PCUP pledges to support Buhay at Bahay program

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP), led by Undersecretary Elpidio Jordan Jr., vowed to support the Buhay at Bahay Caravan of Quezon City District 2 Councilor Mikey Belmonte, chairman of the city council’s committee on urban poor and human settlement, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the Commonwealth High School on March 17.

In line with President Marcos’ agenda to uplift the lives of the marginalized sectors, the program aims to generate immediate and long-term programs and projects from national and international partners that can complement and amplify ongoing interventions of the city government to reduce poverty and promote attaining the potential of human development.

This ceremonial signing also comes after PCUP’s enhanced efforts to establish stronger ties with the LGUs and the private sector.

Whole-of-government approach

The Buhay at Bahay: Housing and Improved Community Service Caravans for Quezon City feature a two-day convergence of government programs tailor-fitted to the needs of the people.

In his message, Belmonte highlighted the need to address poverty in every area possible using adaptive programs.

“Poverty is multi-dimensional so our programs should address all its manifestations. Poverty cannot be eradicated if the agencies act on their own,” he said in Filipino.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto emphasized the importance of building partnerships and relationships between the urban poor and the national government.

Bringing efficient service closer to the poor

As part of the Buhay at Bahay: Urban Poor and Human Settlement Caravan, PCUP also housed its information booth together with other national government agencies and the private sector to address the issues and concerns of the urban poor and urban poor organizations from the district.

The commission was able to promote and inform its stakeholders of the four PCUP banner programs: Piso ko, Bahay Mo; Lingkod Agapay Maralita program; PCUP satellite offices and the PCUP goodwill ambassadors program.

Among the partners present were Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, PLDT-Smart, Metro Pacific Investments, One Meralco Foundation, Microsoft, Social Housing Finance Corp., Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Pag-IBIG Fund.