VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — For the third time, the province of Ilocos Sur was adjudged as the “Best Local Government Unit” in the poverty reduction program implementer category for 2008 in the region.

The award was personally received by Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano from National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Assistant Secretary Catherine Mae Santos in a ceremony held in this city recently.
It has learned that this was the third time that Ilocos Sur was adjudged as the best province in implementing the said program and won the prestigious award in 2004 and 2007.

Known for his being idealistic, Savellano attributed the success of the poverty alleviation campaign to various programs he had initiated such as Prosperity, Basak, Kalahi and Siglat which he and the provincial government had launched for the past few years.

Savellano proudly reported that these programs are behind the success in the poverty reduction program in the province, saying the number of families living below the poverty line which is 8,250 was reduced to 7,095 based on the minimum basic needs survey conducted on fourth- to- sixth-class municipalities of Ilocos Sur, most of which are in the so-called upland areas.