ACCESS TO DEVELOPMENT. Residents of Sitio Bambayan use the 1kilometer foot trail completed through DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS.

A total of 58 households from the Mangyan-Hanonoo tribe of Sitio Bambanay, Purnaga, Occidental Mindoro is now benefitting from the completion of a one-kilometer foot trail with six footbridges sub-project of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The foot trail, which eases the access to and from the indigenous people community, was officially handed over to the barangay local government unit of Purnaga in an Inauguration and Turn-Over ceremony held at the Barangay Covered Court September 23, Monday.

“Nung wala pa pong foot trail, ang mga guro namin ay hirap sa pag-akyat papunta sa amin. Sa mga pasyente rin po namin. Kapag halimbawa po, emergency, nahihirapan po kami kasi ang ginagawa po namin ay sinasakay sa duyan para maibaba ang pasyente,” said Maricel Fugoso, Kalahi-CIDSS volunteer and part of the Mangyan-Hanonoo tribe.

The one-kilometer foot trail was the community’s identified solution to their mobility and accessibility problem heightened during times of disasters and health emergencies. The entrance to Sitio Bambanay is separated from its neighboring sitio, Sitio Nawak, by about 2.7km mountainous terrain.

Community volunteers, members of Mangyan-Hanonoo tribe, and staff from DSWD and Magsaysay Municipal Social Work and Development Office gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 1 kilometer foot trail subproject of DSWD-Kalahi- CIDSS.

Magsaysay Vice-Mayor Edgardo Eliscupidez Sr. graced the event in behalf of Mayor Cesar M. Tria, Jr. DSWD- MIMAROPA OIC-Regional Director Floreceli Gunio, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude to the community and the local government units, from provincial to barangay level, for their commitment to the successful implementation of the program.

She likewise encouraged the community to ensure sustainability of the newly turned-over foot trail and to always remember the lessons they’ve learned as volunteers.

“Huwag na huwag po kayong papayag na basta-basta masira ito. Lahat po tayo ay may naiambag dito – oras at kakayahan. Ang proseso na natutunan ay gamitin natin. Ito ang progreso na nagmumula sa tao. Ang pagtukoy ng kanilang pangangailangan at pagtukoy ng tugon ay nagmumula sa tao,” Gunio said.

Kalahi-CIDSS is the largest program in the Philippines which uses Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach in its implementation. CDD ensures that the community members are in the forefront of development process by involving them in planning, identification, implementation, monitoring, and management of the development interventions brought to poor communities. ###

Anchored on the principle of SIBOL (Solidarity and Innovations in Bridging Opportunities for Livelihoods), the Sustainable Livelihood Program MIMAROPA conducted the PRIME SLP (Pride and Responsibility in Implementing and Monitoring Employment and Enterprises in the Sustainable Livelihood Program), a learning and development intervention for the Project Development Officers of the region.

The program started with a refresher discussion on project implementation and monitoring followed by the outline of responsibilities for the second semester. Implementing PDOs are still set to perform the facilitation of grants for CY 2016 to 2018, monitoring of participants and projects for CY 2017-2018, and disbursement of grants for CY 2019. Meanwhile, Monitoring PDOs must perform the accomplishment of monitoring database system and monitoring of final assessment of several projects in 2017.

Regional Program Management Office specialists facilitated focus group discussions to gather the implementation and monitoring issues which hurdle the whole program implementation. Some of the issues that surfaced include the insufficient staff complement and logistical concerns.

Part of the program is another refresher discussion on technical writing. Based on the result of the learning need assessment, PDOs need intervention on written communication. Thus, the discussion focused on introducing the learners to key technical writing concepts that can help them write reports, document good practice and other knowledge products, and even aid in their general line of work.

Another major topic discussed is the Grievance Redress System of the program. Aside from the process, some of the appropriate actions to manage concerns were highlighted. Assistant Regional Director for Administration Joel Mijares reminded the implementers to be conscious and cautious during the whole program implementation.

The activity aims to provide an avenue for PDOs to further understand the concepts of project implementation and monitoring, analyze the issues and concerns, comprehend the Grievance Redress System, and apply the management of cases. ###

Living a simple, happy life, the Romero family maintains their strong relationship amidst challenges in life

For most poverty-stricken families, getting by with their everyday struggles is their top priority. They allot most of their time to earn money so that they can put food in their table. And for some poor families, it could be difficult to maintain strong family relationships as they tend to focus on one thing: to work hard to support their financial needs, having little time to spend for their families. It is mostly hard for them to even care about others as they are busy helping theirs.

