|
THE House of Representatives is working on the immediate approval of
a measure seeking to promote productivity and livelihood programs
even in the remotest barangay, according to Speaker Prospero
Nograles.
Nograles said this is one “economic pill” needed to reduce poverty
in the rural areas.
Congress has approved House Bill 4339 or the Barangay Livelihood and
Skills Training Act of 2008 on second reading before it adjourned
sine die.
Nograles added that the bill will be prioritized when session
resumes next month.
“This is part of the government’s medium and long-term plan on human
development,” he said.
Proponents of the measure said there is a need to provide rural
communities with skills training, educational activities, knowledge
and self-enhancement for livelihood, gainful employment and business
opportunities.
HB 4349 mandates the establishment and maintenance of livelihood and
skills training centers in every fourth, fifth and sixth class
municipality, or in rural areas with the highest incidence of
poverty.
“We have to concentrate on barangays and rural communities that need
the most economic intervention and help from the government,”
Nograles also said.
The proposed Act will serve as the legal basis for the coordination
and implementation —at the municipal and barangay levels — of all
livelihood and skills training programs of the government as
properly identified in and based on local Development Plans.
Other areas covered by the Act are municipalities identified by the
National Anti-Poverty Commission based on their population density
and demographic status, poverty incidence, income classification,
and level of economic development.
Other bases are employment and productivity levels, potential for
commercial production of existing raw materials, as well as
availability and accessibility of existing livelihood and skills
training programs and services.
|
Member 
