**Governor of Baja California Launches ‘Corazones’ Program with Local Mayors**
On February 19th, the Governor of Baja California, alongside the mayors of the state’s seven municipalities, kicked off the “Corazones: Transformation You Can See, a Future You Can Feel” program. This initiative aims to make significant improvements in areas with high social deprivation within the state.
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda explained that the program is designed to intervene in Baja California’s most socially deprived areas. “Transformation isn’t just something that is spoken of; it must be felt and lived,” stated the governor. “With this program, we intend to reach every corner of the state to enhance the quality of life for those in greatest need.”
Based on data presented by the governor, Baja California is ranked as the second state in Mexico with the lowest poverty levels, having reduced the number of people living in poverty by 341,000. In 2020, 22.5% of Baja California’s population, approximately 850,000 people, lived in poverty. This figure decreased to 13.4% (511,000 people) by 2022. Extreme poverty also saw a decline from 1.5% to 1.3% during the same period.
“We are not satisfied by these numbers, which is why we’re motivated to double our efforts,” affirmed Ávila Olmeda. The initiative, which will progress through various stages, will focus on 53 regions divided into 135 priority zones across the seven municipalities.
The program will address several key areas including road infrastructure and water resources. In Tijuana, work will begin in the Altiplano and Planicie regions with a budget of 14.40 million pesos. An identical investment will go into Mexicali for Los Santorales and Guadalupe Victoria. Similar efforts are planned for Tecate, San Quintín, San Felipe, and Playas de Rosarito.
Furthermore, the program will install potable water and sewage networks in 21 of the 135 priority zones, with a total investment of 402.5 million pesos expected to benefit 132,000 residents. Moreover, new wells will be drilled in Mexicali, San Felipe, San Quintín, Tijuana, and Tecate. Educational infrastructure will also be prioritized, addressing deficiencies in 29 schools throughout the state by enhancing facilities and constructing new classrooms.
Additionally, the “Corazones” program will work on the restoration of 12 recreational spaces in areas of greatest need in Mexicali, Ensenada, and San Quintín.
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**Secondary Article: Nationwide Initiatives to Combat Social Deprivation**
In recent years, various Mexican states have initiated programs aimed at addressing social deprivation and improving quality of life for their most vulnerable populations. These programs often focus on infrastructure, education, and healthcare, seeking to reduce poverty rates and improve overall living conditions.
One notable example is a project implemented in the state of Chiapas, where the government has partnered with non-governmental organizations to provide comprehensive healthcare and educational resources in remote areas. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in services often experienced by communities residing far from urban centers.
Similarly, in Oaxaca, local authorities have launched a program to promote sustainable agriculture, enabling small-scale farmers to increase productivity and income while preserving the environment. This has included training in modern agricultural techniques and access to regional and national markets.
These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to combat poverty and enhance social equity, aligning with federal government objectives to achieve progress in these critical areas.