SIAYAN, Zamboanga del Norte — A coalition of local government leaders, indigenous representatives, security forces and civil society organizations in Siayan has formally come together to support a new anti-poverty initiative aimed at strengthening incomes and access to essential services in one of Zamboanga del Norte’s most underserved municipalities.
Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop, Inc. (FSMMI), a Philippines-based nonprofit focused on empowering marginalized children and youth, has launched Phase 1 of its Zero Poverty PH 2030 program in Siayan. The rollout marks an early step in a nationwide effort to lift 100,000 Filipino families out of poverty by the end of the decade.
FSMMI is serving as a local convenor of the Zero Poverty PH 2030 initiative, a multi-stakeholder platform designed to align government, community and institutional efforts around long-term poverty reduction. In Siayan, the first phase of the program—known as Social Understanding for Responsive Interventions (SURI)—will be implemented from February to March 2026 across 10 barangays.
The SURI phase is focused on gathering detailed community-level data and qualitative insights that will be used to design targeted and sustainable interventions. According to FSMMI, the approach is intended to ensure that future programs reflect the specific social, economic and cultural realities of each barangay rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
To formally introduce the initiative, FSMMI convened a stakeholders’ meeting at the LGU Siayan Mayor’s Conference Hall. The session brought together a broad cross-section of municipal leadership and community institutions, underscoring the program’s emphasis on collaborative governance.
Attendees included the local chief executive and vice mayor of Siayan, the municipal local government operations officer, barangay captains, the tribal chieftain and municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, members of the tribal council of elders, and representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Department of Education, the Philippine Army and St. Isidore the Farmer Parish of Siayan. FSMMI was represented by its founder and chief executive, national leadership and social work interns supporting the project.
Discussions during the meeting centred on aligning priorities, clarifying roles and reinforcing shared accountability for poverty reduction outcomes. Participants broadly agreed that sustained progress would depend on coordination across sectors and consistent engagement with communities on the ground.
“We are thrilled to be a local convenor of Zero Poverty 2030 in Siayan. This initiative allows us to unite partners, address challenges head-on, and build a stronger, more resilient community. Together, we can make a meaningful impact,” said Mr. Rey Anugon, FSMMI national president and project manager.
Municipal officials signalled strong backing for the program, highlighting its potential to complement existing local development plans. Mayor Alberto Bongcawel described the initiative as an opportunity to mobilize collective action around shared goals. “Thank you for choosing Siayan to be part of Zero Poverty PH 2030. I’m grateful for this chance to uplift our community. Let’s unite and work together towards prosperity and success,” he said.
Indigenous leaders also welcomed the program, noting its continued emphasis on education and inclusion. “As Tribal Chieftain and Municipal IPMR, I am overjoyed that FSMMI continues to support our indigenous children’s education. With Zero Poverty, we have renewed hope to face challenges and thrive. This program inspires us to work together for a brighter future,” said Timuay Labi Johnny C. Anugon, Sr.
FSMMI founder and chief executive Fr. Dean Klayford Bongat framed poverty reduction as a shared responsibility that transcends institutional boundaries. “Service is never a monopoly. It is our shared calling, a collaboration and not a competition. Poverty is not the burden of a distant few—it is a battle that touches us all. And it is only through togetherness that we can rise, overcome and claim our victory,” he said.
Guided by the principle “Never see a need without doing something about it,” FSMMI has built its programs around education, livelihood development and community-based initiatives. With the launch of SURI in Siayan, the organization aims to lay the groundwork for evidence-driven interventions that can deliver lasting social and economic gains.
As the data-gathering phase gets underway, local leaders and partners say the success of Zero Poverty PH 2030 in Siayan will hinge on sustained cooperation, transparent decision-making and active participation from communities themselves. For FSMMI, the initiative represents a step toward building a more resilient future—one barangay at a time.
