Despite the challenges, Maribel remains inspired and happy while managing her food cart business because she knows that every effort that she gives would mean a step closer to a better life for her family.

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – “Agpagradwar akun iti maysa nga college ket pirmi ragsak ko kumbaga kala nga nakaala akun iti maysa nga trophy (Now that my child will be graduating from college, I am very happy. It is as if I am earning a trophy.)”, boasts Maribel V. Arboldeda, 41 years old, a mother of 6 and a wife of a barber.  Maribel’s family is a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Humble Beginnings

In 2017, Maribel was provided with a food cart business through the SLP of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Idi umuna ket basit lang ilaklakok kala daytoy barbecue maysa lang nga kilo iti gatangek inaldaw, isu iti maituno ti malem. (When I was just starting with the food cart business, for instance the barbeque, I only purchase one kilo of meat a day, which we sell in the afternoon)” she recalls.

Even though she had low income at first, Maribel saved and started to buy large quantity of pork which she prepares and supplies to other street vendors in their neighborhood in Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

“Iti inaldaw agatangakun iti 20 kilos iti pork nga tuduken me, ilakok ti 3 pesos per piece kadagiti kailyan me nga mang wholesale.Ada met iti 6,000 ko nga i-savings binulan nga usaren dagiti anak ko iti eskwela da karkaru iti allowance ken tuition idyay ada ti college. (Now I purchase 20 kilos of pork which I prepare and sell at PhP 3.00 each stick to our fellow residents who are buying in wholesale. From a month’s income, I separate Php. 6,000.00 for our savings which my children use in school especially for the allowance and tuition of my college student),” said Maribel.

Maribel remembered that it was very hard for their family to survive each day since they only rely on his husband who’s a barber earning PhP 300-500, an income that she budgets for their needs and children’s tuition fees.

Earning for a Valuable Trophy

Maribel’s hardwork and careful budgeting allowed her to send all of their six  children to school. “Madiskarte dapat, dagijay daduma iti savings me ket pinag puonak iti sabali nga negosyo kala iti wagwagan ken online buy and selling. (We should be innovative. From our savings I ventured into ukay-ukay and online buy and selling business),” Maribel explained.

“Uray no marigatanak ipapatik ladta nga mangpadakel iti pagbiyagan me ta amuk nga para kadagitoy anak ko. Kayat ko makita nga makaswela da, maala da iti mayat nga trabaho ta madimi nga nu anyat kinarigat biyag me tadta ket isu paylaeng ituloy da. (Even though it is hard , I try my best to expand the livelihood that was provided because I want my children to finish their studies so that they could get good paying jobs and not experience poverty)”, she added.

This year, Maribel’s 1^st child will finish Bachelor of Secondary Education in Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

“Agyamanak launay iti naited nga livelihood iti SLP, adan iti pangkabuhayan me nga isu mangtultulong kanyami nga umangat basit panagbiyag me. Adan iti maisave nga mainayun nga usaren dagiti anak me nga makaturpos iti eskwela da. (I am grateful for the livelihood provided by SLP, we now have additional source of income to help us lift our economic status, in addition, we can save more money for our children’s schooling),” Maribel said. #DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Babble Mae Gorio

BAGUIO – DSWD held the “Strengthening Community Participation in Local Development” activity last October 3 where barangay officials from Sadanga, Mountain Province, Tinoc, Ifugao and Villaviciosa, Abra strengthened their participatory local governance. Discussions on Cordillera autonomy provided an avenue to give the workshop a regional context. The RDC, through NEDA, provided autonomy IEC resources and collaterals for the implementation of the event.

Autonomy IEC speakers Alma Toyoken and Vladimir Cayabas shared their insights and thoughts about Cordillera autonomy. Cayabas noted that the pursuit of autonomy goes hand in hand with federalism. As a member of the Regional Development Council (RDC), he emphasized that the official position of the RDC is autonomy towards federalism. He added, “agkakabsat dagita autonomy ken federalism, agstrengthen pay (autonomy and federalism are like siblings, they strengthen each other)”

The activity aimed to address the flaws of past campaigns for Cordillera autonomy which were plagued by lack of information dissemination and rampant misinformation. Dr. Agustin Guinid from Ifugao thanked the speakers and recalled that in his early years, “ununana adda ti reservation ko daytoy nga autonomy ngem idi in-explicar ni Father Balweg dagitoy benefits iti autonomy kasla met panagexplain ni speaker tayu tatta, naikkat dagijay nga duadua kon (at first I had my reservations about autonomy but when Father Balweg explained the benefits of autonomy like how our speaker today explained it, my doubts were removed)”.