But the Romero Family from Brgy. Bachawan, San Agustin, Romblon is different. This family maintains strong relationship despite their busy schedules as the members of the family go to work or study in school. They are an inspiration to the community as they are not only responsible members of their family but also an active member of their community.

“Kilala ang pamilyang iyan sa barangay kasi kahit mahirap sila at walang kaya, maganda ang relasyon sa pamilya. Bukod pa doon, aktibo sila sa komunidad. Ang mga anak naman niya ay nag-eexcel sa school at makikita mo talagang maganda ang pagpapalaki sa kanila ng kanilang mga magulang,” said barangay captain Helen M. Moton.

The Romero family might not be financially wealthy but they are rich in positive values that is admired by other families in their community. Through working hand-in-hand, the family believes that little by little, they can overcome poverty together.

In this warm abode in San Agustin, Romblon, the Romero family started to dream of uplifting their lives to get out of poverty

Beating the Odds

Felix, and her wife Teresa, came from poor families and both were not able to finish their studies. Growing up, they have already experienced life’s hardship, hence they work harder as they created a family of their own. Felix currently serves his community as a barangay kagawad while working as a farmer and raising farm animals.  Meanwhile, Teresa helps in financing their family’s needs through selling kakanin. To help them sustain their daily needs, the family also maintains a backyard garden.

The couple was given seven children namely: John Paul, the eldest, a BS Information Technology student; Dannica Joy, the second child, a graduate of BS IT who currently works as a cashier; John Vincent, the third child, a Grade 11 student; April Joy, the fourth child, a Grade 9 student; Felix III, the fifth child, a Grade 8 student; Princess Ella May, the sixth child, a Grade 6 student; and the youngest, John Angelo, a Grade 1 student.

Raising a large family, it was hard for Felix to support them only through farming. “Mahirap ang buhay namin noon ma’am. Mabilis na lumaki ang aming pamilya,” said Teresa. “Para makadagdag pa sa panggastos sa pang-araw araw, nagkopra ang asawa ko at kumikita sya ng tatlong libo eh tatlong beses lang naman magkopra sa isang taon, ma’am,” she added. But the couple did not give up. They take their situation as a challenge for them to continue working hard. They have raised their children to be humble, kind, and God-fearing. “Pinaintindi namin sa mga bata na kahit mahirap ang buhay, patuloy pa rin dapat kaming magsikap. Na kahit mahirap ang buhay, kailangang matuto pa rin kaming tumulong sa kapwa at magpakumbaba,” said Teresa. According to Teresa, their usual conversation during dinner as they share the cooked rice from their neighbor’s leftover mixed with soy sauce and cooking oil, are their dreams and the actions that they need to take together to pursue these dreams.

As their children grew up, they have come to understand their situation. Hence, they are studying hard to help their family in getting out of poverty and to repay the hardships of their parents. “May mga panahon po dati na ang pagkain naming ay lugaw sa umaga, kanin sa hapon, at lugaw ulit sa gabi. Okay lang po sa amin yun dahil naiintindihan naman po namin ang hirap ng buhay namin. Kaya kahit kami ay nagpupursigi rin para balang araw ay makatulong kina mama at papa,” shared April Joy. The children believe that education can help them in having successful a life in the future.

The children grew up to become more understanding of their situation which helped them to become empathic, responsible, and kind-hearted

“Ang magkakapatid na ‘yan ay talagang magagaling sa school.  Lahat sila ay laging kasama sa honor roll at inilalaban din naming sa mga pa-contest sa school,” attested Remegio F. Rollon Jr., who became the school adviser of the four children at Esteban Madrona Elementary School. John Paul and Dannica Joy were honor students in elementary and high school. April Joy, John Vincent, and Felix III also excel in school and all are consistent honor students. All of them are members of their school’s Supreme Student Government (SSG) and are active in different school activities. Meanwhile, Princess Ella ranked first in her class and has recently passed the Special Science Class (SSC) admission examination. The youngest, John Angelo, has also been receiving certificates of recognition for doing good in class.

For the children, their plight and seeing their parents strive to support their educational endeavors inspires them to go beyond what is expected of them. And with their children’s drive to excel in their classes, the couple was inspired to continue working hard to support them and their aspirations.

The Romero family rejoiced when Dannica Joy graduated in college. “Noong nakagraduate siya, sobrang tuwa namin kasi kahit papaano ay may nakuha na kaming accomplishment sa pagpapatapos ng isa sa pito naming anak,” said Teresa. Dannica’s diploma served as a stepping stone for the family in chasing their dreams. “Mas nainspire po ako noon na makapagtapos din balang araw kagaya ni ate,” said April Joy.

