ILIGAN VISION 2050
PILLAR #15 – BUILDING A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL ILIGANONS
Iligan City is often referred to as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” boasting rich natural beauty and a strategic location that promises potential for growth and development. However, behind this picturesque image lies the untold struggle of many of its residents who face the harsh reality of poverty. Despite the city’s progress in various sectors, a significant number of Iliganons still suffer from hunger, lack of proper shelter, and limited access to vital services. These challenges are not just abstract statistics; they represent the lived experience of many families whose daily struggle is to simply survive.
Among the most affected by poverty in Iligan are children, senior citizens, and marginalized families. Children often go to school without breakfast, their stomachs empty and their minds distracted. Parents, particularly in lower-income families, grapple with food insecurity, working multiple jobs but still unable to provide enough for their families. Meanwhile, senior citizens, who have contributed much to the city throughout their lives, often find themselves left behind, with little support to ensure they can live their final years with dignity.
These persistent issues are not the result of lack of effort, but rather a combination of systemic failures. The lack of sustainable job opportunities, limited access to essential services, and an unclear or ineffective food security program are all contributing factors that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. The hardship that many Iliganons face daily is not just a number on a page—it is the reality for thousands of families, who continue to live without access to basic needs. For these individuals, the promise of a better life is still far from reach, and many of them have yet to see any meaningful change in their conditions.
However, we cannot simply accept that poverty is an insurmountable challenge. The vision for Iligan’s future must be one where every Iliganon, regardless of their economic status or background, has the opportunity to live a life free from the shackles of hunger and deprivation. To achieve this, the focus must be on inclusive development that addresses the root causes of poverty and ensures that no one is left behind. This is the cornerstone of Iligan Vision 2050 Pillar #15: Building a Better Life for All Iliganons.
THE ROOT CAUSES OF POVERTY IN ILIGAN
To understand how we can build a better life for all Iliganons, we first need to examine the factors that contribute to the persistence of poverty in the city. Poverty is not just a matter of low income; it is a complex issue that involves a variety of interrelated social, economic, and political factors. In Iligan, several key causes contribute to the ongoing struggle of many residents.
1. Lack of Sustainable Job Opportunities
A major factor contributing to poverty in Iligan is the lack of sustainable job opportunities, especially for the youth and marginalized sectors. While the city has some industries and economic activities, such as the energy sector and agriculture, many of the jobs available are seasonal, low-paying, or require specialized skills that not all residents possess. This results in a significant portion of the population being excluded from stable, long-term employment.
Additionally, the rapid urbanization of the city has created a disconnect between the skills of the local workforce and the needs of the job market. While there are efforts to provide training and education, many Iliganons, particularly those living in remote barangays, are unable to access these opportunities due to financial or logistical constraints.
2. Limited Access to Education and Skills Training
Education and skills training are critical factors in breaking the cycle of poverty, but many Iliganons still face barriers to accessing quality education. For children in poverty-stricken families, attending school often comes with numerous challenges—lack of school supplies, difficulty paying for uniforms, and the inability to afford meals. These challenges often lead to poor performance, high dropout rates, and a lack of opportunity for future success.
Moreover, skills training programs that could help adult Iliganons acquire new skills or improve their existing ones are often limited, underfunded, or difficult to access, especially for those living in the outskirts of the city. Without access to education and training, many Iliganons are unable to secure better-paying jobs or pursue careers that could lift them out of poverty.
3. Food Insecurity and Inadequatae Nutrition
Another major issue that Iliganons face is food insecurity. Many families struggle to put enough food on the table, with children often going to bed hungry. The lack of access to affordable, nutritious food not only affects the health of the individuals, particularly children, but it also has a long-term impact on their overall development.
While there are government programs designed to address food insecurity, these programs are often limited in scope and reach. Additionally, the food security programs that exist are often unclear, inconsistent, or insufficient to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations. As a result, food insecurity remains a persistent problem in many parts of Iligan, and many families continue to live in a constant state of hunger.
4. Limited Access to Health Services
Access to health services is another critical issue for Iliganons, particularly those in poverty. While Iligan has healthcare facilities, these are often concentrated in urban areas, making it difficult for people in rural barangays to access them. Moreover, the cost of healthcare can be prohibitively expensive, especially for those without health insurance or the ability to pay for medical care.
As a result, many Iliganons are forced to rely on inadequate or informal health services, which often fail to address their needs. This lack of access to proper healthcare contributes to the cycle of poverty, as illness or injury can lead to loss of income, further exacerbating financial hardship.
THE PATH TO A BETTER LIFE FOR ILIGANONS
To build a better life for all Iliganons, we must address these root causes of poverty and create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on providing sustainable jobs, improving access to education and healthcare, ensuring food security, and strengthening social support systems.
