DSWD FO X Quarter 1

The Official Magazine of DSWD Field Office X

A Speck of Hope:

A Community’s Dream is Coming True FEATURE: A PWD kneading towards success Mrs. Aida A. Papel finds success despite physical limitations

FEATURE: Peanut roll vendor tops graduating class John Ericson Roselim says poverty is not a hindrance in acheiving his dreams

Listahanan Launches New Database

Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) is now on its preparation stage for the launching of the Latest Database of the Profile of the Poor nationwide.

Field Office X welcomes NEStor Ramos as new regional director

JANUARY - MARCH 2016

Greetings!

Firstly, we would like to thank all our partners and beneficiaries for making the Department of Social Welfare and Development one of the most trusted government entities in the Philippines throughout the years.

The DSWD has been working closely with local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society groups, academe, and the media and we believe that because of their cooperation and involvement, we have reached families and communities living in far flung areas, those who are living in the streets, and those who are under difficult circumstances.

This 2016, the DSWD is once again ready to serve our people with vigor and rigor, ensuring that all our programs and services are delivered to those who need them the most.

DSWD is now focusing its resources to our indigenous peoples in Northern Mindanao with the aim that they are not left behind as we move towards progress and a better quality of life.

We are committed to enable our indigenous peoples to be participative in development initiatives that will benefit them and their families, while upholding their cultural backgrounds.

And we shall do this by implementing various programs and strategies that will allow them to help themselves and build their dreams, such as the Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, among others.

But we can only do so much if there is support from our partners.

Only through convergence can we be fully effective in the delivery of social services to the grassroots.

Our hope at the DSWD is that more and more stakeholders will join us in fighting against poverty, by empowering individuals, families, including our indigenous peoples and communities to be involved in local development.

We believe that through them, positive change can happen. They are agents of positive change and the DSWD will always stand behind them to support them all the way.

NESTOR BRIONES RAMOS Regional Director DSWD Field Office X

Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology provides quality training programs to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries

Ozamiz City — A technical vocational institution has reportedly provided a number of job placements for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in support to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Providing comprehensive education and training programs to students and transform them into a professional and globally competitive citizens, while assuring their local and international placements through their partner agencies worldwide, the OLT produced two hundred (200) female graduates of Household Attendant of which one hundred fifty (150) who passed the necessary requirements were directly employed and deployed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2013.

The selection of graduates recommended for employment went through vigorous process which included the submission of personal credentials, legal documentation and medical certification. Today, the said beneficiaries earns a monthly salary of four hundred dollars ($400) per month for a two-year contract which started December 16, 2013 and ended May 7, 2015.

In 2015, another eighty (80) beneficiaries trained with Carpentry NCII were immediately endorsed for employment with the Phoenix Garuda Construction and 4

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Development Corporation in its Manila Bay property development projects.

The school also offers community based trainings to beneficiaries who prefer local and self-employment.

With top of the line facilities and assured starter kits, the beneficiaries are in for a quality training and competitive results. For the beneficiaries taking Cookery NCII and Bread and Pastry NCII, they are trained through their Mobile Kitchen Laboratory which is in a 10-wheeler wing van, with complete kitchen equipment and can accommodate 40 trainers at once. This specific Mobile Kitchen Facility was built solely to support the training of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of the municipalities of Bonifacio, Tangub City, Ozamiz City and Oroqueta City.

All qualified graduates of the trainings are provided with toolkits and “pangkabuhayan” (livelihood) so they can easily establish their very own business.

“The OLT understands the utmost goal of the department that is to improve the living condition of our beneficiaries through human capital development”, Regional Director Nestor B. Ramos said.

To date, the institute has trained a total of seven hundred (700) beneficiaries from the province.

.JAMILA M. TAHA

IPs: Pantawid helps preserve Subanen culture

Misamis Occidental — While it is true that one language dies every two weeks and some languages are in danger of becoming extinct, the Subanen Tribe in this province has started to push forward in passing their own dialect to the present generation.

Simeon Limbago, 58 of Matugas Bajo, Jimenez town here claimed that he and his fellow Subanen learned to speak fluently of their dialect because they used it during Family Development Session (FDS), a co-responsibility of an indigenous peoplebeneficiary under the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous People (MCCT-IP) of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Limbago said his cluster, composed of more than 30 IP household grantees, sings the national anthem in their dialect.

Aside from that, his fellow grantees discuss topics of the FDS using their dialect.

A father of four, Limbago said he is happy with the implementation of MCCT-IP because he has learned to speak the Subanen dialect, a culture that he and his neighbors almost forgotten to speak for years. Limbago can speak both in Cebuano and Subanen dialect fluently now.

