The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Anti-Poverty Commission launched the Salubungan sa Zamboanga del Sur on May 26, 2015 at Chandler Suites, Pagadian City. 

Among those who are in attendance were the Regional Directors and representatives from different National Government Agencies, Private Sectors and the Municipalities of Aurora, Kumalarang and Mahayag headed by their respective Local Chief Executives. The activity was also graced by NAPC Undersecretary Jude H. Esguerra and DENR Assistant Secretary for Planning, Atty. Michelle D. Go.

The Salubungan is the launching activity of the Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP). It is the convergence of the National Government Agencies, the Local Government Units, the Private Sectors and the grassroots in the hopes to alleviate the poverty situation in the country. According to Asec. Go, Salubungan is the meeting of the minds to forge an agreement in lifting the poorest of the poor, therefore, creating a perfect contract. This initiative expects to create an economic enterprise and entrepreneurial activities in identified municipalities which offer job opportunities and income for their constituents. 

USec Esguerra also stated that the initiative transpired after the administration’s observation on the country’s economic growth, however, this economic growth has not reached the grassroots level. ASAPP aims to uplift all sectors in the society focusing on the grassroots level.