Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office – Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO-CAR) officially handed over the Listahanan 3 Database of Poor Households to the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Mountain Province on December 2024, at the Provincial Capitol.
The Listahanan database is a comprehensive government database that identifies who and where the poor are. It serves as a critical tool for ensuring that social protection programs reach their intended beneficiaries. By providing evidence-based data, Listahanan enables local governments to create targeted interventions that address the unique needs of vulnerable communities.
The data revealed that three in every ten households in Mountain Province are living in poverty. Paracelis emerged as the most vulnerable, with 61% of its households classified as poor—the highest in the region. This underscores the pressing need for intensified efforts to bring assistance and hope to families striving to overcome the challenges of poverty.
During the ceremony, Listahanan Regional Field Coordinator Climson Balangue emphasized the importance of the database in addressing poverty with precision. “Using the Listahanan database will allow the Mountain Province LGU to identify and serve those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against poverty,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. expressed gratitude and vowed to use the data as a catalyst for meaningful change. “This partnership with DSWD will help us create targeted programs that uplift the lives of our constituents, particularly the most vulnerable among us,” he said.
Data Protection Officer Marifil C. Jugal underscored the importance of data privacy in maintaining the integrity of the Listahanan database and safeguarding the individuals it represents. “The data in the Listahanan database is not merely a collection of information; it reflects real people and their lives. It is our duty to handle this information with the highest standards of care and confidentiality. Protecting data privacy fosters trust and accountability, ensuring this resource is used responsibly to uplift lives.” she stated.
The Listahanan 3 database, which profiled over 30,000 households, will guide the province in implementing programs such as education and health subsidies, livelihood assistance, and disaster relief initiatives.
The turnover ceremony included a symbolic handover, a presentation of key findings, and discussions on leveraging the data to improve service delivery and transform lives in Mountain Province.#DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, Administrative Assistant III