“Amo gyud gigamit sa panahon mag-ampo mi, mokanta og Lupang Hinirang ug kung mag-discuss mi,” he said. (We used it when we pray, when we sing Lupang Hinirang, and when we discuss.)

Nedelyn Yma Saligan, 34 of Sibaroc village in Jimenez town in this province claimed she is proud of her culture.

Saligan claimed she is starting to learn the Subanen dialect because her neighbors are using it frequently during FDS and other engagement.

Also, Saligan said their Subanen Bae is constantly teaching them different rituals of the Subanen Tribe.

Free hospitalization Left by his wife for two years now, Limbago said MCCT-IP has helped him maintain the health of his family.

“Sa una, mahadlok jud ‘mi ma-hospital kay lisod kaayo.

Daghan kaayong bayran. Karon, libre na. Wala jud ‘mi bayran bisan gamay,” told Limbago. (Before, we fear of being hospitalized because we can’t pay.

There are so many bills to pay. Now, it’s free. We have nothing to pay even a small amount of money.)

Limbago’s youngest son RJ, 14, is a Grade 7 of Jimenez Comprehensive National High School while the other elder brother and sisters are married.

No more inferiority Saligan and Limbago both claimed that Subanen tribe members are usually aloof with outsiders who do not belong in their tribe.

But, DSWD has opened more opportunities for the tribe members after their community was identified to be under MCCTIP. “Sauna, maulaw ko og tugbong sa Poblacion, mga walo ka kilometro kalayo, kay mahadlok ko. Karon dili nako maulaw makig-atubang og tawo,” said Saligan, who is a mother of three children: Jehasil Mae 14; Jeralyn, 10; and Jexilechin, 4. (Before, I am afraid to go down at the Poblacion area, some 8 kilometers down from her village. Now, I am confident to face people.)

Saligan is currently the parent leader of 53 IP households in her community while her husband is presently the Parent-Teacher Association president at Sibaroc Elementary School, treasurer at Sibaroc Day Care Center, and Auditor at Jeminez Bethel Institute.

The MCCT-IP is a program designed for the indigenous people resulting from a series of policy and program participatory reviews.

The program is designed to harmonize with the socio-culturalpolitical and geographic setting of IP communities.

The program serves the beneficiaries who are in vulnerable and disadvantaged areas as identified during social preparations.

The beneficiaries are those IP families with 0-18-year-old children or those beyond 18 years old who are still currently enrolled in Elementary, High School, Alternative Learning System, School of Living Tradition, other indigenous learning systems, IPs living within or outside their ancestral domain, and those who are in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

The objective of the MCCT-IP program is to empower, promote, and protect the IPs from any unavoidable adverse effects caused by the development process.

To date, Northern Mindanao has 18,924 active IP beneficiaries who are mostly living in the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental.

.OLIVER BADEL INODEO http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/ . JANUARY - MARCH 2016 . 5

Subanen receives cash grants Misamis Occidental — Hundreds of indigenous tribe members belonging to the Subanen tribe here have received their cash grants for the education and health of their children.

The Subanen tribe members who have 0-18 years old students and were validated to be eligible of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous People (MCCT-IP) are residents of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

In Clarin town in this province, 145 beneficiaries are living in the hinterland villages of Bitoon, Guba, Penacio, Bernad, Dalingap, Sebasi, and Canibungan Putol while in Jimenez town, the 362 grantees are from the hinterland villages of Carmen, Mialem, Guintomoyan, Matugas Alto, Matugas Bajo, Seti, and Sibaroc.

The MCCT-IP is a program designed for the indigenous people resulting from a series of policy and program participatory reviews. The program is designed to harmonize with the socio-cultural-political and geographic setting of IP communities.

The program serves the beneficiaries who are in vulnerable and disadvantaged areas as identified during social preparations.

The beneficiaries are those IP families with 0-18-yearold children or those beyond 18 years old who are still currently enrolled in Elementary, High School, Alternative Learning System, School of Living Tradition, other indigenous learning systems, IPs living within or outside their ancestral domain, and those who are in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

The objective of the MCCT-IP program is to empower, promote, and protect the IPs from any unavoidable adverse effects caused by the development process.

To date, Northern Mindanao has 18,924 active IP beneficiaries who are mostly living in the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental.

DSWD Regional Director Nestor Ramos said IP beneficiaries deserve to receive equal opportunities like those who belong to the regular CCT. “They play a significant part in our community. We support them through our services and interventions like providing them resources for their livelihood activities, capability building training, promotion of IP rights, or any collective engagement that will enhance self-determination, and through community family development sessions,” Ramos added.