DSWD Cordillera has continued to be am active partner and advocate of regional autonomy. Last year, they brought awareness of the autonomy advocacy to the grassroots and reached over 800 stakeholders through their activities.

Since 2006, the Regional Development Council Cordillera, in which the DSWD is a member and NEDA as the secretariat, has adopted Cordillera autonomy as the central theme of regional development. Through its Social Preparation of CAR into an Autonomous Region (SPCAR) program, NEDA Cordillera has led the way in raising awareness and gaining support for regional autonomy which is focused on attaining sustainable development and just and lasting peace in the region. #Marlo T. Lubguban, NEDA-SPCAR

Cordillera Administrative Region– Emergency shelters from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are already ready for occupation. The said shelters were set up in coordination with the Benguet local government unit (LGU),Philippine National Police and Philippine Army volunteers.

As of 26 September 2018, there are 53 tents set up in Wangal Gymnasium in La Trinidad, Benguet. Additional 1,000 tents will also be set up in the following days.

“We are in constant communication and partnership with our local government unit to ensure that necessary preparations are done before any effects of the typhoon are felt in the region”, Director Armas said.

“Though we still have goods, we would like to ask our donors to provide fresh produce which we can prepare for the evacuees. The evacuees also need water containers like drums and jerry cans”, Director Armas added.

“In behalf of DSWD and all its clients, we would like to express our sincerest thanks to all those who have exerted their effort to assist us. We would like to acknowledge the Diocese of Baguio who has helped us by providing financial support and some mats. We have so many donors that we may not specify who they are. But we pray that they will be blessed more”, Director Armas shared.

“As we are again faced with another challenge as another typhoon might hit our region, may we continue to work together for the communities in the Cordilleras. The DSWD-CAR is ready to provide help and assistance to our local government units and other stakeholders”, Director Armas added.

The public is also advised to keep track the possible evacuations to be opened due to the upcoming weather disturbances. Affected or concerned individuals may directly coordinate with their local government units or barangay officials. #DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva

Emergency shelters were set up with the assistance of the PNP, Army and LGU of Benguet.

Cordillera Administrative Region– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here readies for the possible effects of typhoon (TY) Paeng while continuously providing assistance and service to the affected communities of TY Ompong.

“We have already started to implement our preparatory mechanisms for TY Paeng but we are continuing all the things we have started in response to Typhoon Ompong”, DSWD-CAR OIC- Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.

On 25 September 2018, the DSWD-CAR in partnership with the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army and the Local Government Unit of La Trinidad, Benguet has set up emergency shelters at Wangal Gymnasium.

Emergency shelters are set-up to accommodate around 7,000 families from seven (7) barangays who will evacuate from Itogon, Benguet. These families are from barangays Virac, Tuding, Loakan, Ucab, Ampucao, Poblacion, and Gumatdang.

“Aside from the emergency shelters, we will also be setting-up a warehouse where the goods for our evacuees will be stored. By doing so, we are assured that the goods will be easily accessible”, Director Armas said.

Evacuees are expected to transfer to the emergency shelters upon the advisory of the local government unit which will depend on the local thunder storm advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Aside from these actions, the DSWD-CAR has already issued various relief items including family food packs, sleeping kits, and hygiene kits.

In the Province of Apayao, 1,450 family food packs were already released to the municipalities of Sta. Marcela and Conner. Family food packs were also released to Itogon and Ansagan, Tuba, Benguet with 6,063 and 800 packs, respectively. Continuous release to provinces and municipalities are being done.

DSWD-CAR also provided additional 789 family food packs to different municipalities of Benguet Province on 25 September 2018. This covers the affected individuals who walked in during the distribution of relief assistance conducted by the Presidential Management Staff under the Office the President where they were able to distribute 1,500 packs.

As of 6 AM of 26 September 2018, DSWD-CAR maintains 13,421 family food packs, 1,816 hygiene kits, 2,569 sleeping kits, 82 tents, 2,153 family kits and a stand-by fund of PhP 6,162,045.95 that can be used for augmentation. Over all the total standby funds and worth of family food packs and stockpile is PhP 33,488,257.16.