Being served and serving

Never did the Romero family expect that there will be someone to provide assistance to their family after becoming a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary in 2010. Teresa attested to the contribution of the program in buffering for the children’s needs as the program monitored their three children.

“Dahil malaki ang aming pamilya, sa totoo lamang po ay hirap na hirap kami. Sa pagdating ng 4Ps, kahit papaano ay naibsan ang aming kahirapan lalong lalo na sa pagtustos sa mga pangangailangan sa eskwela ng aming mga anak,” said Felix.

The program has not only helped their family financially, but it also opened a lot of opportunities for them. “Pagkatapos po naming mag-asikaso ng 4Ps, pinili ako ng mga kasama ko bilang parent leader ng aming grupo,” said Teresa. According to Eva Mercurio, a fellow Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, Teresa was chosen to be their parent leader because they know that she is responsible. Even before becoming a Pantawid beneficiary, Teresa has been a member of different school’s Parent Teacher Association.

Teresa said that after being assigned as the parent leader, her confidence has increased. It has also helped her in discovering her leadership skills. “Sa FDS, lubos kong naliwanagan ang tamang pag-didisiplina sa mga bata kung saan naroroon pa rin ang respeto sa kanila kahit sila ay bata. Nagustuhan ko rin ma’am ang mga sessions patungkol sa mga usaping mag-asawa kung saan mas naunawaan ko ang aking asawa at mas tumibay pa ang aming relasyong mag-asawa,” she shared.

Because of the program, the family became aware to the different social services of the government and has gained access in them. Their second child, Dannica Joy, had become a scholar of the Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA), which has greatly helped her in finishing her studies. According to Dannica Joy, she became more determined to graduate that time because she knew that she was receiving help from the program. “Malaking tulong po para sa aming pamilya ang scholarship na ito dahil nakabawas lalo sa gastusin ng aming pamilya at mas nasiguro nito na makakagraduate po ako kahit kami ay mahirap lang,” she said.

Teresa has also become a participant of the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) through its hog-raising livelihood program. “Sunud-sunod po talaga ang blessings sa amin at oportunidad noong dumating ang Pantawid kaya sinasabi ko po sa mga anak ko na i-grab lang nila ang oportunidad na mayroon silang benepisyong nakukuha kaya pagsikapan nila para maipakita namin na may pakinabang yung benpisyo na binibigay sa amin at hindi masasayang,” Teresa said.

In 2016, the bamboo footbridge initiative of Felix connecting Sitio Iso and Sitio Atnaga, has been adopted by DSWD Kalahi CIDSS to be one of their projects and have it cemented. Through this initiative, the family has been well-known to the community for their volunteerism and empathic

Grateful of the different opportunities given to them, the family found more blessings to share with their community. It has also ignited their passion to serve and help other people in need. The family became an active member of their community and they became known for their passion to help others.

“Kilala ang pamilyang iyan na matulungin talaga. Kahit wala na sila, nagdodonate pa rin sila sa aming church at tumutulong kapag may mga activities kami,” shared Josephine Marimla, their church pastor.

In 2013, Felix wanted to serve their communities more so he run for barangay councilor and won. Since then, he became determined to help his community and serve them with all of his abilities. “Sa aming barangay, talagang hinahangaan ang pamilyang iyan. Lalo silang nirespeto noong maisip ni Kagawad Felix na gumawa ng isang footbridge sa Sitio Iso at Agnaga,” shared Paquito Gallos, his fellow kagawad. It was Felix who initiated to build a footbridge to connect Sitio Iso to Sitio Agnaga. “Dati rati po kasi tumatawid sila sa isa lamang nabubulok na kahoy habang pasan pasan ang kanilang mga kopra. Napakadelikado ng kahoy na ito lalo na sa mga estudyante,” narrated Felix. Because of this, he encouraged the community members in both sitios to join together to create a footbridge made of bamboo. Felix’s family provided food for the volunteers until the construction of the bridge has finished.

Three years after, Felix found out about the plan of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS in adopting a community initiative in their area. Felix had decided to advocate their footbridge project initiative to KALAHI to develop it better. Because of his perseverance, his initiative was chosen by the program and in 2016, their bamboo footbridge was cemented.  “Dahil sa footbridge po na iyan, mas nakilala ang pamilya nila. Kung hindi dahil sa tulung-tulong na ginawa nila, hindi magkakaroon ng magandang daanan ang mga nakatira po doon,” said Aida Galanida, a fellow Pantawid beneficiary who testified how that the footbridge initiative has been a great help to their community.