. oliver badel inodeo

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36,000 poor households gain livelihood assistance Cagayan de Oro City — The Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to develop and implement social protection programs to the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged communities of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental.

In 2015, through the collaborative efforts of the department, National Government Agencies, CSOs and other partner institutions, 36,000 more Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries received livelihood assistance under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). From these beneficiaries, about 33,000 were trained and provided with capital assistance to establish their own businesses. Meanwhile another 3,000 trained with technical courses were directly referred to partner agencies for local and international employment.

According to Mr. Andrew Serrano, the Regional Program Coach Monitor, “the thrust and priorities for 2016 is to strengthen the existing micro-enterprises through constant mentoring and monitoring; and invest more on human capital through capability building while ensuring their employment as well”.

This year, the program further aims to offer a more

sustainable livelihood projects and opportunities to 20,000 poor households. Special projects like Buttom-Up Budgeting (BuB) will carry on, taking into consideration the development needs of poor municipalities as identified in their respective Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan formulated with strong participation of civil society organizations.

Moreover, the program also adheres to issues on natural calamities such as the “El Niño”, which severely affected the local farmers of the region. About 15,000 farmers shall be given livelihood assistance to cover their investments and gain their losses.

The SLP is a multi-stakeholder program of the department that aims to improve the standard of living of poor households by facilitating opportunities for development and management of resources viable for microenterprises, community empowerment through skills trainings and employment facilitation. It gives significant priority to the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in all its interventions since they are considered to be the poorest of the poor as signified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Andrew Serrano, Regional Program Coach Monitor from NPMO conveying the 2016 Program Directives to the field workers during Program Planning, February 11, 2016.

. JAMILA M. TAHA

Listahanan Prepares for Launching of New Database Listahanan Facilitates Updating of Pantawid Pamilya Beneficiaries The Department of Social Welfare and Development through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction or Listahanan is currently conducting an updating of 1,977 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries regionwide .

The said beneficiaries were those households that were not assessed during the regular assessment schedule and validation phase of the Listahanan Second Round Assessment.This was conducted in coordination with the Pantawid Municipal Action Team and the City Action Teams assigned in the Local Government Units who were mobilized to conduct the updating and monitoring of the said beneficiaries.

To date, the DSWD is now on the process of finalizing and encoding of the accomplished forms used during the validation. Review and rectification of household records are also being done in the process.

The First Round Assessment which was conducted way back 2009 was the basis for identifying the present Pantawid beneficiaries.

The Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. Its database serves as basis for the Department, Local Government Units, Partner Agencies , academe, and other stakeholders who have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in identifying potential beneficiaries of their programs and services.

The Second Round household assessment was conducted in the middle of the previous year. Validation of the initial list of poor households identified during the assessment was done with the support of the Local Verification Committees in all the Local Government Units.

. MITZIE S. SANTIAGO

T

he Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) is now on its preparation stage for the launching of the Latest Database ofthe Profile of the Poor nationwide.

The database is the result of the conducted Second Round Household Assessment done last year.

The National Household Targeting System is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. The system makes available to national government agencies and other social protection stakeholders a database of poor families as basis in identifying potential beneficiaries of social protection programs and services.

Consistent with Executive Order 867, the updating of the Listahanan /NHTSPR database of poor families is done every four (4) years thereafter.

The first Round Assessment was conducted in 2009 where 338,749 households were identified as poor in the region.

For the Second Round Assessment, a total of 858, 804 households were assessed in Northern Mindanao in which 28% of the total enumerated households were made possible through tablet – aided assessment and 72% were enumerated through pen and paper assessment.

With the launching of the new and updated Listahanan database, it is expected that more Agencies, organizations and stakeholders will engage with the Department through a Memorandum of Agreement for the utilization of the Listahanan data in the implementation of their programs and services.

The National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction or Listahanan , aims to contribute to the rationalization of the government’s social protection programs that would lead to an equitable distribution of resources and services to the poor.

. MITZIE S. SANTIAGO

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The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program Each indigent senior citizen is given Php 500.00 / month for their needs on medicine, food, and others.

Who are qualified?