1. Creating Sustainable Jobs and Economic Opportunities
A fundamental step in breaking the cycle of poverty in Iligan is to create sustainable job opportunities that provide fair wages and benefits for all residents. This can be achieved by focusing on industries that have the potential to grow and generate employment, such as renewable energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The government and private sector should work together to create an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, especially in sectors that provide jobs for the youth and marginalized groups. This can include providing financial support, mentorship, and access to training programs that help individuals start their own businesses or acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
Additionally, efforts should be made to connect local businesses with global markets, creating opportunities for Iliganons to participate in the global economy. This will not only help create jobs but will also boost the local economy and provide a more sustainable source of income for families.
2. Expanding Access to Education and Skills Training
To build a better future for all Iliganons, education and skills training must be prioritized. Efforts should be made to improve the quality of education in schools, ensuring that every child has access to the tools they need to succeed. This includes addressing issues such as lack of school supplies, providing free meals for students, and offering after-school programs that help students improve their academic performance.
Moreover, adult education and skills training programs should be expanded to help adults gain the skills they need to secure better-paying jobs. These programs should be accessible to everyone, particularly those living in rural barangays, and should be aligned with the needs of the local job market.
3. Ensuring Food Security and Adequate Nutrition
Addressing food insecurity is essential to building a better life for Iliganons. The government should expand food security programs, making them more effective, transparent, and accessible to those who need them most. This can include providing food assistance to low-income families, supporting local farmers, and creating community gardens or food banks in areas with high levels of food insecurity.
Additionally, efforts should be made to improve the nutrition of Iliganons, particularly children. This can be done by implementing school feeding programs and promoting better dietary habits through education and awareness campaigns.
4. Improving Access to Healthcare
Ensuring that all Iliganons have access to healthcare is a critical part of building a better life for the city’s residents. This can be achieved by expanding healthcare facilities in rural areas, providing subsidies or health insurance for low-income families, and ensuring that medical care is affordable and accessible.
Efforts should also be made to improve public health education, focusing on preventative care and wellness programs that help Iliganons stay healthy and avoid illness. By addressing healthcare needs, the city can ensure that individuals can work, learn, and live healthier lives, which in turn will contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.
CONCLUSION
Building a better life for all Iliganons is not just a lofty ideal—it is a necessity for the future of the city. By addressing the root causes of poverty and implementing policies that focus on sustainable economic opportunities, education, food security, and healthcare, Iligan can become a city where no one is left behind. A city where every Iliganon, regardless of their social or economic background, has the chance to live a healthy, prosperous life.
The path to a better life for Iliganons starts with the recognition that poverty is not just a number—it is a real and pressing issue that affects thousands of families. If we are to truly develop Iligan, we must start with those who need it most. By working together, we can ensure that every Iliganon has the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families, creating a more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive future for all.
PILLAR #15 – BUILDING A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL ILIGANONS
Iligan City is often referred to as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” boasting rich natural beauty and a strategic location that promises potential for growth and development. However, behind this picturesque image lies the untold struggle of many of its residents who face the harsh reality of poverty. Despite the city’s progress in various sectors, a significant number of Iliganons still suffer from hunger, lack of proper shelter, and limited access to vital services. These challenges are not just abstract statistics; they represent the lived experience of many families whose daily struggle is to simply survive.
Among the most affected by poverty in Iligan are children, senior citizens, and marginalized families. Children often go to school without breakfast, their stomachs empty and their minds distracted. Parents, particularly in lower-income families, grapple with food insecurity, working multiple jobs but still unable to provide enough for their families. Meanwhile, senior citizens, who have contributed much to the city throughout their lives, often find themselves left behind, with little support to ensure they can live their final years with dignity.
These persistent issues are not the result of lack of effort, but rather a combination of systemic failures. The lack of sustainable job opportunities, limited access to essential services, and an unclear or ineffective food security program are all contributing factors that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. The hardship that many Iliganons face daily is not just a number on a page—it is the reality for thousands of families, who continue to live without access to basic needs. For these individuals, the promise of a better life is still far from reach, and many of them have yet to see any meaningful change in their conditions.
However, we cannot simply accept that poverty is an insurmountable challenge. The vision for Iligan’s future must be one where every Iliganon, regardless of their economic status or background, has the opportunity to live a life free from the shackles of hunger and deprivation. To achieve this, the focus must be on inclusive development that addresses the root causes of poverty and ensures that no one is left behind. This is the cornerstone of Iligan Vision 2050 Pillar #15: Building a Better Life for All Iliganons.
THE ROOT CAUSES OF POVERTY IN ILIGAN
To understand how we can build a better life for all Iliganons, we first need to examine the factors that contribute to the persistence of poverty in the city. Poverty is not just a matter of low income; it is a complex issue that involves a variety of interrelated social, economic, and political factors. In Iligan, several key causes contribute to the ongoing struggle of many residents.
1. Lack of Sustainable Job Opportunities
A major factor contributing to poverty in Iligan is the lack of sustainable job opportunities, especially for the youth and marginalized sectors. While the city has some industries and economic activities, such as the energy sector and agriculture, many of the jobs available are seasonal, low-paying, or require specialized skills that not all residents possess. This results in a significant portion of the population being excluded from stable, long-term employment.
