The Regional KALAHI Convergence Group’s (RKCG) drive to alleviate poverty highlighted through the programs and projects of the Regional Development Council-I (RDC), held its awarding ceremony on October 30, 2009 at the CAP Building, Vigan City.

The province of Ilocos Sur once again bagged this year’s Best LGU Poverty Reduction Program Implementer of the Region, thus securing a seat in KALAHI’s Hall of Fame. Governor Victor Savellano expressed his deepest appreciation, as this award is the realization of a truly exemplary public service.

National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Assistant Secretary Catherine Mae C. Santos graced the event as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. She highly commended RDC-RKCG 1 for being the only region to have this kind of activity. On behalf of NAPC Secretary Domingo Panganiban, she awarded trophies of commendation to the Regional Development Council and its secretariat headed by Dir. Leonardo N. Quitos, Jr. of NEDA for spearheading the Search. In her speech she mentioned, “ Since the founding of our modern Republic, government service has been a vital part of the Filipino experience. Service to others is an expression of responsible citizenship, and now more than ever is a time for public servants to be active contributors, not spectators.”

Dr. Enrie A. Mendoza, the Chairperson of the RKCG thanked all the people who contributed to the success of the event.  He mentioned that serving the poor is the purpose of all public servants. He then enjoined all in the government to prioritize the cause of the poor.

At the municipal level, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, headed by Mayor Anunciacion Pagdilao, also for its second time in a row, took home the Best Municipal Poverty Program Implementer.

The Provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte and La Union and the Municipalities of Suyo, IS and San Gabriel, La Union were highly commended for supporting the Poverty Reduction Program of Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Kapit- Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan.

The Search for the Best LGU Poverty Reduction Implementers for the provincial and municipal levels has been an annual activity, which aims to recognize LGUs that had shown exemplary performance in managing/coordinating their poverty reduction program in terms of program implementation, structure/leadership, sustainability and other governance principles.

The winning LGUs received tokens, Certificates of Appreciation and trophies, while the Best LGUs received Presidential trophies. A press conference with the Ilocos Sur media concluded the activity. (mcu)