Should be 60 years old and above Should be certified as indigent by their barangay chairperson Should not be beneficiaries of any other social insurances like SSS, GSIS, or AFPSLAI

The DSWD cares forourseniorcitizens For More Information: Visit our nearest DSWD office in your area http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/ fo10@dswd.gov.ph www.facebook.com/dswdfo10 @dswdfo10

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program is in line with the implementation of the Republic Act 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010�

T

he Sustainable Livelihood Program is a multistakeholder program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development that aims to improve the standard of living of poor households by facilitating opportunities for development and management of resources viable for micro-enterprises, community empowerment through skills training and employment facilitation.

It gives significant priority to the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in all its interventions since they are considered to be the poorest of the poor as signified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

One of the modalities of the program provides Technical Skills Training, a capacity-building strategy to prepare program participants to better manage livelihood opportunities and pro-actively ensures optimum quality performance in managing their livelihood activities.

In 2015, the program produced about 3,500 graduates of technical courses with NC II certifications as assessed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). One of the notable recipients of this program is Mrs. Aida A. Papel, a 50 year old mother of six children, a Person with Disability (PWD) and a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary of Barangay Pahindong, Medina, Misamis Oriental since 2011.

Realities of life Medina is a forth class municipality located in the coastal and eastern portion of the province of Misamis Oriental, 106 kilometers drive from Cagayan de Oro City, with a population of 38,969 and home to 2,059 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.

Mrs. Papel is leaving in a neighborhood close to her relatives with her husband whose only source of livelihood is farming. “Life was difficult then, but we worked it out together to survive our daily needs”, she says. However, their simple living was challenged because of an accident that burned Mrs. Papel’s hands, almost burned their home as well and eventually cost her marriage. “Gibiyaan ko sa akong bana tungod kay wala kaagwanta og atiman sa ako panahon sa kalisod (my husband left me when I was terribly ill, he

FEATURE

A PWD kneading towards success

couldn’t take care of me)”, she adds.

Separated from her husband, Mrs. Papel has to work harder and face life’s challenges alone, for her children’s welfare, she took every livelihood opportunity she could despite of her disability. Neglected at first but eventually finds her way forward, she works more than anyone, from a sales agent to a community volunteer and later a community leader. Well ahead, she was enlisted as one of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the area, which immensely made an impact to her family particularly her children who are still in grade school.

Gears toward success At the beginning of the skills training provided by the department in partnership with the Skills Mastery Institute for this particular area, Mrs. Papel was discouraged to partake due to her disability. Her burned hands which resulted to deformity may seem unsuited for massage therapy. However, Mrs. Papel’s perseverance and determination to learn aided her to participate and complete the 25 days theoretical and hands-on training, which eventually earned her the National Certificate II on Massage Therapy along with her groupmates of 29 other beneficiaries.

Since then, the group has established their very own Massage Center, through the support of their local executive. They also have an exclusive contract of service with Duka Bay Resort which earns them P200.00 each per client apart from extra tips. “Isip usa sa mga nagdumala sa among Massage Center, nalipay gyud ko nga ang akong giiskwelahan kay nagamit gyud nako sa akong panginabuhi (being part owner and manager of our Massage Center, I feel glad that I have used my learning for living)”, she says.

Each member of the group shares part of their income to their group fund for the maintenance of their business. Although, the building and electricity is covered by the local government, they also anticipate the Mrs. Aida A. Papel, a certified Massage future operations of their business if Therapist from there will be a change of government Barangay Pahindong, Medina, Misamis leadership in their municipality.

Oriental Beyond this junctures, Mrs. Photo Credits to Nolanie Gadia, PDO II of Medina, Misamis Oriental

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Papel’s now harvest the fruits of her hard work. She has not only restored their house but also the status of their family to the community. Her children can now go to school with new clothes, schools supplies and reasonable allowance. Above all, her experiences brought her selfworth and boosts her confidence and strength to move farther.

“Nagpasalamat ko sa DSWD pinanguluhan ni Secretary Dinky Soliman, sa gihatag nga oportunidad sa ako isip usa ka kabus ug benepisyaryo sa Pantawid Pamilya, nga makabakod og mulambo ang panginabuhi pinaagi sa mga program niini (I am thankful to the DSWD through the leadership of Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-

Soliman for the opportunity they gave me being one of the poor and beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya, to

develop and improve our lives through their programs. Sana magpadayon kini nga mga programa (I hope these programs will continue),” she says.

“Nanawagan ko sa akong mga kauban nga PWD nga dili mawad-an ug paglaum ug magpadayon kita sa pagpaningkamot alang sa kalambuan sa atong pamilya (I am appealing to other PWDs not to lose hope and strive farther for the betterment of your families),” she pleas.

“Hindi hadlang ang iyong kapansanan para maabot mo ang iyong pinapangarap na magandang buhay (disability is not a constraining factor to achieve your dream of a beautiful life),” she affirms.