Keeping the family close

Despite being active in their school and community, the Romero family remains intact. “Minsan tinatanong din po sa amin kung anong

The family works together in doing household chores and the children have their own schedules of doing their chores

sikreto at bakit mababait at responsable ang aming mga anak at malapit kami sa isa’t isa,” said Teresa. According to her, there is no secret because it only takes a quality family time and an open communication to keep the family relationship stronger. “Madalas po kaming nagkakantahan sa bahay ng aming nanay sa baba kapag kumpleto po kami. Sinisiguro rin po naming sabay-sabay kaming kumakain ng hapunan at nagsisimba kada-Linggo,” she added.

Teresa said that the family will always find time to communicate with each other even though they have their separate matters to attend to. April Joy said that they feel connected with their family even by doing their household chores together. “Since hindi naman po kami nakakalabas talaga, nagkakausap na lang din po kami habang nagpapakain ng manok, baboy, o kaya po ay nagluluto. Masaya na po kami sa ganoon,” she explained. “Minsan nagsasabi po kami sa mga nagkakagusto po sa amin o kaya ay yung nagugustuhan namin sa school,” added John Vincent. The children are open about everything with their parents because they have built trust with them. According to Felix, they always encourage their children to speak up to them and he and Teresa are the one to initiate on asking them about personal things. And even though he is busy serving the community as a kagawad, he always makes sure to go home and spend time to his family because he wants them closer to him.

“Pag-uwi po ni tatay, kahit busy sya at gabi na nakakauwi, sinisiguro nyang kausapin pa rin kami at kumustahin bago matulog since magkakasama naman po kami,” said April Joy. “Si nanay naman po, kahit minsan ay gabi na rin sya nakakauwi dahil sa mga inaasikaso sa 4Ps, sa umaga naman po bago kami umalis ay paghahandaan nya kami ng pagkain at sasabayan din,” she added.

Meanwhile, according to Teresa, the children spend most of the time at home rather than going out with their friends. “Ang mga anak ko po talaga ay sa bahay lang lagi. Tinutulungan kami sa bahay kapag walang pasok at nag-aaral lang po talaga,” she said. “Hindi po mabarkada ang mga anak nila. Hindi sila yung kagaya ng ibang kabataan na laging nasa labas o nakatambay kung saan,” claimed Brgy. Captain Helen. The children said that they prefer being at home than going out with friends because they enjoy being with their siblings.

“Madalas napunta po kami kina lola para manood ng TV o kaya ay doon po kami mag-stay dahil malapit lang naman po ang bahay nila,” said John Vincent. “Yun na po ang libanagan naming magkakapatid,” he added.

According to Felix, they realized that beyond financial support, their children also need their emotional support and affection. Through this, the children can feel more connected with them and they can be comfortable of sharing their problems with them.

Because of their strong relationship, Teresa said that it became easier for them to face all the challenges that life has to offer. “Dahil po open kami sa pamilya, mas naiintinidhan ng mga anak namin na kailangan nilang magsipagtapos sa pag-aaral at pagbutihin pa ang pag-aaral para makatulong sa aming mag-asawa,” she shared. “Nagsisikap po kaming magkakapatid kasi po alam naming mahirap lang kami at  kailangan naming pagbutihan pa para po makaraos kami sa kahirapan kahit papaaano,” said April Joy.

Striving and thriving

“Matagal pa po siguro ma’am ang pagkamit po sa pangarap namin. Pero hangga’t sama-sama po kami, alam naming makakayanan naming umahon sa kahirapan,” said Teresa. “Ang pamilya namin ay patuloy pa rin sa pagharap sa hirap ng buhay. Kami ay responsible hindi lamang sa pamilya kundi pati na rin sa komunidad. Tuloy lang ang pagsuporta sa anak at pagtulong sa kapwa,” Teresa added.

Through spending time together and constant communication, the Romero family maintains strong family relationship

The Romero family is a story of inspiration and hope illustrating how a family of perseverance and determination could pursue their dreams despite the disadvantage of poverty. The family has demonstrated positive family relations, discipline, unity, and sacrifice as a drive to triumph over the challenges hurled at them. ###

The 4Ps beneficiaries of MIMAROPA who do not have cash cards will start receiving cash grant on September through OTC payout

Malate, Manila –The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program announced that the over-the counter (OTC) payout for partner-beneficiaries in MIMAROPA Region will start on September 4 to September 27, 2019.

4Ps beneficiaries who do not yet have Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) cash cards or First Consolidated Bank (FCB) Pitakards or those beneficiaries receiving their grants through partner conduits of LBP will receive cash grants covering the months of December 2018 to May 2019.

Household beneficiaries who have complied to all of the conditionalities of the program on education and nutrition and health will receive P500.00 health grant and P600.00 rice subsidy per household, and educational grant of P300 and P500 for elementary and senior high school students monitored by the program, respectively. A maximum of three children per household is qualified to receive the grant.

