Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan has reaffirmed its dedication to regional development through a groundbreaking partnership with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental. Confronted with a poverty incidence of 16.3% among families as of the first quarter of 2023, Misamis Oriental faces pressing socioeconomic challenges. In response, the province, under the leadership of Governor Peter “Sr Pedro” Unabia, has launched the Single Digit Poverty Incidence (SDPI) Program. This initiative sets an ambitious target of reducing the province’s poverty incidence to a single digit by 2028.
The partnership was formalized on 14 November 2024, during a pre-summit ceremony that included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The collaboration merges the governance capabilities of the provincial government with Xavier Ateneo’s academic expertise, creating a robust framework for research, innovation, and capacity-building. As the SDPI Program’s academic partner, Xavier Ateneo, through its Social Development Cluster and Department of Economics, will lead critical initiatives. These include organizing poverty summits, developing comprehensive measurement frameworks, and designing an awards system to recognize municipalities for exemplary poverty reduction practices.
The MOU signing event garnered widespread support from public sector leaders across various municipalities, as well as the board members of Misamis Oriental. The event also saw the active participation of Xavier Ateneo’s vice presidents, administrators, and faculty members, reflecting a shared commitment to poverty alleviation. This broad coalition underscores the importance of participatory governance and grassroots involvement in addressing the multifaceted challenges of poverty.
Mr Jhon Louie Sabal, Chairperson of Xavier Ateneo’s Department of Economics, underscored the importance of using a multidimensional approach to address poverty in Misamis Oriental. He emphasized that poverty is not solely about income insufficiency but also involves systemic issues such as education, health, housing, and employment. Highlighting the role of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Mr Sabal explained how this tool provides a comprehensive framework to measure and address various dimensions of poverty, ensuring targeted and effective interventions. He reaffirmed Xavier Ateneo's commitment to developing a tailored MPI framework for the province and utilizing the Community-Based Monitoring System to track progress across municipalities. Stressing the countercyclical nature of poverty, he called for collaborative and process-oriented solutions that address immediate needs while fostering long-term prosperity. "Addressing poverty requires a whole-of-society approach," Mr Sabal stated, advocating for a unified effort from the provincial government, private sector, civil society, and academe to achieve the ambitious, but definitely possible 9.3% poverty incidence target by 2028.
Father Mars Tan, SJ, President of Xavier Ateneo, underscored the university's moral imperative to support marginalized communities. He stated, “A good discernment takes the side of the poor and those who have less in life,” reflecting the institution's commitment to social justice and its mission to serve others. Father Mars Tan's leadership has been pivotal in aligning the university's resources and expertise with the province's development goals, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at sustainable progress.
Provincial Administrator John Venice Ladaga articulated the program’s vision, stating, “Through collaboration, research, innovation, and community-driven initiatives, we will empower every Misamisnon family, farmer, fisherfolk, and ug sa tanan mga yanong lungsuranon sa lalawigan sa Misamis Oriental to rise above the challenges of poverty.” His statement highlights the provincial government's commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of all sectors within the community. Ladaga's role is crucial in coordinating efforts across various departments to ensure the successful implementation of the SDPI Program.
This partnership reflects the shared vision of Xavier Ateneo and the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental—a future where no one is left behind. By tackling poverty through holistic, collaborative, and inclusive measures, the SDPI program not only aspires to improve living conditions in Misamis Oriental but also to serve as a benchmark for sustainable development across the Philippines.
As this collaboration unfolds, it represents a significant step forward in regional development. Combining academic expertise, innovative solutions, and participatory governance, the initiative seeks to build economic resilience, promote social equity, and inspire similar efforts nationwide.