Manila: The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) is requesting an additional budget to enhance its poverty reduction programs aimed at improving the lives of the marginalized sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, PCUP Chairperson Meynard Sabili expressed hope that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Congress would grant the agency’s request for a higher allocation for its urban poor community programs. Sabili emphasized the importance of increasing the budget to support the growing number of accredited urban poor organizations (UPOs), which have risen from 370 in 2024 to 477 as of September 2024, due to the expansion of PCUP’s satellite offices nationwide.

Currently, PCUP has established satellite offices in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon provinces. In Lipa City, Batangas alone, over 300,000 residents from 72 villages have joined UPOs following the opening of a PCUP satellite office there. A new satellite office is set to be inaugurated in Naga City, Camarines Sur next week, with plans for additional offices in Zamboanga province, and the cities of General Santos and Davao.

These satellite offices are crucial for creating a comprehensive database of target communities, which aids in formulating advocacy policies and implementing projects for the urban poor. Sabili highlighted the necessity of collaborating with local government units and relevant agencies to develop an effective system for addressing the needs of the marginalized sector.

He urged the public to view the urban poor as integral members of society, rather than as obstacles. He stressed that local government units should take the lead in creating systems to support the urban poor, in accordance with regulations set by mayors and governors.

Sabili also mentioned the PCUP’s role as a direct link between the urban poor and the government, under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The commission addresses issues such as demolitions, reclamation, and housing, providing essential assistance to the poor.

Furthermore, Sabili requested that the PCUP’s supervision be transferred back to the Office of the President from the DSWD, noting that there was no objection from the DSWD. He hopes this transition can occur before the budget deliberation begins.