Since March this year, the payout has been delayed due to the ending of contract of the partner conduits of LBP who will help in releasing the financial assistance for those areas with limited LBP branches.

A total of P1,468,325,100.00 will be released to cover six months of cash grants for the 168,526 number of households in the region.

The 4Ps beneficiaries can directly contact their Municipal/City Links for the exact schedule of payouts in their area.

Meanwhile the payout for beneficiaries with cash cards have recently received their cash grant last month in August.

The Pantawid Pamilya continuously coordinates with the LBP in order to ensure that problems leading to delay of payout will be resolved at once. ###

“Mula sa tatlong biik mula sa SLP, nakapagpundar pa ako ng mga sisiw, at nang makapag-ipon pa ay nakapagsimula din ako ng sibuyasan,” ani Lizilita Ross, benepisyaryo ng Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Hindi naging madali kay Lizilita na bumangon mula sa pagkaka-aksidente ng kanyang asawa kung saan siya ay gumastos ng higit sa isandaang libong piso. Kinailangan niyang bunuin ang halagang iyon upang maipagamot ang kanyang asawa sa isang espesyalista. Bilang isang trabahador sa resort na kumikita ng Php 5200.00 kada buwan, naging masigasig siya sa paghahanap ng iba pang mapagkakakitaan upang mapunan ang lahat ng kanilang gastusin.

Nang maipakilala sa kanya ang SLP, tanging galak ang kanyang naging tugon. “Excited po ako dahil hindi pa man lang nangyayari, interesado na talaga ako,” ani niya. Ipinagpaliban niya ang dapat sana niyang pupuntahan upang makadalo sa pagtitipon ng SLP. Hindi naman siya nabigo nang makapasok siya sa programa. Nabigyan siya ng tatlong biik bilang panimulang kapital.

Matapos ang tatlong buwan ng pag-aalaga, naibenta niya ang mga ito sa halagang Php 23,000.00 sa kabuuan. Bilang isang matalinong negosyante, bumili pa ulit siya ng apat na biik at limampung sisiw para sa ikalawang cycle. Nang maipagbili ang mga alaga, umabot sa halos Php 40,000.0 ang kanyang kinita. Mula dito ay naipagawa na niya ang kanilang bintana at nakapagpa-tiles ng sahig.

Sa kasalukuyan ay nasa ikalimang cycle na siya kung saan naipagbili niya ang tatlong baboy at isandaang manok sa halagang Php 50,000.00 sa kabuuan. Ang Php 20,000 dito ay ginamit niya sa pagtatanim ng sibuyas. Hindi naman siya nagkamali sa pamumuhunan sapagkat ito ay kumita ng Php 224,000.00 noong anihan. Kaya naman, nabili na niya ang katabing lote ng kanilang kasalukuyang bahay.

“Naranasan ko na walang bigas, walang kape. Ang mga anak ko naglalakad sa kainitan makapasok lamang sa paaralan. Ang bahay namin ay dampa. Kahit ako ay hindi makapaniwala na kaya naman palang umangat kahit kaunti basta pursigido ka sa buhay. Ngayon, ang mga anak ko de-serbis na. Ang bahay namin kahit papaano ay sementado na. Naibili ko din ng tricycle na pampasada ang asawa ko. Ang mga kapitbahay ko napapahiram ko na din minsan sa oras ng pangangailangan,” ani niya.

“Pag binigyan ka ng kabuhayan, mahalin mo,” ito ang tanging payo ni Lizilita sa mga katulad niyang nagsimula sa maliit na negosyo na napalago dahil sa sipag at tiwala sa kakayahan. Tunay ngang ang pagpupursigi ang magiging sandata ng sinumang nagnanais na umangat ang kabuhayan. ###

Nagsagawa ng isang pagtatanghal ang mga kawani ng Pantawid Pamilya sa Oriental Mindoro kaugnay ng Bata Balik Eskwela Campaign ng programa

Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro – Ngiti, halakhak, at luha – ilan lamang ito sa mga reaksyon ng mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA na dumalo sa teatro na pinamagatang “Kasibanghay: Pantawid Pamilya Oriental Mindoro People’s Theater”. Ito ay isinagawa ng mga kawani ng Pantawid Pamilya Provincial Operations Office (POO) ng Oriental Mindoro sa Brgy. San Roque sa bayan ng Bulalacao noong ika-31 ng Mayo, 2019.

