Conducting a family development session doesn’t seem to be enough. The generous people of this village seems to need more than that.
From his regular visits in Barangay Anonat, Paracelis, Mountain Province, Antonio Ramon Jr or “Tonyang,” DSWD Project Development Officer (PDO) for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) observed that basic services hardly reach this village. The main reasons ─ distance and lack of transportation. This village is considered as geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA).

Barangay Anonat is a village in eastern part of Paracelis, Mountain Province. Most of its sitios can be reached using motorcycle or through hiking. “To be able to reach the town center, residents of Barangay Anonat would spend 500 pesos for motorcycle hire,” says Tonyang.
He added that most of the road to this barangay are unpaved, which would change from muddy to rough road depending on the weather condition.

The people of Anonat earn their keep from corn, banana and rice production which they sell in Alfonso Lista, a neighboring town in Ifugao.
They live a simple life. But if there is one thing that they want to improveꟷ it is to keep their health in check, and to be informed on the services of their local government that they can avail.

“For nearly two years working in this village, I’ve seen that services are readily available at the town center but the residents chose not to avail because of the distance and lack of public transportation,” says Tonyang.

It all started from a simple act of service

Wanting to address this issue, DSWD employees deployed in the municipality coordinated with the Municipal Local Government Unit of Paracelis to conduct an outreach program in the barangay. MLGU Paracelis warmly accepted the initiative and through Municipal Administrator Dr. Marcus Ayangwa, some of their personnel were mobilized.

“Dr. Marcus Ayangwa was glad about the proposed activity so he responded positively and immediately for our request to conduct an outreach program,” Tonyang enthused.

Thus, on December 2016, during a family development session, the first outreach program was conducted in Barangay Anonat during the Family Development Session (FDS) spearheaded by DSWD Pantawid Pamilya.

“After our FDS on Financial Literacy, an information campaign of the different services of the LGU followed,” Tonyang continued.
As a highlight of the outreach activity, a medical and dental services was provided by the Rural Health Unit wherein around 140 families who availed of the services.

Tonyang remembers that residents of the barangay cannot stop expressing their gratitude for the services brought in their community. He said that most of the residents could not even remember the last time they visited a doctor.

Dr. Marcus Ayangwa was also elated on the success of the activity. He wished that other LGU employees can participate in such activities to see the actual situation in the community and to practice true public service.

With the good evaluation of the outreach, MLGU Paracelis together with DSWD staff launched efforts to replicate the activity in other areas of the municipality.

Spreading the seeds of service

After a month, their efforts paid off as another outreach activity was conducted in Barangay Bunot wherein around 80 families availed of the services. “Hearing the feedback of the residents of Barangay Anonat, we organized another activity in Bunot,” Tonyang said.
Another outreach followed in four (4) sitios of Barangay Buringal on February 2017. This time, the MSWDO, PNP, RHU, Municipal Civil Registrar, Cooperative Office, CENRO and MENRO, Office of Fisheries and Agricultural Services, Executive Office and Legislative Office joined the outreach and oriented the community about their functions and services.

The outreach also offered on-the-spot NSO Birth Certificate application and laboratory services such as complete blood test and urinalysis.

“The medical and dental services addressed the compliance of Pantawid Pamilya partner beneficiaries to have their check-up once in every 6 months,” Tonyang explained.

He added that while at the communities, LGU officials and employees updated their data on the profile of the barangay.

Sealing it through legislation

“During those outreaches, LGU Officials and employees had a glimpse of the actual situation in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” Tonyang recalled.

The outreaches also gave them insight that this is true public service. Thus, through the leadership of MSWDO Emma Tamang, she suggested to the Sangguniang Bayan that the outreach activity should be regularized.

Municipal Coordinator for Japan Social Development Fund Rey Rimas together with Pantawid Pamilya PDO Joanne Gullunan then drafted a resolution for the regular conduct of the activity. The resolution was deliberated by the Sangguniang Bayan and was finally approved on April 24, 2017.

With the approval of the resolution, provision of services to the GIDA are now conducted bi-monthly. LGU Paracelis are also constantly devising various strategies to allot funding for the activities.

Remaining true to their commitment to bring their services to the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, the municipality conducted outreaches in Sitio Gasilang in Barangay Bantay, Barangay Bacarri, Barangay Palitud. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Jasmin Kiaso

Jonathan and his fellow graduates celebrate as they mark the end of their training and the beginning of their journey equipped with more skills.

