The Cordillera Regional Development Council endorsed the inclusion of four projects in Malibcong, Abra and eight projects in Pasil, Kalinga in the priorities of agencies under the Convergence Program for the Six Poorest Municipalities in the Cordillera.
The Cordillera Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC), in partnership with the 4Ps Regional Advisory Committee, conducted field visits in Malibcong and Pasil to extend their services to the municipalities under the Convergence Program.
Malibcong and Pasil are among the poorest towns in the Cordillera with poverty incidence rates of 18.4 percent and 18.2 percent, respectively, based on the 2018 small area poverty estimates. Both municipalities are considered geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Malibcong is also a priority area for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The proposed project from Malibcong includes the construction of additional classrooms, and resolution of border conflicts with its adjacent municipalities.
The projects for Pasil include the construction of access roads, a bridge, a multipurpose livelihood center, flood control infrastructure, as well as the restoration of damaged rice terraces and improvement of 14 communal irrigation systems.
Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Director Arnel Garcia, who is also the RSDC chair, said the implementation of these projects will help improve services and facilities, increase livelihood opportunities, help address the insurgency problem, protect the environment, and uplift the living conditions of families and individuals in the two towns.
The RSDC adopted the convergence program for the six poorest municipalities in the Cordillera as its banner program since 2014.
Its is anchored on the 2017-2022 Regional Development Plan’s strategy of inclusive growth and the goal of reducing inequality by providing interventions for improving the conditions of the most vulnerable in society. – Press release
April 20, 2024
