Europe sets aside P150m for anti-poverty projects

from The Manila Standard

The European Commission has allocated P150 million as financial grant for any project that will help the Philippine government reduce poverty incidence.

The EC is seeking proposals for projects to be implemented in the Philippines, which will focus on the promotion of an inclusive and empowered society to facilitate non-state actor and local authority participation in poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies.

This call for proposals aims to support activities, which will lead to a sustainable improved economic development at local level, the commission said in a statement. Given the critical needs of the Filipino poor and vulnerable groups, the program will support actions intended to strengthen the capability of Filipino non-state actors, and local government units.

First is to deliver innovative, community-based and sustainable livelihood projects. Second, to promote informed choices and equitable access to family planning in underserved areas and for vulnerable populations.

A variety of strategies can be proposed to accomplish the above priorities but particular attention should be paid to issues contributing to the achievement of the program objectives.

The commission urged all local authorities and non-state groups to submit project proposals not later than April 15, at the Delegation of the European Commission, 30th Floor, Tower II, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

Proposals should ensure broad-based participation, with explicit mainstreaming of EU crosscutting policies, including the promotion of gender equality, human rights, integration of environmental questions, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Projects to be proposed for funding under this program should have a duration between 36 and 60 months. Grants can range from a minimum of P42 million to about P60 million for non-state actors, and from a minimum of P12 million to a maximum of P24 million for local government units.