Sta. Marcela, Apayao – After demonstrating teamwork, malasakit, and dedication in their community, Parent Leader (PL) – beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program here received livelihood assistance from the Local Government Unit worth 75,000 during the ceremonial turnover held on 21 January 2021 at the town’s municipal hall.

The assistance is granted to the PL group in reciprocation of their immeasurable and relentless support and services extended to the LGU and DSWD programs and services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Established in June 2019, the Sta Marcela Parent Leader’s Association (SMPLA) has 29 PL members from the 13 barangays of the municipality. The group envisions to establish an economic opportunity for its members and the community  towards  self-sustainability and self-sufficiency. 

During the ceremonial turnover, Sta. Marcela Municipal Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez recognized the contributions of the 4Ps beneficiaries and affirmed the full support of the LGU to the activities of the association.

“The request should have been a certain amount for the stipend of the Parent Leaders who shared their efforts and time in the municipality. However, the LGU has decided to give livelihood assistance instead because this will help them in the long run. We are hopeful that the assistance would benefit them,” Mayor Martinez said.

“Our 4Ps parent leaders have long been serving as the main link of the program to their beneficiaries and this achievement is a manifestation of their committed services in their community. Let this be an inspiration to other groups in the region to further their quality of living,” DSWD CAR OIC Regional Director Leo Quintilla commended.

Meanwhile, the SMPLA president PL Jane del Rosario ensured that their group will utilize the assistance as a start-up to establish their own micro-enterprise, ‘talipapa’. The group is currently processing their business permit and other documentary requirements before they start their operation.  

The SMPLA was registered with the Department of Labor and Employment in 2019 and is the first PL group in the region to be recognized by the agency. ### DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Marlo C. Abyado Jr., Pantawid Pamilya Information Officer, with reports from Jovy Agor, PDO II- Sta. Marcela, Apayao.