Urban Poor Solidarity Week 2024 kicks off on Monday

The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) has officially started its preparations for the upcoming Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW) 2024.

The UPSW is an annual celebration every December 2-8 of each year spearheaded by PCUP under Presidential Proclamation 367.

The event is expected to gather over 800 Urban Poor Organizations (UPOs) and partner agencies and will showcase the achievements of the Commission’s various projects and services implemented throughout the year.

A highlight of the celebration is the recognition of outstanding urban poor advocates, where awards will be given for the best accredited Urban Poor Organization, Civil Society Organization, best Local Government Unit, and Champions of the Urban Poor. These awards aim to honor the exemplary contributions of organizations and agencies that have worked tirelessly to uplift the urban poor and improve their quality of life.

Under the leadership of PCUP Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Meynardo A. Sabili, the Commission is set to intensify its innovative programs for urban poor communities.

Key initiatives include:

• Streamlined accreditation processes for urban poor organizations;

• Expansion of satellite offices nationwide to deliver faster and more accessible services

• Prioritization of health programs to address the pressing needs of urban poor Filipinos.

“We are committed to providing direct access to our country's urban poor to government services. They should be able to get a quick and efficient service from us because that's our job as public servants,” Chairperson Sabili said.

The celebration will also feature simultaneous activities led by urban poor organizations,

stakeholders, and partners from the national government and private sector in their respective localities.

This year’s theme is “ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY: Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Tahanan para sa Maralitang Kababayan” with the intention of providing additional services and support to the poor.