JAMILA M. TAHA

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Beneficiaries for Social Pension Receives Stipend The Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Social pension program recently released stipends for indigent senior citizens in Cagayan de Oro. A total of 1,206 social pensioners received their stipend for first Quarter of 2016 and those unclaimed for the last quarter of the previous year.

In Northern Mindanao, there are 75,003 indigent senior citizens who are beneficiaries of the Social Pension Program.

The Social Pension for indigent senior citizens is one of the provisions under Section 5 of the Republic Act No.9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010”. It is an additional government assistance in the amount of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) monthly stipend to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of senior citizens.

Eligible senior citizens who have availed of the Program includes those frail,sickly,or with disability, those without pension (both from government and non-government

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institutions), and those with permanent source of income, compensation or financial assistance from his/her relatives to support his/her basic needs.

The schedule of pay out for social pension is on quarterly basis with each beneficiary receiving P1,500.00 each per quarter.

Total amount released during the said pay out totalled to P1,809,000.00.

. Mitzie S. Santiago

DSWD expands coverage of Social Pension Indigent senior citizens aged 60 years old and above are now covered under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Social Pension Program.

This after the budget appropriate for the Social Pension for 2016 was increased to more than P8.7 Billion per General Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2016. The Program expanded its coverage from 65 years and above to 60 years old and above.

The Social Pension Program provides cash subsidy of P500 per month to indigent senior citizens for their health needs such as medicines and food. Qualified beneficiaries are those who

are certified as “poor” by their local government unit and who are not beneficiaries of any other social pension and social insurances such as those of GSIS, SSS, and AFPSLAI. The DSWD, City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers under the Local Government Units, and Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) validate the qualifications of the senior citizens. Even Barangay Officials, Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP), Senior Citizens Organizations, nongovernment organizations, youth volunteers, barangay health workers, and other groups also assist DSWD in

the validation.

Qualified senior citizens may apply at the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office under the local government unit. They can also apply at the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). They should bring a photocopy of OSCA ID and Proof of Date of Birth.

Beneficiaries of the Social Pension can claim their stipends at the OSCA or City/ Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office The Social Pension for Filipino Indigent Senior Citizens Program started last January 2011.

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. Charmaine P. Tadlas

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a little fall of rain:

Volunteer asks for a ‘sign’ to move community, self forward

“Dili sayun mahimong volunteer sa komunidad” (It’s not easy becoming a volunteer for the community) declares Helen D. Mabanta, 50, and married to Rolando Mabanta with 5 children.

Helen is the elected Barangay Subproject Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson for the implementation of Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP), Barangay Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte for 20142015 particularly for their two evacuation centers community sub-project. She started being a BSPMC Chairperson since 2013 under the PAMANA project of Department of Social Welfare Development in Kauswagan.

The Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program collaborates with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s KALAHI-CIDSS (KC) program to empower conflict-affected and vulnerable communities through improved access to services and participation in more inclusive local planning, budgeting, and implementation.

Helen started her volunteer work as Bid and Award (BAC) member during PAMANA in 2013 and became a BSPMC chairperson the following year.

Helen and her family, won as the grand winner for “Huwaran Pantawid Pamilya” from the Provincial, Regional up to National Level in 2013. Helen was also involved in other community engagements aside from DSWD Projects, she was purok president, Department of Agriculture (DA) volunteer, and a member for “Gulayan sa Tahanan” (Backyard Gardening) project of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“Wala jud sa huna-huna nako nga moapil ko sa PAMANA volunteer og nagreklamo pa ko sa katawhan tungod kay daghan koy kalihokan og trabaho.” (I never think of involving myself in PAMANA as volunteer and I complained to them that 12

Helen D. Mabanta, Barangay Subproject Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson of Barangay Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte poses at the facade of the constructed evacuation center community subproject in the area.

Photo by Binladin Tiolo, Area Coordinator, Kauswagan, LDN I have many tasks to handle). This was her statement during one of the barangay assemblies of PAMANA in 2013 when the people elected her as BAC member.

But many people chose her as volunteer on that assembly. Despite of her reasons, she told herself that she will do her best to satisfy and perform all her duties. On the third cycle of PAMANA, the people elected her as BSPMC chair.

PAMANA concluded their third cycle in 2014 and the municipality of Kauswagan availed the Cycle 1 and 2 (accelerated) KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP. This modality of implementation was for those municipalities affected by disaster such as typhoon. On this project, Helen remained as the BSPMC Chairperson as decided by the people from their barangay. Their prioritized project was the construction of two (2) units of evacuation centers.