Kaugnay ng implementasyon ng Pantawid Pamilya ng Bata Balik Eskwela Campaign, isang daan at limampung (150) mga benepisyaryo na binubuo ng mga magulang at mga bata ang dumalo sa pagtatanghal na naglalayong hikayatin ang mga kabataang minomonitor ng programa sa edukasyon na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral.

Ang Bata Balik Eskwela o BBE ay kampanya ng programa upang pabalikin ang mga kabataang tumigil sa pag-aaral dulot ng iba’t-ibang dahilan kagaya ng kawalan ng interes, pagtatrabaho, maagang pagbubuntis, pag-aasawa at iba pa. Hinihikayat ang mga kabataang ito na bumalik sa pagpasok sa formal school o kaya naman ay maiendorso sa Alternative Learning System (ALS) kung sila ay hindi nakatapos ng elementarya o hayskul o kaya naman ay hindi nakapasok ng paaralan kailanman.

Sinimulan ng POO-Oriental Mindoro ang unang pagtatanghal ng teatro noong Mayo 21 sa Brgy. San Aquilino, Bayan ng Roxas sa nasabing lalawigan at patuloy na isasagawa hanggang Hunyo 28, 2019 sa iba’t ibang munisipyo ng Oriental Mindoro, sa pangunguna ni Provincial Link Ms. Maridel T. Rodriguez, RSW. Sa pamamagitan nito, naipapakita sa mga benepisyaryo ang mga sitwasyong hango sa kanilang tunay na kalagayan sa isang masining na pamamaraan upang pukawin ang kanilang kamalayan hinggil sa mga karanasan at suliraning kinakaharap ng mga kabataan sa bahay, paaralan, at komunidad. Bukod dito, ang pagtatanghal ay nagpapakita rin ng mga solusyong maaaring gawin upang tugunan ang mga nasabing suliranin.

Layunin ng teatro na hikayatin ang mga kabataan at magulang na ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga kabataan para sa kanilang magandang kinabukasan

Ang “Kasibanghay: Pantawid Pamilya Oriental Mindoro People’s Theater” na hango sa mga salitang “kasi” o love at “banghay” o project, ay nagtatampok ng pagtatanghal na nahahati sa tatlong iba’t ibang senaryo na kasalukuyang nangyayari at nagiging dahilan ng paghinto sa pag-aaral ng mga kabataan.

Sa unang senaryo ay itinatanghal ang mga pangyayari kung paano nawawalan ng interes ang isang bata sa kanyang pag-aaral, tulad ng impluwensiya ng barkada at pagkalulong sa iba’t ibang bisyo na nagiging dahilan ng pagliban sa klase. Sa pangalawang pagtatanghal naman ay ipinapakita kung paanong ang paghahanapbuhay sa murang edad ay isa rin sa dahilan ng paghinto sa pag-aaral. Dulot ng kakapusan sa pantustos sa pang-araw araw na pangangailangan ng pamilya, napipilitang pumasok sa paghahanap buhay ang bata upang makatulong sa magulang. Sa huling parte ng pagtatanghal ay itinatampok ang pangyayari kung paanong ang maagang pagbubuntis at pag-aasawa sa murang edad ay nakahahadlang sa tuluy-tuloy na pagpasok sa paaralan. Ipinapakita rin sa bawat senaryo na ang responsibilidad ng magulang na gabayan ang kanilang mga anak ay lubhang mahalaga upang matulungan ang mga kabataan na magkaroon ng tamang pananaw at patuloy na mangarap ng mas magandang buhay sa hinaharap.

Sa pagtatapos ng bawat pagtatanghal, isang Case Conference ang isinasagawa sa pangunguna ng SWO II, SWO III, at CVS Focal ng lalawigan upang higit na magbigay ng paggabay sa mga magulang at kabataan, at masiguro na sila ay makakabalik sa pag-aaral.

Umaasa ang pamunuan ng programa sa buong probinsya na ang gawaing ito ay magdulot ng positibong resulta kung saan mas maraming bata ang mahikayat at tumugon sa pangunahing layunin na sila ay maibalik sa pag-aaral upang sila ay magkaroon ng mas maayos na buhay sa hinaharap.

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong 7,656 na bilang ng mga batang Pantawid sa probinsya ng Oriental Mindoro ang hindi pumapasok sa paaralan o hindi nagpatuloy sa pag-aaral.###

(Contributed by: Gellai Ferrer Adeva)

Brooke’s Point, Palawan — The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides identified poor families the appropriate income-generating opportunities through microenterprise or employment, to help improve their level of economic sufficiency.  The program is implemented in the different municipalities of the country.

The Municipality of Brooke’s Point in the province of Palawan is among the partners of DSWD in bringing the program interventions to identified poor household like Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and other qualified participants.  The municipality’s economy is primarily anchored on agriculture, with rice and coconut production at the forefront.

