MAGSAYSAY, Occidental Mindoro– Dubbed with the theme, “We Can End Poverty.Tara Na! Walang Poor Ever”, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, Local Government of Magsaysay and local associations conducted a one-day dialogue in the town’s Gymnasium.

The dialogue was participated by 27 local associations with 680 members, local officials and Civil Society Organization partners, aims to discuss poverty alleviation policies and programs and promote transparency in its implementation.

Highlight of the activity is the awarding of 1.6 million cheque funded by the government’s BuB for microenterprise projects of sectoral groups such as the Person with Disabilities, Out of School  Youth, Senior Citizens, Community Volunteers, Women’s Group , Solo Parents, Tricycle Drivers, Day Care Workers, Barangay Tanod, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and the Fisherfolk association.

Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) is an approach to the preparation of budget proposals based on the needs  of the Local Government Units identified in the  local poverty reduction action plans, with the participation of basic sector and other society organizations.

Municipal Mayor Eleonor Fajardo challenged the beneficiaries to use the livelihood assistance prudently. For motivation, she promised to give additional fund for the best performing and best managed association.

Prior to the awarding of cheques, the Municipal Accountant gave orientation to beneficiaries on the process of bookkeeping and records management to facilitate smooth auditing of account.

Moreover, the associations planned to get accreditation from Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and secure official receipts from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“This time, we are no longer fighting for our independence against the Spaniards but for our freedom against poverty,” said a beneficiary. ### (Mariefel Cabille, SLP-PDO)