Tacloban City (October 4) -– The Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines will conduct a nationwide synchronized program on October 16, 2006 in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the 1991 Local Government Code.

Ms. Anna A. Arroyo, Program Coordinator for Region 8 revealed that the synchronized activity will demonstrate the tri-partnership efforts of the government, people’s organizations and academe in the fight against poverty particularly in Eastern Visayas.

She said that the Program is entitled “Stand Up Against Poverty” (SAP) which is supported by the GOP-UNDP Programme on Fostering Democratic Governance. Through the program, ASPAP hopes to create a big impact as it would symbolize the steadfast unity among the stakeholders in the fight against poverty.

The Stand Up Against Poverty Program will be held at the Multi-purpose Building of the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College along Magsaysay Boulevard corner Sto. Nino Extn., Tacloban City.

No less than Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla will deliver the Welcome Address in the program. The message will be followed by a video presentation of the Millennium Development Goals.

A representative of NEDA 8 will present the national Anti-Poverty efforts and activities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) while the State of Local Governance in Region 8 and activities to attain the MDGs will be presented by the representative of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Southern Leyte Governor Rosette Y. Lerias will share some Best Practices in Local Government. This is hoped to serve as an inspiration and guide to other local governments on how to eradicate poverty.

Dean Jude Duarte, President of ASPAP-Region 8 will discuss the role of ASPAP in fighting poverty and achieving the MDGs.