In 2015, the Cardinal Agri Products, Inc., a diversified agribusiness enterprise, started to operate in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.  Established with the goal of uplifting the lives of farming communities, it offers high quality natural products on the global sphere.  To respond to the manpower demand of the operation, it outsources job from Worldwide Service Provider Multi-Purpose Cooperative (WILSERV), a cooperative that focuses on providing manpower through employment to companies and individuals in need.

The SLP has two–fold tracks: Microenterprise Development Track (MD) and the Employment Facilitation Track (EF).  In the desire to become responsive in escalating employment demand in the municipality of Brooke’s Point vis-a-vis presence of Cardinal Agri Products, Inc., SLP forged a partnership with WILSERV in the context of employment facilitation track.

The off-shot of the initiative was a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by both parties on September 2017.  Initially, the partnership was focused only in the Municipality of Brooke’s Point, however, with the proximity of Bataraza, Sofronio Española, Quezon, and Rizal, it was expanded to such areas taking into consideration the projected overspill demand of employment.  Recognizing the indispensable role of the Local Government Unit in the success of SLP’s programs and projects, such was likewise engaged.

The initiative was a prelude to the conceptualization of projects that aim to provide employment opportunities to program participants maximizing the employment opportunities at hand.  It is recognized that capacitating the participants through skills training shall provide avenues to employment on a more sustainable context.  Similarly, it shall serve as a vehicle in addressing four economic sufficiency indicators of Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) namely Employment, Income, Employable Skills, and Social Insurance.

Implementation of Guaranteed Employment Project in the Municipality of Brooke’s Point in Partnership with Worldwide Service Provider Multi -Purpose Cooperative and LGU

With the consolidated effort of the Municipal Action Team (MAT) of Brooke’s Point and solidarity of the Local Government Unit, the project was conceptualized in close coordination and partnership with Worldwide Service Provider Multi-Purpose Cooperative (WILSERV) and was realized through the provision of Skills Training on Nuts Pairing and Deshelling.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and poor families identified in the Listahanan database participated in the intervention that aims to provide sustainable income at the household level.   At the end of the skills training, the participants are expected to be hired as workers of Cardinal Agri Products, Inc.

A total of 313 participants availed the skills training, 223 in Nuts Pairing (10 days) and 90 in Deshelling (7 days).  While the SLP provided the skills training and Pre-Employment Assistance Fund (PEAF), WILSERV on the other hand provided the starter kit.  At the end of the capacity building, the MOA clearly stipulated that at least 80% of the participants shall be provided guaranteed employment specifically to Cardinal Agri Products, Inc.

Making a Difference in the Life of A Participant and the Family

Rosemarie D. Ancis, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary who belongs to an indigenous group (Palaw’an) in Brooke’s Point, was one of the participants of the project. Together with her husband, she survives three children.  She used to be a Barangay Health Worker who earns a meager income.

Anecdotes revealed that the family practically lives a hand to mouth existence.  Her income and that of her husband who works as a mechanic (daily labor) at Cardinal Agri Products, Inc. cannot suffice the basic needs of the family.  Daily survival was a true test in addition to providing the needs of children wh  o are all in school.  In 2016, one of her children was hospitalized and she, together with her husband, resorted to borrowing money to pay for the hospital bills.

Rosemarie availed the Skills Training on Nuts Pairing (ST-EF), received the Pre-Employment Assistance Fund (PEAF) from SLP, and was consequently hired and deployed by WILSERV at Cardinal Agri Products, Inc.  She started as a Nuts Pairer, later on promoted as Checker and Time Keeper, Overall Machine Operator, and recently as Overall Lead Man of the Production and OIC Supervisor of the night shift operation.  From Php 290.00 daily wage in the beginning, she now receives Php 340.00. Apart from the monetary compensation, the skills and abilities of Rosemarie were developed through attendance in trainings and seminars related to her job and facilitated by Cardinal Agri Products, Inc.

The participant claims that the family’s economic condition today is far different from the predicament before she availed the guaranteed employment intervention.  The increase in income significantly bridged the gap in providing the needs of the family.  A savings mobilization mechanism is now in place which allows her to plan a self-managed microenterprise project of piggery, in addition to operating a lending project.  All these came into reality with the advent of guaranteed employment project which SLP initiated in partnership with Cardinal Agri Products, Inc., WILSERV, and the Local Government Unit of Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

Milestones Indicators/Impact of the Intervention

1.Increase in Income/Stability of Income

Guaranteed employment availed by the participant did not only provide stable wage but likewise helped her establish additional sources of income such as lending business and the soon to be operated hog raising enterprise. In addition, she initiated a savings mechanism out of such incomes and was able to use it during an emergency last February 2019.

