By Xander Ledesma
Antique’s reclassification as a first-class province has been attributed to the provincial government’s human empowerment programs, according to Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao.
Speaking at the Local Social Welfare and Development Officers Yearend Assessment and Awarding of Champions 2024 held Tuesday at the Kanyogan Garden and Restaurant, Cadiao highlighted the transformative initiatives that uplifted the province from being one of the country’s poorest.
“Antique in 2016, when I first assumed as governor, was among the poorest provinces in the country,” Cadiao said. She credited programs focused on education, senior citizen support, and labor rights for their significant contributions to the province’s economic growth.
Among the highlighted initiatives was a scholarship program that now supports 20,000 college and graduate school students with PHP6,000 in financial aid per semester.
Additionally, the Kabalaka kay Lolo kag Lola program provides annual economic assistance ranging from PHP3,000 to PHP5,000 for senior citizens aged 85 to 99, and PHP30,000 for centenarians.
The provincial government also addressed the plight of sacada or sugar migrants by registering them with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Social Security System (SSS). This ensures they are eligible for government support and claims in case of accidents. From an initial 10,000 undocumented workers in Negros Occidental, the number has been reduced to 3,000 due to livelihood assistance provided by the province.
Cadiao commended the province’s social workers for their role in implementing these programs, which have significantly improved the economic conditions of Antiqueños. “Social workers play an important role in these human empowerment programs,” she said.
During the event, Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. Antique president Ma. Dominga Zaragoza was recognized for her leadership, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation.
News and Information Bureau Director IV Luis Morente, who delivered an inspirational message at the event, urged social workers to continue their commitment to public service. “Our government needs people like you who have the zeal to serve,” Morente said.
Antique’s reclassification as a first-class province by the Department of Finance underscores the success of its empowerment-driven governance, bringing progress and opportunities to its people.