During an event in the village of Pacren, located in Jocotan, the president announced that efforts will continue under the “Mano a Mano” (Hand in Hand) interinstitutional strategy, which focuses on regions long neglected by the State.

Arevalo explained that improvements—such as the installation of new floors, the provision of kitchens and stoves, the renovation of schools, and the stocking of health clinics with medicine—are now reaching some of the most challenging areas in the country. He noted that, in the past, government officials only showed up during emergencies, whereas today:

“We are present, and so are the institutions.”

“In less than a year, we have managed to provide cement floors to the Chorti area, bringing a variety of benefits to many households,” remarked the president, who is a sociologist by profession.

He highlighted that the Chorti area is the third region—following the Mam territory in northern Huehuetenango and the Ixil territory in Quiche—to declare its municipalities free of dirt floors. In total, more than 105,000 households across these three territories—benefiting over half a million Guatemalans—have been reached, the president added.

The Minister of Social Development specified that the program has transformed more than 28,000 households across five municipalities in Chiquimula—Jocotan, Camotan, Olopa, San Juan Ermita, and San Jacinto—providing benefits to more than 100,000 people.

He emphasized that the “Mano a Mano” initiative coordinates efforts in housing, healthcare, access to clean water, education, and agricultural support. “We committed ourselves not to make promises, but to take action—and that is what we are celebrating here today,” he noted, referring to the coordinated efforts among institutions, municipalities, and communities.

Pinto announced that the goal is to have at least 150,000 floors built by the end of 2026, with the expectation that results will be delivered this coming December.

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