For queries and concern, DSWD-CAR can be reached through its Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team Offices  in your respective provinces or at #40 North Drive, Baguio City with contact number (074) 446-59-61 or 444-32-62 or 0949 141 7232. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva

Cordillera Administrative Region– Around PhP 31,995,520.10 worth of assistance has been provided to 13,228 families composed of 48,508 individuals in the region who have been affected by typhoon Ompong. The said amount covers the assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs), and some donors.

In a report, as of 25 September 2018, the DSWD has been able to provide a total amount of PhP 20,208,897.80 for the family food packs and non-food items distributed to the affected families. Meanwhile, the LGUs were able to provide a total amount of PhP 10,251,490.30 and PhP 1,535,132.00 from donors such as non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), private institutions and individuals.

The amount of assistance from the donors is yet to be finalized.

“ We are grateful for the overwhelming support and donations provided to the victims of TY Ompong. These goods will help the victims as they begin to move on from the calamity”, Director Armas said.

Of the total assistance, the Benguet Province was able to receive the highest amount with PhP 7,917,603.25 , followed by Apayao with PhP 4,592,990.50, Abra with PhP 3,811,155.25, Kalinga with PhP 3,134,413.75, Ifugao with PhP 373,183.50, Mountain Province with PhP 310,595.65 and Baguio City with PhP 68,995.90.

Meanwhile, as of 24 September 2018, a total of PhP 1,310,050.00 has been released to the affected families in Itogon, Benguet. This is aside from the amount of relief items released to them. Of the totaol amount, PhP 644,050.00 covers the burial assistance of 32 victims and PhP 55,000 for the transportation of 11 cadavers.

“The burial assistance from DSWD amounts to PhP 25,000.00 per family. This may come in cash or cheque. This is on top of the funeral services we have provided and paid directly to the funeral homes. Additional PhP 5,000.00 has been released for the transportation of the remains of the victims:, Director Armas shared.

The DSWD has also provided transportation assistance amounting to a total of PhP 179,000.00 for 78 individuals.

“The amount of transportation assistance given is based on the assessment of the social workers and the destination of the affected individuals. We would like to clarify that we are not releasing any assistance worth PhP 10,000. The assistance may be from other donors or funders but not DSWD”, Armas added.

On the other hand, DSWD has opened its doors for the families of the Itogon landslide victims who are yet to be recovered from the debris.

“We are one with the families in praying for the retrieval of the bodies of their loved ones. While waiting, our dormitory is open for the bereaved families so they can rest and stay safe.” Armas shared.

Aside from this, food and psychosocial interventions will be provided to the families while staying with DSWD.#DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva

On 22-23 September, the DSWD-CAR has set up a booth near the evacuation center to assess the affected families for possible livelihood assistance.

Cordillera Administrative Region– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) will be providing livelihood assistance to the communities in Itogon, Benguet that have been displaced due to typhoon Ompong.

The SLP launched the assessment on 22 September 2018 that aimed to gather initial information on the possible livelihood assistance that will be provided to the communities.

“Other than the relief assistance, we will be providing livelihood assistance to the affected families in the municipality considering that the community relies generally on mining as their source of income. These victims need help in getting back to their feet again. As part of the recovery process, they will be provided livelihood. All affected families in the municipality are target participants”, OIC- Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.

As of 23 September 2018, the DSWD has assessed 303 individuals from the affected barangays. This number is expected to increase as more barangays undergo the assessment.

From the initial assessment, the target beneficiaries are looking into poultry and livestock raising, farming, food processing and production, food cart business, and key chain production as their target industry.

“We acknowledge that the communities have been into mining for years. With the new livelihood that we are to provide, we hope to give them a fresh new start”, Armas added.

The SLP is a capability-building program for poor, vulnerable and marginalized households and communities to improve their socio-economic conditions through micro-enterprise development focusing on starting, expanding or rehabilitating micro-enterprises and skills training.

Through the SLP, the families may receive a maximum amount of PhP 20,000.00 as seed capital fund which can be used for the establishment of their small micro-enterprise business. However, individuals who want to undergo skills training will receive PhP 15,000.00.

“The DSWD-CAR will do its best to fast track the provision of the seed capital fund. However, for the skills training, the participants need to undergo the regular process of the livelihood assistance. Nevertheless, we will continue working with the local government to help them improve their economic status without sacrificing their safety”, Director Armas said. #DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva and Babble Mae Gorio

Cordillera Administrative Region-The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here reminds the public to be careful in providing donations to groups or individuals who are asking for donations for typhoon Ompong victims.

