Written By: Ronah Fe R. Changco | Photos By: Aladin P. Abutazil

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region IX, under the leadership of Assistant Regional Director and Officer-in-Charge Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, met with the National Anti-Poverty Commission on June 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM at the DILG Regional Office IX, Balintawak, Pagadian City, to discuss preparations for the formulation of the Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Plan in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, as well as updates on the implementation of the Magna Carta of the Poor–Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan in Region IX.

The meeting was conducted in coordination with the National Anti-Poverty Commission, whose team was led by Undersecretary Esnaen M. Catong, Deputy Director General, together with Atty. Rhett Dale B. Soriano, EA IV, and Arnold F. Balbuena, Technical Officer V and Region IX Focal Person. The engagement served as an avenue to strengthen coordination between NAPC and DILG IX in advancing poverty reduction planning and implementation in the region.

The PPRAP formulation is aligned with Republic Act No. 11291, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of the Poor, which mandates the formulation of the National Poverty Reduction Plan. The plan consolidates sectoral and local poverty reduction plans, including provincial and local poverty reduction action plans, to help ensure the realization of the five fundamental rights of the poor: adequate food, decent work, quality education, adequate housing, and the highest attainable standard of health.

The activity is also guided by NAPC-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001, Series of 2025, which provides operational guidelines for the formulation of the MCP-LPRAP across all provinces, cities, and municipalities. The circular further strengthens the roles and responsibilities of local government units and national government agencies in implementing the provisions of the Magna Carta of the Poor.

During the meeting, NAPC acknowledged the active support of DILG IX during the MCP-LPRAP Formulation Workshops conducted in the component local government units of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur from October to December 2025.

Through this engagement, DILG IX and NAPC reaffirmed their continuing partnership and shared commitment to advancing poverty reduction initiatives, strengthening local planning mechanisms, and supporting the effective implementation of the Magna Carta of the Poor in Region IX.