KP-Cebu launched; 10T leaders sign up

CEBU, Philippines - At least 10,000 people in Cebu signed up for Kilusang Pagbabago, a nationwide initiative in response to President Rodrigo Duterte's call for participatory governance, during its official launching yesterday.

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. led the launching of the movement at the Cebu Coliseum where thousands of community leaders in Cebu also took their oath of commitment before him.

Liza Maza, chairperson of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, was also present during the launching yesterday.

Evasco said that participatory governance is important because it provides feedback mechanism. A new government office which will be called as Office of Participatory Government will be created soon through an executive order. The KP will serve as its umbrella organization.

In fact, Evasco already inaugurated yesterday the KP-Cebu-Visayas office at the Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR) building in the North Reclamation Area. He was joined by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

KP will ensure that the government's pro-people programs will reach the grassroots. The movement is expected to help push the Duterte government's platform for change and poverty alleviation, an independent foreign policy, and the shift to a federal system of government.

Doris Isubal-Mongaya, of KP-Visayas, said the people's movement will serve as Duterte's partner for change. It will serve as watchdog that fights corruption and ensure that government does not stray from a pro-people agenda.

"Kilusang Pagbabago will also be an educator that raises awareness on Duterte's change agenda and reforms and a defender of the republic ready to help during calamities and against criminality and threats of destabilization," said Mongaya.

She said the movement shall work with the administration in the fight against crime, drugs, and corruption through monitoring, documentation, reporting, and advocacy campaigns and ensure effective delivery of government services to intended communities. (FREEMAN)