South Cotabato Leads the Way in Local Poverty Reduction Planning

South Cotabato has taken a major step in strengthening its fight against poverty as it hosted the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP) Consolidation Workshop in Lake Sebu, March 11-12, 2025. The province, under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., is the first in Mindanao to pilot the formulation of LPRAP—an initiative aimed at creating sustainable solutions to uplift communities and improve lives.

The two-day workshop was attended by Undersecretary Esnaen M. Catong, Deputy Director General of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), alongside his team, representatives from various Local Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and department heads of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.

Governor Tamayo, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson for the Government Sector of NAPC, emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing poverty at the grassroots level.

"Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagbibigay ng ayuda kundi sa pagbibigay ng oportunidad para sa mas maunlad na kinabukasan ng bawat South Cotabateño. Sa tamang direksyon, suporta, at pagkakaisa, masisigurado natin na walang maiiwan sa ating pag-unlad," he said.

The LPRAP aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce poverty by integrating local government efforts with national programs. Through this initiative, South Cotabato hopes to set a benchmark for other provinces in implementing inclusive and sustainable development projects.

Participants worked together to identify key poverty concerns in their localities and proposed strategic interventions that align with the national poverty reduction framework. The workshop also highlighted best practices and innovative approaches to addressing socio-economic challenges.

With South Cotabato at the forefront of this initiative, the province continues to be a model of effective governance, inclusive development, and genuine public service. The provincial government remains committed to ensuring that poverty reduction efforts translate into real and lasting change for the people of South Cotabato.