Local Ordinance on Poverty Reduction filed, holds its first Reading and Committee Hearing in Pasig City
On March 6, Vice Mayor Robert Vincent “Dodot” Jaworski, Jr. filed a proposed ordinance on Poverty Reduction in Pasig City through Social Entrepreneurship in the Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Government of Pasig. The filing of the ordinance is a key step in institutionalizing the local government’s support for recognizing and strengthening the social enterprise sector in Pasig City.
The first reading of the Proposed Ordinance (92-2023) on Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) in Pasig City happened and referred to the Committee on Rules on April 11.
Moving forward, the City Council of Pasig held its first Committee Hearing on the proposed ordinance on May 10, 2023. The hearing presided by Committee on Livelihood Chairperson Councilor Paul Roman Santiago, was attended by Committee Vice Chair Councilor Quin Cruz, Councilor Noel Agustin and Majority Leader Councilor Mark Gil Delos Santos. Also present were resource persons from the LGU’s Economic Sector offices led by Atty. Diego Santiago of the Local Economic Development and Investment Office (LEDIO) and Ms. Donalita Cruz of the Cooperative Development Office (CDO); local CSOs led by Mr. Noel Medina of Tambuli ng Mamamayan ng Pasig and people’s health advocate Dr. Fernando Melendres; and, representatives of ISEA and PRESENT Coalition led by Dr. Marie Lisa Dacanay and Atty. Irene Pua.
A key consensus of the hearing was the recognition that developing the social enterprise sector in Pasig can contribute substantially to the City’s innovative strategies for poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods. The Committee agreed to organize a Technical Working Group to enhance the proposed ordinance by consolidating inputs from stakeholders.
The City Ordinance, once enacted, will complement the Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) bill currently in discussion in Senate and pending hearing in the House of Representatives. The Poverty Reduction through Social Entrepreneurship (PRESENT) Coalition and ISEA have been engaging with the local government of Pasig City regarding the implementation of a localized PRESENT policy and program.