The plight of poverty in the country has reached a very serious state. Local government units (LGUs) are now faced with the challenge of devising a plan to alleviate poverty in their specific localities. A guidebook on Local Poverty Diagnosis and Planning System (LPDPS) was launched by President Arroyo in 2003 to aid LGUs in the formulation of their local plans in poverty reduction in their areas. This article evaluates the guidebook of LPDPS by way of analyzing its commendable attributes and its deficiencies in directing an effective method in assessing the extent of poverty and deprivation in the municipality. It points out the importance of the role of community mobilization, barangay participation in the data collection system, focused targeting of underserved individuals and of minimum basic needs for facilities, development plans consolidation, and adoption of poverty indicators in allocating resources. The author stresses that the responsibility for poverty alleviation should not only lie with the national government, but, it should be more importantly initiated by the LGUs where poor families and their unfortunate situations are evident. By doing this, all the local heads will help the government in identifying which projects need immediate attention.