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The BSPMC Challenge During the implementation of Cycle 1 and 2 (accelerated) KALAHI CIDSSNCDDP projects in Barangay Libertad, Helen experienced a lot of difficulties and challenges as BSPMC Chairperson unlike in her PAMANA stint.

It was when the community argued and became divided as to what should be the priority project for the barangay; whether to build an evacuation center or a flood control structure.

Because of this situation, there came a point that Helen thought of wanting to resign due to tension in the barangay. She informed the former Municipal Financial Analyst (MFA) about her intention to resign.

However, the MFA explained to Helen that the replacement of volunteers will have to undergo special barangay assembly and there will be many

Helen with timekeeper Richi Lan preparing documents during the implementation of their sub-project in the area.

Photo by Binladin Tiolo, Area Coordinator, Kauswagan, LDN processes and considerations to ponder.

Helen was on a state of confusion whether to pursue BSPMC chairmanship or to live as an ordinary resident of the community. It was during this time also that Helen weighed the situation. She promised to herself that she would do what she had said during the barangay assembly when she was elected.

Helen narrated her previous experience in a communal garden where she was the only person left in their group to continue the project since all of her group members already resigned.

This gave Helen a chance to think and asked help from God, she asked for a “sign” to help her get through.

Accordingly, she asked God to give her a “sign” that if there would be rain within the next three (3) days, she will continue as BSPMC Chairperson, if none, she would resign.

Rain fell on the 2nd day and later that day, Helen decided to continue her work. She also said to herself that, she will continue her work for the sake of the people of Libertad, for their benefits and for the common good.

The Family Challenge “Dili sayun mahimong volunteer sa komunidad” (It’s not easy becoming a volunteer for the community) Helen said.

According to Helen, being a volunteer in DSWD projects is not an easy task as it requires much time for the project. Helen

shared that there were times had no time for her family because of her focus on the sub-project especially during her engagement in PAMANA. Helen’s daily routine before included going to the project site to monitor the implementation and rush to their house to prepare chores for her family.

There was one time that no one in their family was able to prepare food for dinner and because she was busy on the site. All of them took their dinner late at night. This scenario urged Helen to decide to settle in the bunkhouse and made a makeshift for them to stay.

Cooking, laundry and other household chores are done on the bunkhouse. Helen’s children used to go to the bunkhouse for every meal and before going to school. With this strategy, Helen was able to balance her role as a volunteer, mother and husband. Her husband Rolando, used to accompany Helen most of the time after his work.

Helen said “Mabuhat sa babaye ang gusto niya buhaton kung naglantaw siya sa ugma sa iyang pamilya” (A woman can do what she wants when she thinks about her family’s future).

Helen said she learned a lot of things as a volunteer, especially on construction matters and procurement. She added that when they will be able to build their dream house, it will not be difficult especially on the construction because she was exposed on engineering aspects

of it.

“Sa KALAHI, nahimo kog engineer bisan usa ra kaadlaw” (With KALAHI, I became an engineer even just for a day) Helen said reaffirming “Kaya nimo bisan wala ka nahuman” (you can do it even if you did not finish your education).

In parting Helen says “kinahanglan mahimo kang ehemplo sa mga anak nimo na makaya sa babae ang ginabuhat sa mga lalaki” (you need to be an example to your children that women can do what men can do).

The Community-Driven-Development (CDD) approach aids in local delivery of basic services. The CDD principles of participatory planning and community control of investment resources through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) project, managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The government identifies CDD as a pillar of the country’s development and poverty reduction strategy, and is expanding operations into the KALAHI-CIDSS National Community Driven Development Project (NCDDP).

. Binladin Tiolo (AC)

. Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy (SMO)

http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/

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PHOTO STORIES

Panubad-tubad . Tribal Leaders from Northern Mindanao gather for the Indigenous Peoples Summit, March 16, Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. The summit opens with the “Panubad-tubad”, a ritual of the Lumads in Mindanao where they kill a chicken and spill its blood on the ground to invoke the presence of ‘Magbabaya’ (Supreme Creator). Present during the ritual are Department of Social Welfare and Development 10 Regional Director Nestor B. Ramos (2nd from right), and NCIP Regional Director Roberto Almonte (right). DSWD’s Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP) will construct a total of 22 classrooms in San Fernando, Bukidnon as a Priority 1 area for the intervention for Lumads in El Niño affected areas. The project is in partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) who will provide school teachers for the school buildings, and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples. (Photo by Shaun Uy) DSWD -10 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Aldersey Mumar - dela Cruz said “it is through the community that we gather strength, we tell their stories – that others may also know their [Lumads] plight.