“Kung gusto nating umangat ang antas ng ating pamumuhay, dapat tayong magsikap hindi iyong palaging nakalubog sa lupa na hindi alam kung kalian aahon” (If we want to improve the quality of our lives, we should know when to rise)”, 21 year-old Jonathan Gonzales positively shared.

It was in the afternoon on April 6, 2018 when Jonathan received his NC II certificate for Mechatronics servicing and Manufacturing Technology from the National College of Science and Technology-Institute of Industrial reseach and Training (NCST-IRRT), Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Early Labor

Living in Pudtol is never easy for Jonathan whose family do not own any agricultural land and are dependent on farming and daily labor as their source of livelihood.

“Gapu ta awan iti sarili me nga daga a matalon nga pangalaan iti kanen me, nagrugi ak napan nakilako iti tinapay ken balut idi kaubing ko (Since my family doesnot own a farm, we experienced hardship forcing me to work as a bread and “balut” vendor at a young age)”, Jonathan shared.

At an early age, Jonathan Gonzales was separated from his biological family forcing him to live with his aunt. Jonathan’s mother died when he was still an infant. His aunt who resides in Pudtol, Apayao then took care of him whom he considers as his second mother.

“Dahil sa hirap ng buhay namin,  highschool lang ang natapos ko dahil wala na kasi kaming perang gagamitin sa pag-aaral ko. Noong tumigil ako sa pag-aaral, naghanap ako ng trabaho at nakuha naman akong attendant ng isang water refilling station sa amin, kung minsan naman nakikiarawan ako o kaya ay tumatangap ng dalawa o tatlong trabaho para mas malaki ang ma-uuwi kung sahod (Because of poverty, I was just able to finish highschool due to financial constrains for further education. When I graduated from highschool, I worked as an attendant of a water refilling station in our place, at times I accept two or three daily labors to get a higher income)”, Jonathan added.

Take Opportunities Seriously

In December 2016, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) implemented a skills training on Mechatronics Servicing NCII and Certificate in Manufacturing Technology NCII, an opportunity provided to children of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) households in Apayao for viable employability or alternative source of income.

Since their family is a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang since 2012, Jonathan qualified to be a participant of the Skills Training modality of SLP. This is a modality under SLP’s Employment Facilitation (EF) track that aims to provide assistance to qualified participants seeking employment through pre-employment guidance and orientation, technical-vocational and soft skills training, as well as job referrals or placement, among others.

With Endeavour

Jonathan took the opportunity and went to National College of Science and Technology-Institute of Industrial research and Training (NCST-IRRT), he and fellow beneficiaries underwent 3-months skills training and 1-year On the Job Training (OJT).

Acknowledging the importance of this opportunity, Jonathan and fellow participants from Apayao did their best during the training. Their efforts and sacrifices were recognized as they received a Setsuko Miyata-Gan (Model Trainee) Award. During the ceremony they were given certificate and medal. Above these recognitions, Jonathan, now, reaps the fruit of his labor.

“Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makakuha ng magandang trabaho, ang aking sahod ay pinapadala ko sa aking ina na siyang ginagamit nila sa araw-araw na gastusin. Dahil nakapasok na ako sa kompanya pinagbubutihan ko ang aking trabaho, pag nakaipon ako, itutuloy ko ang aking pag-aaral para makakuha ng diploma (I had the opportunity to get a good job,I am sending a part of my salary to my mother which they use for everyday expenses. Since I am now absorbed in the company, I will continue my study to get a Diploma)”, Jonathan said.

Remembering his hardship and his family, Jonathan made a promise to himself that someday through his continuous endeavours, he will soon receive a diploma and be regularized at work. He wants to renovate their house and provide a livelihood for his aunt.#DSWD-CAR Babble Mae Gorio and Katrina Apayyo

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here would like to inform the public on the alleged robbery hold-up in Brgy. Jolungan, Kiangan, Ifugao on 21 May 2018 which involves Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program funds.

The victims of the alleged incident are personnel of the Lagawe Multi-Purpose Development Cooperative (LMDC), a conduit of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) which is the Department’s partner in the release of Pantawid Pamilya cash grants.

The money taken amounts to PhP 2.7 M which is supposed to cover the cash grants for the 1,296 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of Tinoc, Ifugao.

As of 23 May 2018, the LBP, as the one responsible for the grant release, assured DSWD that pay-out will be rescheduled once the Local Government Unit and the Philippine National Police (PNP) clear the area.

Meanwhile, DSWD-CAR will continue its close coordination with the PNP and the LBP until the resolution of this incident.

The DSWD-CAR apologizes for the inconveniences that the incident may cause. Updates on the release of grants will be provided once report or information is provided by the LBP. ###

BOLINEY, ABRA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) granted Php 704, 545.00 worth of livelihood assistance to 37 Pantawid beneficiaries of Brgy. Amti, Boliney, Abra.

