Directing the Cabinet to Implement Pro-Poor Programs in All Regions

October 23, 2008

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 168

DIRECTING THE CABINET TO IMPLEMENT PRO-POOR PROGRAMS IN ALL REGIONS

WHEREAS, the generation of employment and livelihood opportunities for targeted income groups is the country's best preparation in thwarting the problems brought about by the global credit crunch; EAIaHD

WHEREAS, the inspired and coordinated efforts to prop up the banking system and prevent a credit freeze should not divert the Administration's attention from putting in place an economic imperative — the protection of the most vulnerable sectors of society through the generation of jobs and livelihood opportunities;

WHEREAS, the cushion and lifeline provided by the emergency work programs in the early 1930's and in the early 1960's remain relevant today.

IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, all members of the Cabinet are directed to draw up and prepare emergency work programs and doable and fundable livelihood projects within the following parameters:

1. The intended beneficiaries of these emergency work programs shall be the middle class, middle-low income class and the poorest of the poor;

2. Each program should be closely coordinated with the LGUs and non-government organizations in all regions and provinces, with the possibility of counterpart scheme being entertained; aHSCcE

3. All departments and national agencies are directed to mobilize all their remaining resources, including contingency funds, to finance the pro-poor programs;

4. The livelihood and job programs shall be prepared by factoring in the context and economic and social environment of each region;

5. To ensure efficiency in the execution of the programs, each department shall act as program steward of a particular region. Departments with frontline tasks of implementing poverty alleviation work and vital social overhead (DA, DOLE, DSWD, DPWH, DENR, DOTC, DOT, etc.) shall be program stewards to more than one region;

6. Exceptional technologies or products manufactured at the grass roots level on a small-scale basis that may be encountered in the drafting of programs shall be identified in a formal report so that niches for these can be found in the broader market. IHCDAS

7. In consultation with the Cabinet Secretaries concerned, the Presidential Management Staff shall propose to the Executive Secretary the assigned region or regions to a particular department. The steward concept shall result in effective monitoring of the program delivery and implementation.

All members of the Cabinet shall submit their respective proposed job and livelihood generating programs on or before October 28, 2008.

Manila, October 23, 2008.