06/11/2025
๐ก๐๐ช๐ฆ: RBSCC R2 highlights basic sector participation in poverty reduction during Q4 meeting
The Regional Basic Sector Coordinating Council (RBSCC) Region II convened its 4th Quarter Meeting, organized by the Basic Sector Coordination and Advocacy Service (BSCAS) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) in Tuguegarao City, October 25-27.
RBSCC R2 Regional Coordinator Amalia Decena of the Persons with Disabilities Sectoral Council presided over the meeting with support from BSCAS Region 2 Focal Person (FP) Jennifer Macalinao and incoming Region 2 FP Christoper Siscar.
The meeting commenced with the review of the Q3 meeting highlights, business arising, and new business agenda, as well as, the assessment of the status of the priority cross-sectoral agenda, finalization of the resolutions, and the workplan for 2026, which is anchored on the Five Fundamental Rights of the Magna Carta of the Poor (MCP).
In his video message, NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III highlighted the critical role of the RBSCC in championing the fight against poverty. He also underscored the importance of RBSCCโs active participation in the formulation of the MCP โ Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans in coordination with the local government units (LGUS), which will contribute to the poverty reduction effort of the national government toward a single-digit poverty incidence.
During the meeting, RC Decena and R2 FP Macalinao introduced Christoper Siscar as the incoming regional focal assigned in Cagayan Valley, while FP Macalinao will be part of the Capacity Development Unit of BSCAS.
Moreover, Commission on Population and Development-Region 2 Regional Director Theresa Soriano discussed the situation of teenage pregnancy in each province in the region. She underscored that the government response to this issue is anchored on the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028. She also acknowledged the RII council members and their unique role in advancing development, promoting adolescent health, and integrating the population agenda into sectoral and local development.
Through a bilateral meeting with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region II Agriculturist II Arlene Tacuycuy, key information such as BFAR mandates, policy, programs and projects were presented. She further acknowledged the challenges and gaps that BFAR and the fisherfolk sector have encountered.
Moving forward, BFAR and RBSCC Region II are eyeing to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the accessibility of BFAR programs, projects and activities to the basic sectors in the region.
Furthermore, Ron Oliver Tugada, Cheriza Boce and Rhea Quintos from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region II updated the Council on the programs and services of the department aimed at protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). They also noted that DMWโs key services are divided into several categories, such as livelihood and entrepreneurial programs, welfare and legal services, and general support to returning OFWs through reintegration and other services.
In closing, the RBSCC R2 reaffirmed its commitment in aligning its multisectoral agenda and 2026 workplan with MCPโs Five Fundamental Rights.