Community-driven-development is at the forefront of each endeavor, and so are we” during the Indigenous Peoples Summit, March 16, Pearlmont Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

(Photo by Shaun Uy)

Family Food Packs . The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 10 (DSWD-10) facilitated the distribution of family food packs as part of the augmentation interventions for the Lumads and farmers in El Niño affected areas, this time for Higaonons in Claveria town, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, March 3, 2016. This is DSWD’s response to Higaonon tribespeople and farmers who expressed their need for food as they could no longer grow any crops due to the effects of the dry spell. (Photo by Shaun Uy) "Despite of our living condition, I never blamed God for our difficulties, because deep within I have great hopes, and indeed these hopes have been answered

by DSWD."

~Henry Estrella a graduate of Housekeeping NCII from Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental

Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman speaks to 1,656 participants to the People’s Dialogue in Cagayan de Oro City last March 18, 2016. This is form part of the series of dialogues in the region, involving cabinet secretaries and various sectors / beneficiaries of government programs. The leg of dialogues began from March 17 to 19, 2016, that gathered about 5,000 individuals from the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Iligan City. These series of events allow participants to share their success stories brought about by the government programs and an opportunity to raise their concerns to the government agencies.

(Photo by Jamila M. Taha)

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DSWD, CSOs to implement program for Lumads in El Niño affected areas CAGAYAN de Oro City – Lumads in El Niño affected areas in Northern Mindanao will be receiving help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and a number of Civil Society Organizations that have expressed their commitment to help the tribe during the onslaught of the said dry spell.

The DSWD Region 10 facilitated the Whole of Nation Initiative Development and Social Protection Cluster Consultation Meeting for the Lumads, February 6, 2016 at the Pryce Plaza Hotel, this city, to consult with different stakeholders in the facilitation and implementation of an emergency food relief program for Lumads in the El Niño affected areas of Bukidnon.

The consultation meeting was participated by different regional government agencies, DSWD regional staff, stakeholders and Lumad representatives from Bukidnon and is in partnership with Unifrutti Foundation Inc. and Hineleban Foundation.

According to Unifrutti Foundation Inc, Hineleban Foundation Technical Consultant Raoul Geollegue during his presentation on the emergency food relief project proposal dubbed as “Pantawid Lumad sa Tagtuyot” – “Millions of people are at risk of suffering from hunger and poverty this year as one of the most powerful El Niño climatic events in history threatens a major humanitarian emergency especially among upland dwellers, considered as the poorest of the poor, anticipated be the hardest hit.”

DSWD 10 Regional Director Nestor B. Ramos stressed that a project of this magnitude should be properly coordinated with the different line agencies and stakeholders and must have a holistic approach in

Datu Jose Dia-on, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Matigsalug Tribe in Bukidnon, urges the government and civic society organizations to help the Lumads affected by the El Niño, this he pointed out during the Whole of Nation Initiative Development and Social Protection Cluster Consultation Meeting for the Lumads, February 6, 2016 at the Pryce Plaza Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City

delivering social services.

Present during this meeting is DSWD Undersecretary for Promotive Services Camilo G. Gudmalin who presented the rationale of the said meeting. USEC Gudmalin urged the different stakeholders to iron out some details of this project for fast and efficient implementation.

Gudmalin also presented that DSWD’s community-drivendevelopment component, the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSSNCDDP), will be at the forefront of this endeavor.

Gudmalin also relayed the directives from DSWD Secretary Corazón “Dinky” Juliano Solíman to the regional staff which includes the immediate implementation of the construction of a total of 82 classrooms in different municipalities in Bukidnon for El Niño affected Lumads. This project will kick off with Priority 1 areas, mobilizing available resources of the regional Kalahi-CIDSS program, in Region 10 the identified priority area is San Fernando, Bukidnon. The area will have 22 classrooms distributed to 5 barangays and must be completed by June 2016 while the rest of the priority 2 and 3 areas will commence with the social preparations within the first quarter and 2nd semester (after elections) respectively.

While San Fernando will be of top priority, areas are also included in other parts of Bukidnon which include the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, Impasugong, Kabanglasan, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Lantapan, Malitbog, and Quezon. Iligan City of Lanao del Norte, Claveria and Gingoog City are also identified as key areas for the implementation of the project.

This translates into a total of 28 barangays and 82 classrooms for Region 10 alone.