2. Acquisition of Assets

Through employment at Cardinal Agri Products, Inc., the participant was able to acquire a brand new motorcycle on an installment basis, appliances (washing machine, family size foam), and other personal items for herself and family members.  In addition, the financial position of the participant increased through the operation of a lending activity.  The present economic capacity of the participant allowed her to access a bank loan which she used to further the lending activity she is currently engaged in.

3.Personality Development

The opportunity to work in a relatively big company boosted the self-esteem and morale of the participant.  The series of promotions stirred good attitudes towards work and ushered development of her leadership potentials. Opportunities to mingle with people widened her social capital, thus, shaping her confidence too. Attendance to several trainings determined competitive advantage should promotion or wider employment opportunities come in the future.

Determining Sustainability of Intervention

The security of employment of the participant determines sustainability of income.  After the period of one year and six months being employed in the company, she has acquired the regular position. The series of promotion of the participant (from being Nuts Pairer in the beginning to now being the Lead Man in Production and OIC Supervisor during night shifts) are indicators of long-term employment and continuous career growth.  This was further guaranteed by attendance to several in-house and invitational trainings facilitated by the company.

The development of her employment status from being probationary to regular is an indicator of job retention.  This is reinforced by the strong determination and commitment of the participant for continuous learning processes, thus, establishing and firming her credentials. By acquiring the regular post in Cardinal Agri Products, Inc., the participant now receives other benefits such as membership to the WILSERV Multi-Purpose Cooperative where a corresponding dividend is expected to be received at the end of every fiscal year.  Likewise, SSS, Pag-Ibig, Philhealth, medical insurance, service incentive leave, emergency loan, and 13^th month pay came as additional package of her employment.  It is worth noting also that through the employment opportunity, the participant was able to avail life insurance amounting to Php 100,000.00.

A concrete experience was narrated by the participant on the incident of hospital confinement last May 2018 at Sagrado Hospital due to hypertension.  All hospital bills (including purchase of medicines) were refunded by insurance she availed from WILSERV.  In addition, she enjoyed a 10-day leave from work with pay. Meanwhile, on December 27, 2017 she received her first dividend from WILSERV amounting to Php 942.00. Last December 24, 2018, she enjoyed the second release of dividend amounting to Php 6, 972.00. ###

Contributors:

Moises Daniel S. Aban, Project Development Officer II, Palawan

John Rey S. Baylon, Project Development Officer II, Palawan

As part of convergence initiatives, the Municipal Action Team of Boac is currently participating in Marinduque Expo 2019 held on April 14-21, 2019 in Moriones Arena in Boac. The provincial government, along with the Department of Trade and Industry, conducts the exposition as part of the yearly celebration of Moriones Festival. The expo, which started in 1998, aims to promote the products of Marinduque during Lent.

During the Parent Leaders’ meeting, MAT Boac conducted an initial consultation with Pantawid beneficiaries for the consolidation of data on existing products in the municipality. Bangbangalon Consumers Cooperative, the leading Sustainable Livelihood Program Association in Boac, attended and gave their full commitment to the initiative. They consolidated all the products of the beneficiaries and manned the booth during the expo. Other associations that participated were the Federation of Marinduque Agriculture Cooperatives (FEMACO) and Tanikala ng Pagkakaisa Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

According to Ezra Mae Reforma, MAT BOAC member, initiatives like this provide an avenue for Pantawid beneficiaries to showcase their skills in cooking, handicraft making, and others. Also, the activity has provided a market for the products, contributing to the objective to attain sustainability. “One of the problems encountered in this livelihood project is the lack of market opportunity and advertising skills to market their products. Because of this initiative, beneficiaries will have an access to market for their products and provide additional income to the members. The Bangbangalon Consumers Cooperative plans to establish this kind of initiative as their primary business and be the first SLP Association to consolidate different DSWD-assisted products in Marinduque. This will be more possible with the aid of different government agencies such as DTI, Marinduque State College, Department of Agrarian and Reform, and Local Government Units.” she added.

“It is tiring but indeed joyful to do this kind of business. It is our first time engaging in retail business, selling not only our products but also the products of other beneficiaries. We also learned how to deal with different type of customers,” shared Annielor Lamoc, Chairperson of Bangbangalon Consumers Cooperative.

This activity aims to promote the products and showcase the stories behind. Through their participation in similar activities, they show that they are proactive and not dependent on the grant received by the program.

Contributor:

John Paul Abaincia, Project Development Officer, Marinduque