TO ADDRESS the fight against poverty through a multi-dimensional and cross-sectoral approach as stipulated in R.A. 8425 or the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act which institutionalized and enhanced the Social Reform Agenda, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) represented by the agency presidents Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, Dr. Lauro B. Tacbas, and Dr. Alejandro V. Directo, respectively, has entered into a memorandum of agreement Aug. 18.

As partners, the three SUCs in the region agreed to: facilitate linkages/networking/sharing of resources among SUCs, NGAs, LGUs, NGOs, civil society and other regional line agencies in creating, generating, sharing, and applying knowledge and livelihood programs; develop, acquire, generate, collect, and provide each other knowledge,  product/information materials on various areas of instruction, research, extension, and production; and perform other functions stated in the agency roles and responsibilities particularly along poverty alleviation in the region.

The parties acknowledged that with their present resources, they can support each other in their major functions; provide access to wealth of knowledge; and complement strategies in building capacities responsive to the needs of the communities.

The agreement was signed Aug. 18 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur during the birthday celebration of UNP President Tacbas.   The signing was Ms. Criselda M. Balisacan, chief of the Regional Center on Poverty Studies (RCPS) based at MMSU; Dr. Rafael B. Querubin, ISPSC vice president for administration; and Dr. Mario R. Contaoi, UNP director for external affairs.  Also present CHED Commissioner and former MMSU President Saturnino M. Ocampo Jr. and other Region 1agency heads.

During affair, Ms. Balisacan was given the opportunity to explain to listeners through an interview in the UNP radio program the mandates and programs of the RCPS, specifically on poverty reduction in Region 1.