Cordillera Administrative Region – The Department of Social Welfare and Development here has named its Outstanding Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program partners through its first ever Regional Search for Pantawid Pamilya Focal Persons. The search aimed to recognize the invaluable efforts and services of partner stakeholders from the different schools and health centers who played crucial roles in the smooth implementation of the Program.
Pantawid Pamilya Focal Persons are assigned individuals from the partner agencies particularly the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government unit (LGUs) who are in charge of monitoring the compliance of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the health and education conditions of the Program.
Besting other nominees from the different provinces in the region, Dr. PJ Ukkong of Kabugao, Apayao emerged as the Regional Pantawid Focal Person for Health. Dr. Ukkong is the Municipal Health Officer of Kabugao who dedicates her services to the marginalized sectors of the society like the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. Dr. Ukkong started her involvement and advocacies since the inception of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in 2008 by conducting activities that promote better health-seeking behaviors in the community.
Meanwhile, Mr. Milmar Bunnao, Teacher-In-Charge of Tawit National High School in Pudtol, Apayao stood out as the Regional Pantawid Focal Person for Education with his advocacies on helping students who are at risk of dropping out. One of his advocacy is the Opening Possibilities and Linkages Aiming to provide a Niche to Students At risk of dropping out through Giving Intervention materials and Programs which Benefits their Access To quality education for All (OPLAN SAGIP BATA) which aims to reduce the increasing number of school drop-outs.
“The regional Pantawid focals are just two of the many program stakeholders who demonstrated initiatives and innovations beyond their functions. But the two emerged as winners because they created a meaningful impact in their community in relation to the implementation of the program.”, Pantawid Pamilya Regional Program Coordinator Fatima Florendo said.
The Search for Pantawid Pamilya Focal Person observed two (2) selection processes with the active involvement of the Municipal and Provincial Operations Offices through Desk and Field Validations following different criteria. The nominees from the provinces were deliberated at the regional level through the Search’s Selection Committee.
Dr. Ukkong and Mr. Bunnao will represent the region in the National Partnership Summit on May 31, 2019 in Metro Manila. ## Marlo C. Abyado, Jr., Pantawid Pamilya, Information Officer II
