PCUP spearheads Mindanao-wide Solidarity Week in Barobo, Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BAROBO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) - The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) recently led this year’s Mindanao-wide celebration of Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW) at the municipal gymnasium in Barobo town, this province.
Held on Nov. 26, the event gathered delegates from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and Caraga, strengthening inter-regional collaboration and advancing the welfare of urban poor communities across Mindanao.
PCUP Undersecretary Michelle Anne B. Gonzales, also its chairperson and chief executive officer, emphasized the celebration as an affirmation of the government’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring no Filipino is left behind in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision.
“Ang pagdiriwang ng Urban Poor Solidarity Week ay paalala na mahalaga ang papel ng urban poor sa komunidad. Hindi sila pinapabayaan ng gobyerno, at patuloy ang PCUP na kaagapay nila sa kanilang mga pangangailangan,” Usec. Gonzales said.
(This celebration reminds everyone that the urban poor play an important role in their communities. The government doesn’t forget them, and PCUP will always stand beside them in all their needs.)
The regional convergence featured urban poor organizations seeking accreditation, awardees of the Natatanging Lingkod Maralita, and champions of the urban poor. Nationwide, UPSW is expected to unite 2,000 organizations, representing approximately 400,000 families or 10 million individuals, highlighting the sector’s critical role in national development.
Rogelio Plaza, one of the beneficiaries from Dagocdoc, Bongtus, Bag-ong Lungsod, Mabua-Rosario, shared how PCUP’s guidance helped their homeowners’ association move closer to securing housing.
“Gusto jud namo makabaton ug kaugalingong balay ug yuta, ug namugna kini tungod sa tabang sa PCUP” (We wanted to have our own houses and lots, and this became possible with the help of PCUP), He said in an exclusive interview with the Philippine Information Agency -Surigao del Sur Government Information Center.
The Mindanao-wide celebration underscored the government’s dedication to providing equitable access to housing, livelihood, and social services, reinforcing the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas where every Filipino is empowered. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