Members of the Amti 4Ps Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) underwent a six-day skills training on bread production which ran from April 23 to 28, 2018.

Amti 4Ps SLPA has 37 members who are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino ProgramCurrently, the members are reliant on their income from rice farming and daily labor.

“Daytoy nga training ken starter kits nga naited para iti panagpatakder iti bakery ket dakel a tulong para ditoy barangay Amti ken barangay Danac, gapo ta awan iti bakery ditoy ayan mi. Gapo pay ditoy a livelihood naadaan ti ganwat daytoy komyunidad me nga maging close with each other (It is a very big help to the whole of barangay Amti as well as the nearby barangay – Barangay Danac, since there is no existing bakery in the area. The bakery also paved way for the community to get closer to each other,” said Association President Gladys B. Bagtang.

Currently, bread in the barangay are purchased from Bangued, Abra or nearby municipalities. Once put up, the bakery will be the sole supplier of freshly baked and cheaper products in the barangay.
SLP is a capability-building program for poor, vulnerable and marginalized households and communities to improve their socio-economic conditions through accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage in and maintain thriving livelihoods.
The livelihood assistance provides the participants financial capital , knowledge and skills necessary to be able to establish and manage their sustainable microenterprise.

The participants have undergone knowledge and skills transfer training on bread production to establish their market-driven and resource-based bread production micro-enterprise.

The Department has also provided starter kits which include baking equipment, utensils, and ingredients. #DSWD-CAR Babble Mae Gorio and Jenina P. Balatong

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here would like to inform the public that the Department through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Regional Management Office that the schedule of release of cash grants for its partner beneficiaries will resume this May 2018.

The delay is due to the transition and synchronization of pay-out timeline with the release of Unconditional Cash Transfer.

With this, the DSWD would like to extend its apologies to the beneficiaries and affected stakeholders. DSWD-CAR Director Janet P. Armas assures that the 24,809 partner beneficiaries who receive their grants through over-the-counter or other Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) conduits will receive their cash grants this May 2018 through a scheduled pay-out.

Furthermore, unreleased grants under the Philippine Veterans Bank cash card from the Province of Abra will also be given by the end of June 2018 through a scheduled pay-out.

Meanwhile, updating and redistribution of EMV cards for Pantawid Pamilya partner beneficiaries has begun last 29 April 2018 with Baguio City as pilot area. Second round of updating and redistribution is scheduled on May 26 while the rest of the Cordillera provinces will be on June 2018.

On the other hand, a total of 30,999 partner beneficiaries have already received their cash grants from the regular Conditional Cash Transfer of Pantawid Pamilya and additional PhP 2,400 under the UCT.

DSWD-CAR apologizes for the inconveniences that the delay has caused. Queries about the program can be directed to the Pantawid Pamilya Project Development Officers in their respective areas or through https://www.facebook.com/dswdfocar, (074) 446-59-61 or 0995-3525-131. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva and Phylein Maria Rosette Callangan

Tatang Marcos proudly showing his products as he has made these out of dedication, skill, and passion

Most people say that life begins at 40 as the popular adage claims that a person’s life begins to get better at the age of 40. However, some would argue that life can be enjoyed anytime. But indeed, lucky are those who come to relish life beyond 60.

In the Cordillera Administrative Region, there are 132,893 senior citizens based on the 2015 Philippine Statistics Authority data. Among these include Patricia Tallongon and Marcos Alib, who we met in the Province of Kalinga.

Both Patricia and Marcos now enjoy the 20% discount and priority lanes when availing program and services. They are also among the 79,316 social pensioners who in 2017 were able to receive PhP 500 per month under the Social Pension Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Nanang Patricia’s Sari-Sari Store

Patricia Tallongon of Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga was born on 22 November 1952. She married Jaime Tallongon and together, they raised a family of eight (8) through farming.

“Maysa ak nga farmer. Haanak nga naka-eskwela. Isu nga makipordeya ak idi tapno ada iti mainayon iti maigastos. Apanak agraep ken agdalus. ( I’m a farmer. I was not able to get formal education thus I had to do daily labor for additional income. I harvest [rice] and clean [the surroundings].”, Nanang Patricia shared.

Nanang Patricia had to deal with this physical work until she turned 50. Eventually, she had to stop to take care of her grandchildren. At present, she has fourteen (14) grandchildren, five (5) of which are under her care.

