Manila: The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) recently honored the Valenzuela City government and its institutional partners for their contributions to the successful implementation of the Disiplina Village housing project. This initiative is recognized as a model convergence program for poverty reduction.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Gawad Parangal for Exemplary Convergence Program was awarded to Valenzuela City for its efforts in establishing and sustaining initiatives under the Disiplina Village Project. The project reflects a commitment to the objectives of Republic Act 11291, also known as the Magna Carta of the Poor, which aims to uphold the fundamental rights of the poor, including life, liberty, property, due process, equal protection, freedom of speech, expression, religion, and privacy.
NAPC lead convenor Secretary Lope Santos III, along with other agency officials, presented plaques of recognition to awardees, acknowledging their efforts in advancing poverty reduction through convergence and community development. Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian received the Aksyon Laban sa Kahirapan Gawad Pagkilala for his support of NAPC's 28th anniversary and his contributions to the success of the housing project.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian was also recognized, represented by Assistant Secretary Ulysses Aguilar, for his role during the inception of the Disiplina Village Project. The project was initiated in response to the impact of Typhoon Ondoy in September 2009, which highlighted the need to address the issue of informal settler families through medium-rise housing.
Additionally, five city government offices were awarded the Aksyon Laban sa Kahirapan Gawad Pagpapahalaga for their dedication to the project and the Magna Carta of the Poor. These offices include the Valenzuela City Agriculture Office, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, Disiplina Village Elementary School, Valenzuela City Housing and Resettlement Office, and Valenzuela City Health Office.
As of now, Disiplina Village-Arkong Bato comprises seven completed buildings in the first two phases of the project. Each building consists of 48 units, with floor areas ranging from 24 to 30 square meters.