“We recognize that there are a lot of good hearted people who want to share their resources and help the victims of the past calamities. But we also want to protect them from groups or individuals that may take advantage of them,” DSWD-CAR OIC Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.

DSWD Memorandum Circular (MC) 17 Series of 2014 gives guidance to the Department in providing solicitation permit to individuals, groups, organizations, or offices that wish to solicit monetary donation for public and charitable purposes.

It aims to safeguard donors as well as potential beneficiaries from abuse by implementing guidelines and sanctions related to the conduct of fund raising activities and handling of funds gathered as a result of such activities.

“Solicitation permits help us monitor the authenticity of fund raising activities in our community. Through these, we are able to ensure that the raised money will be used for the welfare of the identified beneficiaries and not for the personal interest of the solicitor.”, Director Armas added.

Any group or organization issued with a solicitation permit is required to submit fund utilization report, list of donors and beneficiaries, and other pertinent documents upon the expiry of issued permit. DSWD Offices issue permits for regional or national fund solicitation activities. The validity of the said permits shall not exceed six (6) months or one (1) year, respectively.  Meanwhile, fund raising activities covering only one municipality or city will be handled by the concerned local government unit.

Non-government organizations, civil society organizations and private entities who wish to conduct fund raising activities are also regulated by the DSWD.

“The DSWD issues authority to conduct fund raising activities. Institutions should be able to present certification or registration. Without this, we cannot assure that they are legitimate”, Director Armas said.

Complaints against individuals or organizations conducting illegal solicitation may be addressed to the DSWD Office or LGU in the area of concern. Legal sanctions may be implemented as stipulated in PD 1564 or the Solicitation Permit Law.

“We thank those who want to extend their help through donations. You may coordinate with the DSWD or go directly to the local government unit that you want to help. But please take the necessary safety measures to assure that your donations will reach those that are truly in need”, Director Armas said. # DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva

As of 19 September 2018, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region has released a total of P4,593,717.40 worth of assistance to families in the region affected by TY Ompong.

This comprises the amount for the family food packs and non-food items provided to the victims of TY Ompong in the region.

“We continuously provide assistance to all the provinces in the region. This is aside from the prepositioned goods we have provided prior the onslaught of the typhoon”, OIC- Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.

The DSWD-CAR has allotted a minimum of 100 family food packs and 10 hygiene kits per municipality that has been prepositioned in the different provinces in the region. Additional relief items were also provided upon request of the local government units.

Meanwhile, the DSWD has already provided a total amount of PhP 396,000.00 as burial assistance to the families of 20 Itogon landslide victims. The amount covers the funeral assistance and services for the victims. Additional PhP 79,500.00 has been given to 21 individuals for Balik Probinsya assistance and for the assistance for the transportation of cadavers.

On 17 September 2018, the families also received cash assistance from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

“We will continue to give assistance and services to the families and individuals affected by typhoon Ompong. We need everyone’s help and support for us to be able to do this.” Director Armas added.

Aside from the relief and burial assistance, the DSWD-CAR can also provide other programs and services such as Cash for Work (CFW) or Food for Work (FFW).

Beneficiaries under the program will receive 75% of the existing regional minimum wage while food pack will be provided to beneficiaries under the FFW. Work includes digging, dredging, desilting canals and drainage systems, clearing pathways, shelter/facility repair; clearing debris, garbage collection, installation of support facilities; and, other similar work. Those who will be working in relatively hazardous activities will be provided with the necessary protective gear and tools.

The DSWD-CAR can also provide burial assistance, medical assistance, food assistance, educational assistance, and transportation assistance to the victims. The victims can also express their intent to avail of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department. Under the SLP, persons displaced by typhoon Ompong can avail seed capital fund. The grants will be directly provided to each eligible family/individual who evacuated from their original place of residence. The seed capital fund may be used for staring micro-enterprise, re-establishment of damaged livelihoods, or development/rehabilitation of micro-enterprise.

“We have a range of programs and services that can help the victims of typhoon Ompong. We request that anyone who has knowledge or information on how we can reach those who are in need that they directly coordinate with their local government units or our office. With the extent of the impact that this typhoon has brought in our region, your contribution will make a big difference”, Director Armas said.

For queries and concern, DSWD-CAR can be reached through its Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team Offices in your respective provinces or at #40 North Drive, Baguio City with contact number (074) 446-59-61 or 444-32-09 or +63908-980-3494. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Mark Erik King Guanzon and Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva