only as a blue print for action but for advocacy and social marketing as well. (by PS Mabaquiao PIA)