“Tatta ket maysa ak nga baby sitter kadagiti apok. Ken agbanbatayak met iti sari-sari store ko. (I now the baby sitter of my grandchildren. I am also looking after my sari-sari store.)”, Nanang Patricia said.

The sari-sari store was given by one of her children to help her in providing her needs. Nanang Patricia started the store in 2015.

“Dakkel iti maitulong na daytoy store ta isu ti pangalaak iti mausar. Mainayon pay iti SocPen [Social Pension Program], nga pag gatang iti gatas ken dagiti daduma pay nga mausar. Makanayon met nga maisakada iti store. (The store is a big help for me to buy the things that I need. I use the [stipend from] Social Pension Program to buy milk and other needs. It helps in buying items for my store)”, Nanang Patricia shared.

Tatang Marcos’ Rattan Products

While Nanang Patricia acquired her own store through her children, Tatang Marcos believes that his capacity to earn for his living is a gift from God.

Tatang Marcos, 80 years old, proudly showed his products made of rattan including bags, belts, and chains among others.

“Aglaglaga ak ti ilako mi ta isu ti pangalaan mi iti igatang ti sida, ken kape ken daduma pay nga mausar. (I weave so we can sell our products for us to buy food, coffee and other needs.)”, Tatang Marcos shared.

Since his products are sold only in their residence at Butbut, Tabuk City, Kalinga, Tatang Marcos admitted that he cannot consider this as a permanent source of income. But he insisted to continue his craft not just to make a living but to share his skill and to continue being a productive member of his family.

“Nu kuma ada ti kayat na nga ag-adal ket isurok. Ituloy ko latta ta isu iti amok nga trabaho ken makatulong iti pamilyak. (Only if there is someone who is interested to learn the craft, I am willing to teach them. I will continue to do this because this is my job/skill and it helps my family.)”, Tatang Marcos added.

Like Nanang Patricia, Tatang Marcos also receives stipend from the Social Pension Program of DSWD. The Social Pension Program is DSWD’s contribution to the full implementation of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. The program aims to help the frail, sickly, and poor senior citizens.

“Uray bassit ket isu ti mausar nga paggatang ti agas (Though the amount is minimal, I use it to buy my medicine.)”, Tatang Marcos said.

Living beyond 60

Though the strength of youth has left Tatang Marcos and Nanang Patricia, both have shown their resiliency to continue living a full and productive life.

“Haan ko nga baybayan nga haanak nga makatulong iti pamilyak ta ipapatik nga masapol iti panaggaget tapno agbalin met nga nagaget dagiti uubing. (I will not permit myself not being able to help my family because I believe that I have to be their example of diligence so that the younger people will also be diligent.)”, Nanang Patricia shared.

Though minimal, the stipend from the Social Pension Program plays a big role in their lives.

“Nu awan iti SocPen baka marigatanak nga anayen iti kwarta. Iremedyo mi nga padakelen pay iti store tapno isu ah mainayon iti maawawat ko. (If I do not receive SocPen [Social Pension stipend], it will be difficult for me to make ends meet. We will continue working hard to expand our store so I can still have additional money to use.)”, Nanang Patricia added.

Nanang Patricia and Tatang Marcos look forward to the additional benefits that the Social Pension Program may bring to them. But for now, they continue to prove that they can help their families and most specially, provide for their selves and not depend on the mercy of anyone.

Through the convergent effort of the Government, their families, Nanang Patricia and Tatang Marcos, living beyond 60 is made easier. And we hope that time comes when each one will need not to worry on living a life beyond 60 years old. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva

In full battle gear, Tatay Jimmy is ready to face his fight to bring a better future for his children.

NATONIN, Mountan Province – “Idi pinanawan dakami ni baket ko ket nabati kanyak dagiti anak mi nga uubing karkaru jay inaudi ta manu bulan a baby paylang, permi ti rigat ko ta awan mangkita kanyada ket kasapulak a rumwar ta mapanak makipurdiya tapnu ada pangalaan iti maigatang iti makan (When my wife left us, our children were left under my care, especially our last child who was then still an infant. It was very difficult for me because there is no one to watch over my children while I go out and work for us to have something to eat)”, recounts Jimmy Alinchawang, 50 years old and a single father of three sons and one daughter.

This is an unfolding story of Jimmy, a father who is raising three sons and one daughter. Jimmy’s family is a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Family Sacrifice

As a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, Jimmy’s children are required to go to to school as a condition for them to continue receiving their grant. However, since no one will look after the children, Jimmy’s eldest child had to stop going to school.

