PACAP presents road show in Datag

INABANGA – A road show presentation in Barangay Datag here highlighted the 20th anniversary of the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP). The Focal Community Assistance Scheme (FOCAS) 1 organized the road show with the theme “Agri-business and Enterprise Development”. The presentation was historical: it was the first ever in PACAP history and the first of 30 road shows to be presented across the country. People's organizations (POs) of the towns under FOCAS 1 – namely Loon shepherded by Mayor Cesar Tomas Lopez, of Catigbian, Clarin and Maribojoc as well as non-government organizations (NGOs) and implementers participated in the road show.

Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr. who represented Gov. Erico Aumentado said the provincial government always pushes activities geared towards poverty reduction to afford the citizens a better quality of life. PACAP Program Director David Swete Kelly lauded the participants. He said the partnership between Philippines and Australia is towards improving rural living standards. The Australian government commits to support the Philippine's poverty reduction program, he said. For her part, Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy thanked the partners and players of the program. Being a principled leader, Jumamoy said she always looks for ways to make her constituents earn money and learn values at the same time. She said the program contributed to the great realization of the one of her administration's big dreams – giving enough attention and opportunities for a better living to her economically challenged constituents and to all Inabangnons as well.

Jumamoy also thanked the governor for including Inabanga in his administration's poverty reduction programs. She said the partnership with PACAP exemplifies the good and harmonious relationship between NGOs and the Local Government Unit (LGU). Only through understanding can the success of the program be realized, she said. The Mulanay Experiential Group (MEG) directed and organized the road show.

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