MANILA — The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) has pledged to provide increased assistance to the Valenzuela Local Government Unit (LGU) in its upcoming programs during a courtesy visit to the Valenzuela City Hall last week.
At the meeting, Undersecretary Elpidio Jordan Jr., the Chairperson/CEO of PCUP, and Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian discussed ways in which the commission can assist the city in delivering more efficient services to the urban poor.
One of the key initiatives is the implementation of livelihood and capability-building programs in the existing resettlement sites across the city, aimed at promoting employment opportunities and financial sustainability.
“To truly uplift the lives of our urban poor, it is crucial to equip them with the necessary knowledge and support, in addition to providing safe relocation. Our goal is to empower them so they can create a better future for their families,” stated Undersecretary Jordan Jr.
Undersecretary Jordan Jr. also commended Valenzuela City for its longstanding commitment to providing proper and secure housing for the impoverished. While the LGU has achieved success in its anti-poverty endeavors, Mayor Gatchalian expressed a desire to strengthen coordination between the LGU and the commission by initiating new projects in Valenzuela.
The local government of Valenzuela is renowned for its active initiatives benefiting Informal Settler Families (ISFs), including the highly successful Disiplina Village. Originally built as a response to the needs of ISFs affected by Typhoon Ondoy, Disiplina Village stands as the first in-city relocation site and public rental housing project for marginalized individuals. These communities offer comprehensive amenities such as schools, health centers, and even a city hall annex. Currently, the villages accommodate thousands of informal settler families, significantly reducing the number of ISFs residing in hazardous areas within Valenzuela City.
This partnership holds immense significance for the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, as it seeks to enhance collaborations with private sector entities and Local Government Units across the country to garner support for its four Banner Programs.
Furthermore, Undersecretary Jordan Jr. expressed optimism that this potential partnership will enable the commission to extend its mandate to encompass the most destitute individuals in the city. (ai/mtvn)
