The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) IV-MiMaRoPa conducted an orientation-training on the newly-hired Municipal Links (MLs) of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Richville Hotel, Mandaluyong City with the first batch of participants last July 3-10, 2013 and the second batch this July 24 – 31. The orientation-training aims to equip the MLs with the in-depth knowledge of the processes and thrusts and skills on how to handle issues and concerns of the program.

 

With Regional Training Specialist (RTS) John Rosas and Regional Training Associate (RTA) Alexa Fajardo as facilitators, every part of the program were discussed and thoroughly tackled by the respective focal persons from the regional office. “This is the first time that we are able to conduct an orientation-training for 10 days to our MLs so we make sure that they understand fully all there is to be learned about the program,” said RTA Fajardo.

The live-in activity also ensured that MLs understand the relationship of the other programs and services to their tasks such as its incorporation in the convergence strategy. Here, it was given importance that the programs of the Department do not work on its own alone. Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries have an edge benefitting from the other programs of the Department like in Sustainable Livelihood Program but not limited to since they are included in the list of poor households from National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

According to RTS Rosas, the MLs play an essential role in implementing the program. “You are the main connection of the regional office to the field and have the direct communication with our stakeholders especially our beneficiaries,” added RTS Rosas. It is only right that the activity be provided to better equip the MLs with the up to date knowledge and changes in the program.

The first batch consisted of 25 MLs from chosen municipalities of the five provinces while the second batch composed of 17 MLs from the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and Palawan. The third batch of MLs will soon conduct their orientation-training this August.