“Ada ti maysa aldaw a madama iti ubrak ket agtawtawag ni manang ko nga mang-ibga nga nasinit ti iman dyay buridek ko, iti kasdyay nga damag nagdadarasak nga nagawid. Gapo iti daytoy a pasamak nagsarsardeng piman dagidyay anak ko iti tig maysa tawen ti skwela da tapnu ada ti mangbantay idyay buridek me (One day while I was at work my sister called me informing that my last child’s hand was burnt, worried, I immediately went home. Because of the incident, his children had to stop going to school to take care of their sibling).”Jimmy shared.

When his children stopped going to school, the household was on the verge of being removed from the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) for non compliance. Fortunately, with the assistance and guidance from the members of the Municipal Action Team (MAT) the situation was remedied. Jimmy availed financial assistance and was reffered to Department of Public Works and Higways (DPWH) Trabahong Langsangan.

The members of the MAT serve as frontliners in delivering the programs and services of the Department for the poor, including the 4Ps, SLP, and Kalahi-CIDSS-NCDDP among others within their respective municipality.

Dedication and Hard Work

In 2013, Jimmy availed a 6-month employment through the Trabahong Langsangan, a joint project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) implemented under the Employment Facilitation Track of SLP.

The Employment Facilitation is SLP’s track that provides assistance to qualified participants seeking employment. Activities in the track include pre-employment guidance and orientation, as well as job referrals or job placements.

Under the Trabahong Lansangan, beneficiaries were employed to do declogging of drainage canals, road maintenance and street sweeping.

“Ta naikan ak opportunidad nga agtrabaho, dinisiplinak ti bagik nga sumrek a nasapa ken inpakat ko met kabaelak nga mang isimpa iti urnos na jay area nga ayan ko (Since I was given an opportunity to be employed, I disciplined my self to go to work early and to have dedication in working properly),” Jimmy said.

Jimmy earned P412 per day and in the course of six months, he was able to support his family’s daily needs and never had to struggle every morning where to get a living to feed his children.

Although the work did not mean job for years, Jimmy felt so grateful because of the opportunity. Motivated, he excelled in his work and was awarded 2nd place in the search of cleanest section of DPWH Mountain Province in 2013.

To Gainful Employment

Jimmy’s exemplary performance paved way for a better employment opportunity.

“Naalaak nga leadman ti DPWH idi 2014, nu anya ti inarararamid ko idi isu metlang intultuloy ko (I was hired as a lead man of DPWH in 2014, I continued to perform my job properly just like before),” Jimmy said.

From 2014 to 2017, Jimmy was yearly awarded as 1st placer for the cleanest section in the entire Mountain Province.

“Gapo ditoy nga programa han kun nga probproblemaen iti pangalaak iti kanen mi iti inaldaw. Ti sweldok isu pagapuwan dagiti gastosen mi jay balay ken pagskwelan dagiti anak ko (Because of the program, I am no longer anxious on where to get our living expenses and I was also able to support my childrens school expense),” Jimmy described.

To date, Jimmy has been working in DPWH as a lead man for more than three years. Now he is earning 13,500 per month and he is contracted yearly. He believes that he can attain his dreams through dedication in work. #DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Babble Mae Gorio

The Municipality of Kabayan conducted a municipal dialogue with the theme “Tatabalan niman, Pansigchan nu Kabasan (Our dialogue today is our progress for tomorrow)” as part of their 11th Eco-agri tourism and Bindiyan festival on April 26, 2018 at Poblacion, Kabayan.

In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, the activity promoted participatory, transparent and accountable local government through a face to face dialogue with representatives from the 13 barangays of the municipality.

With the key officials and employees of the municipality, the municipal development status as well as the priorities and interventions were discussed. Remaining gaps and interventions were also presented.

During his message, Municipal Mayor Gideon Todiano emphasized integrity of employees is key to achieving genuine development. “As community members of Kabayan especially local officials and employees, let us do what is right,” he told the participants.

Mayor Todiano also reported that annually, the municipality is spending around 16 million for development programs and projects. He then highlighted that without corruption, they can implement the project excellently.

He added that Kabayan wants to bring back the costumary practice of community partnership and participation. “Barangay officials and community members should become stewards and watchdog of development projects,” he continued.

He revealed that in 2017, household participation in planning doubled compared to the participation rate in 2015. “At least, this is a sign of empowerment since our usual good participation is coming back,” he said.

This is also corroborated by the result of the perception survey, conducted in all barangays of the municipality, which showed that residents are not shy anymore when participating in community development activities.

Community members and volunteers shared that the conduct of a municipal dialogue gave them a venue to air their concerns, which was directly answered and clarified by the mayor. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Jasmin Kiaso