KIANGAN, Ifugao – – Ifugao has already advanced the cause of youth empowerment, particularly for marginalized youngsters, through the conduct of the Child and Youth Development Session of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Kiangan.
In the activity’s launching at Barangay Baguinge, MSWD Officer Mario Indopia said the project is vital and was crafted to align with the challenges of the times.
In an interview, Indopia stressed that the first-ever activity would strengthen the program on economic development.
All told, the MSWDO wants to fast-track the development of youth-related programs.
“Yes, in fact, the MSWDO is so focused on capacity-building endeavors as this one,” he said.
The capacity upgrading project is part of the MSWDO’s pro-poor program. It partners with local governance to improve their conditions. Indopia’s office also invested in providing ample services for other underserved sectors.
Take note of how excellent long-term investment on have-nots is being delivered in Kiangan. MSWDO just re-engineered, re-directed talent and capital to its highest priorities. For this project, engaging lectures perfectly fits the needs of about 700 youngsters. Lecturers include Anthony Araos and Marie Rose Kimayong.
Participants are from poor households- beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). There are 8,287 4Ps beneficiaries in Ifugao, 677 of them are in Kiangan.
Indopia, known for his resolve to uplift the lives of the poor, at various times issued the call for immediate delivery of social protection intervention, and much-needed financial relief to vulnerable sectors. What will it take to really help the poor? Today, with his few partners in the private sector, Indopia, is still helping empower the people’s lives. As impoverished villagers, who waited too long for help, are still bound to go through difficult economic times.
For his part, Araos underscored the need to “empower the youth with knowledge to make the most of moments that truly matter in hard economic times”. “Considering that the stakes are high, it is necessary to listen to feedbacks from the private sector to ensure the 4Ps program remains relevant and impactful over time,” he added.
Through all these narratives, a positive outlook is still possible for 4Ps- a means- targeted program, to succeed, if it is not interrupted and influenced by politicians. The 4Ps program shall work if only top government officials face the fear of manipulation by politicians, owning it as theirs. Also, it comes to no surprise, the problem of mounting poverty persists. If you wander off track, fine, but you’ll always be able to find out that the 4Ps cash allowance is a mere dole out.
Considering that state resources are scarce, the attainment of poverty easement goal is uncertain. Poverty alleviation is better attained through empowerment of the poor by providing them opportunities and a level of playing field for personal advancement as they pursue their chosen career paths.
The Kiangan MSWDO has truly come a long way since its humble beginnings and it has been possible with the support and sacrifices of Mr. Indopia. **By Anthony A. Araos