27 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program parent leaders from Balbalan, Kalinga and Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte has come together to further enhance the program’s implementation. In partnership with the Local Government Unit of Balbalan, a study tour was conducted in the municipality of Pagudpod.

In the study tour, the parent leaders together with some Pantawid staff were able to exchange experiences as well as good practices in addressing grievances, facilitating updates and maintaining compliance to the Program’s conditionalities.

The Pantawid Program is among the poverty alleviation programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which focuses on human capital by investing on the family’s health and education. Program beneficiaries should comply with the Program’s conditionalities which include at least 85% of school attendance, monthly health check-up and monthly attendance to Family Development Sessions for them to receive the Program’s grant.

“It is very important that our beneficiaries, especially the parent leaders, are able to understand and appreciate the processes that we have in the [Pantawid] Program. It is because they serve as our partners in disseminating information in their communities”, DSWD Field Office Cordillera Director Janet P. Armas said.

Meanwhile, the participants appreciated the activity which according to them has enhanced their knowledge as Pantawid beneficiaries. “Masaya kami dahil may ganitong activity. Bukod sa ngayon lang kami nakarating dito sa Pagudpod, marami rin kaming natutunan lalo na kung paano gagawing makabuluhan ang FDS at kung ano ang nararapat naming gawin sa mga kasamahan namin na hindi sumusunod sa mga patakaran ng programa.”, Parent Leader Prescilla Gumannao of Brgy. Balantoy, Balbalan shared.

The program has been implemented in the municipality since 2011. As of 8 August 2014, there are already 854 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Balbalan, Kalinga.  # DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit with reports from Darwin Serion