Innovative agency fights poverty

FROM left: Saracho, Añonuevo and Polk.

The Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) is an innovative US foreign-assistance agency that helps fight global poverty. It forms partnerships with some of the world’s poorest countries—but, only services those committed to good governance and economic freedom. It has approved a five-year deal with the Philippines aimed at reducing poverty through economic growth.

MCC also aims to increase the efficiency of revenue collection. The agency’s projects empower communities to participate in development-directed activities and manage assets in a sustainable way. They strengthen the link between community priorities and local governments’ development programs.

The Secondary National Roads Development Project is designed to reduce transportation costs through the rehabilitation of an existing 222-kilometer road segment. It aims to increase commerce in Samar.

The Kalahi-CIDDS project will benefit over five million people by 2030. The Revenue Administration Reform Project is expected to have broad impacts throughout the economy.

John A. Polk is the resident country director for the Philippines. He brings his technical expertise and project-management skills to the implementation of its programs. In the photo with him are MCA-P managing director Ma. Victoria Añonuevo and communication director Andy Saracho.

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Join our Amazing Socsargen Photo Safari on Sept. 18-21, with trips to General Santos City, Sarangani and Lake Sebu, or the Singapore Photo Walk on Oct. 2-5. Visit mandynavaserofotosil.wordpress.com, or call 0916 746-3883.

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