PCUP, PhilFIDA to sign deal for urban poor communities

THE Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) will sign a memorandum of agreement aimed at assisting urban poor communities through livelihood opportunities within the fiber industry, the agencies said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the PCUP and PhilFIDA said the proposed agreement will involve equipping beneficiaries with skills in fiber production, processing, weaving, and product development, as well as providing them with resources and market opportunities aimed to improve their income and quality of life.

This came after PCUP Commissioner-in-Charge for the National Capital Region Reynaldo P. Galupo met with PhilFIDA Executive Director Arnold I. Atienza, who showcased fiber products to Mr. Galupo to demonstrate the fiber industry’s work, including a bulletproof vest made of fiber from pineapple leaves or piña and a woven bag.

Mr. Galupo said that the partnership aligned with his vision of bringing government services closer to the urban poor by creating opportunities that promote self-sufficiency and community development.

Meanwhile, Mr. Atienza said that the agreement demonstrated the importance of providing sustainable livelihood programs that empower communities and open doors to economic opportunities.

“Through this collaboration, PCUP and PhilFIDA will work together to help urban poor families develop livelihood enterprises, strengthen their capacities, and become active participants in local economic development,” the PCUP said in a statement. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza