The provincial government has launched a new mechanism to boost its anti-poverty efforts with the creation of the Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Committee (PRAC).
Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro signed an executive order establishing PRAC as Cebu’s central participatory and advisory body for planning, monitoring, and recommending poverty reduction programs.
The committee will integrate poverty reduction strategies into the Provincial Development Plan, Annual Investment Program, and other local plans, ensuring initiatives are responsive to the needs of marginalized and disadvantaged sectors.
Baricuatro will chair the PRAC, while a representative elected from accredited civil society organizations (CSOs) will serve as vice-chairperson.
Members include key provincial officials such as the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Provincial Budget Officer, Provincial Health Officer, Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Engineer, and Provincial Employment Service Officer.
Five representatives from accredited CSOs and basic sectors will also join.
“I have already instructed the creation of sectoral committees to ensure that our programs at the provincial level are aligned with those at the regional level,” Baricuatro said.
The PRAC is mandated to:
-Identify, prioritize, and recommend poverty reduction programs for inclusion in the provincial budget.
-Serve as a consultative and advisory body on poverty-related issues.
-Monitor and evaluate the implementation of poverty reduction projects.
-Ensure coordination and information sharing between the provincial government, CSOs, and basic sector organizations.
The Provincial Planning and Development Office will act as the committee secretariat, providing technical, administrative, and logistical support.
PRAC is required to meet at least once every quarter or more frequently if needed.
Participation by CSOs and basic sector organizations will be subject to accreditation under existing laws and relevant Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) guidelines.
Funding for the committee’s operations will come from available provincial government resources, subject to existing budgeting and auditing rules. The executive order took effect immediately upon signing. (SBA)
Photo by Cebu Province