Additionally, the rapid urbanization of the city has created a disconnect between the skills of the local workforce and the needs of the job market. While there are efforts to provide training and education, many Iliganons, particularly those living in remote barangays, are unable to access these opportunities due to financial or logistical constraints.
2. Limited Access to Education and Skills Training
Education and skills training are critical factors in breaking the cycle of poverty, but many Iliganons still face barriers to accessing quality education. For children in poverty-stricken families, attending school often comes with numerous challenges—lack of school supplies, difficulty paying for uniforms, and the inability to afford meals. These challenges often lead to poor performance, high dropout rates, and a lack of opportunity for future success.
Moreover, skills training programs that could help adult Iliganons acquire new skills or improve their existing ones are often limited, underfunded, or difficult to access, especially for those living in the outskirts of the city. Without access to education and training, many Iliganons are unable to secure better-paying jobs or pursue careers that could lift them out of poverty.
3. Food Insecurity and Inadequate Nutrition
Another major issue that Iliganons face is food insecurity. Many families struggle to put enough food on the table, with children often going to bed hungry. The lack of access to affordable, nutritious food not only affects the health of the individuals, particularly children, but it also has a long-term impact on their overall development.
While there are government programs designed to address food insecurity, these programs are often limited in scope and reach. Additionally, the food security programs that exist are often unclear, inconsistent, or insufficient to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations. As a result, food insecurity remains a persistent problem in many parts of Iligan, and many families continue to live in a constant state of hunger.
4. Limited Access to Health Services
Access to health services is another critical issue for Iliganons, particularly those in poverty. While Iligan has healthcare facilities, these are often concentrated in urban areas, making it difficult for people in rural barangays to access them. Moreover, the cost of healthcare can be prohibitively expensive, especially for those without health insurance or the ability to pay for medical care.
As a result, many Iliganons are forced to rely on inadequate or informal health services, which often fail to address their needs. This lack of access to proper healthcare contributes to the cycle of poverty, as illness or injury can lead to loss of income, further exacerbating financial hardship.
THE PATH TO A BETTER LIFE FOR ILIGANONS
To build a better life for all Iliganons, we must address these root causes of poverty and create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on providing sustainable jobs, improving access to education and healthcare, ensuring food security, and strengthening social support systems.
1. Creating Sustainable Jobs and Economic Opportunities
A fundamental step in breaking the cycle of poverty in Iligan is to create sustainable job opportunities that provide fair wages and benefits for all residents. This can be achieved by focusing on industries that have the potential to grow and generate employment, such as renewable energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The government and private sector should work together to create an environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, especially in sectors that provide jobs for the youth and marginalized groups. This can include providing financial support, mentorship, and access to training programs that help individuals start their own businesses or acquire the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
Additionally, efforts should be made to connect local businesses with global markets, creating opportunities for Iliganons to participate in the global economy. This will not only help create jobs but will also boost the local economy and provide a more sustainable source of income for families.
2. Expanding Access to Education and Skills Training
To build a better future for all Iliganons, education and skills training must be prioritized. Efforts should be made to improve the quality of education in schools, ensuring that every child has access to the tools they need to succeed. This includes addressing issues such as lack of school supplies, providing free meals for students, and offering after-school programs that help students improve their academic performance.
Moreover, adult education and skills training programs should be expanded to help adults gain the skills they need to secure better-paying jobs. These programs should be accessible to everyone, particularly those living in rural barangays, and should be aligned with the needs of the local job market.
3. Ensuring Food Security and Adequate Nutrition
Addressing food insecurity is essential to building a better life for Iliganons. The government should expand food security programs, making them more effective, transparent, and accessible to those who need them most. This can include providing food assistance to low-income families, supporting local farmers, and creating community gardens or food banks in areas with high levels of food insecurity.
Additionally, efforts should be made to improve the nutrition of Iliganons, particularly children. This can be done by implementing school feeding programs and promoting better dietary habits through education and awareness campaigns.
4. Improving Access to Healthcare
Ensuring that all Iliganons have access to healthcare is a critical part of building a better life for the city’s residents. This can be achieved by expanding healthcare facilities in rural areas, providing subsidies or health insurance for low-income families, and ensuring that medical care is affordable and accessible.
Efforts should also be made to improve public health education, focusing on preventative care and wellness programs that help Iliganons stay healthy and avoid illness. By addressing healthcare needs, the city can ensure that individuals can work, learn, and live healthier lives, which in turn will contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.
CONCLUSION
Building a better life for all Iliganons is not just a lofty ideal—it is a necessity for the future of the city. By addressing the root causes of poverty and implementing policies that focus on sustainable economic opportunities, education, food security, and healthcare, Iligan can become a city where no one is left behind. A city where every Iliganon, regardless of their social or economic background, has the chance to live a healthy, prosperous life.
The path to a better life for Iliganons starts with the recognition that poverty is not just a number—it is a real and pressing issue that affects thousands of families. If we are to truly develop Iligan, we must start with those who need it most. By working together, we can ensure that every Iliganon has the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families, creating a more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive future for all.