“TATAP” aims to provide livelihood to the marginalized antiquarian sectors

The provincial government here has allocated PHP29 million for its new program that aims to aid and alleviate poverty among sugar migrants, sacadas and other marginalized sectors in the province.

The Fund for TATAP or Tatapon ang Antiqueño, Tugruan kang Ayuda kag Parangabuy-an (Take care of the Antiqueño, provide relief and livelihood) is, however, included in the supplementary budget of over PHP 1.075 billion No. 1 pending approval by the Supervisor of the Board in session next week.

“The TATAP program aims to help migrant sugar workers, overseas-displaced Filipino workers, indigenous peoples and other marginalized sectors obtain alternative sources of income,” Bienvinido Nallos Jr., Antique provincial planning and development official, said in an interview Wednesday.

Among the projects identified under the program is the “Gulayan sa Barangay” on sacadas in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

TESDA will train local migrant sugar workers to grow high-value organic crops in partnership with the provincial government through the Provincial Office of Agriculture (OPA), providing seeds, tools and water pumps.

The provincial board has deferred approval of the supplemental budget pending a thorough review during Monday’s session. (PNA)