Main Navigation

DILG Regional News

Apayao town opens anti-poverty centerAugust 17, 2012

boundary sign of municipality of Pudtol in Apayao

The municipal government of Pudtol in Apayao province has established an anti-poverty intervention center that aims to address the needs of the poor residents of the municipality.

Dubbed as Riknak: Charity Resource and Donation Center, Mayor Batara Laoat said the center’s mission is to feed, shelter, clothe, heal and lift the spirits of poor people of Pudtol in their times of dire need as a way of reclaiming their sense of dignity and progress towards stability in life.

“While partner agencies and civic organizations have programs that are pro-poor in nature, still other needs and demands of the constituents are not addressed. Hence, we hope that through the Riknak Center, we will be able to reach out to our poor kababayans,” Laoat said.

With the theme, “Riknak, kabaelak, tulungak kailiak” or “I share because I care”, the center also sources out or accepts voluntary donations in kind from individuals which may be sent directly to the municipal social welfare and development office, the designated repository of all donations received.

The four divisions – operations, information and advocacy, finance and other support services – in the Riknak Center are working under the supervision of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) as chairman of the board, the Secretary to the Sanggunian as vice chairman. The members of the board of directors who formulates the policies are the MLGOO, municipal treasurer, municipal planning and development corrdinator, municipal agriculture officer, Liga ng mga Barangay President, Chief of Police PNP and the SB Chairman Committee on women, family and social welfare.

The Riknak Center was created by virtue of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 2012-13 supporting, adopting and approving the implementation of an anti-poverty intervention for Pudtol, Apayao constituents.

Pudtol is a 4th class municipality, with a population of 12,595 in 2,066 households and is considered as one of the poorest municipalities in the Province of Apayao.