DSWD Undersecretary for Promotive Services Camilo G. Gudmalin said that the immediate implementation of the construction of a total of 82 classrooms in different municipalities in Bukidnon for El Niño affected Lumads will kick off with Priority 1 areas, mobilizing available resources of the regional Kalahi-CIDSS program, in Region 10 the identified priority 1 area is San Fernando, Bukidnon.

Regions 9, 11, 12, and 13 will also undertake this initiative and will give us an overview of a total of 605 classrooms in 251 sites.

Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

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http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/

. JANUARY - MARCH 2016 . 15

Department of Social Welfare and Development Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Community Infrastructure Specialist Engr. Roel Jumao-as plots out the perimeter for the site where the threeclassroom building will be built in Sitio Kiranggol, Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon, during the actual Site Validation and Risk Assessment on February 25, 2016. This community sub-project is part of the Priority 1 area set for the Whole of Nation Initiative to help the Lumads in El Niño affected areas.

DSWD, DepEd, NCIP validates project site in Kiranggol

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP), in partnership with the Department of Education and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, conducted a joint Site Validation and Risk Assessment for the construction of a three-classroom school building in Sitio Kiranggol, Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon on February 23-26, 2016.

San Fernando, Bukidnon is a Priority 1 area for the Whole of Nation Initiative implementation of the delivery of social services and relief operations 16

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for Lumads in El Niño affected areas. Sitio Kiranggol is roughly an 8-kilometer mountain trek from Dao Elementary School that serves as an entry point to the said sitio.

Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Community Infrastructure Specialist Engr. Roel Jumao-as said that the construction of a three-classroom building in Sitio Kiranggol “it’s challenging, medyo lisod ang paghatod sa mga materyales paingon sa Kiranggol kai dili accessible og salakyan ang lugar, bisan kabayo dili makaagi (it’s challenging, it’s quite difficult to move the construction materials to Kiranggol because the road is not accessible to vehicles, not even horses can pass through).”

Jumao-as also said that since there are haulers in the area, “mag-hire gyud og haulers para magsaka

paingon sa Kiranggol, ang ilang pangayo pag-alsa sa isa ka bag nga semento pasaka naa sa 400 paingon 500 pesos (there is a need to hire haulers to get to Kiranggol, the haulers are asking from 400 to 500 pesos per cement bag to be hauled to the sitio).�

Kiranggol Sitio Chairman Lestino Likawan enthused addressing the crowd, “kitang tanan magpasalamat kai niabot sila diri sa atong Sitio Kiranggol bisan tuod og layo, mao na cguro kini ang tuman sa atong pangandoy nga edukasyon alang sa atong mga kabataan, kinahanglan kitang tanan magtinabangay ug maghiusa aron dunay katumanan sa atong pangandoy (we all are grateful that they reached Sitio Kiranngol even if it is far, this is perhaps the answer to our dream of education for our children, we all need to work together and unite to accomplish this dream).�

San Fernando will have a total construction of 22 classrooms distributed to 5 barangays to

be completed by June 2016 while the rest of the priority 2 and 3 areas will commence with the social preparations within the first quarter and 2nd semester (after elections) respectively.

While San Fernando will be of top priority, areas are also included in other parts of Bukidnon which include the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, Impasugong, Kabanglasan, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Lantapan, Malitbog, and Quezon.

Iligan City of Lanao del Norte, Claveria and Gingoog City are also identified as key areas for the implementation of the project. This translates into a total of 28 barangays and 82 classrooms for Region 10 alone.

Regions 9, 11, 12, and 13 will also undertake this initiative and will give us an overview of a total of 605 classrooms in 251 sites.

. Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

Matigsalug Datu Mara Bagubay of Sitio Kiranggol, Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon leads the Pamuhat.

The Pamuhat was done on the proposed site of the three-classroom school building. http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/

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COVER STORY

S

A

peck of Hope:

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Story and Photos by Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

itio Kiranggol, Barangay Dao, is roughly a 6-hour open-trail climb into the rain forests of San Fernando. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Department of Education (DepED) and National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), lead the joint site validation of a proposed 3-classroom school building to be constructed through the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP). This is part of the Whole of Nation Initiative intervention for Lumads in El Niño affected areas, particularly in the Province of Bukidnon.

Kiranggol (Kiranggel) means a “place of convergence” where other tribes meet to do trade or festivities, this according to Alde “Botsoy” Salusad, the sitio’s peace keeper and whose family ancestry claims the land. San Fernando, Bukidnon is home to two indigenous tribes the Matigsalugs

and Tigwahanons.

Kiranggol has been reportedly marred by past insurgent influences and gold mining. According to residents, the sitio used to have a lot of residents and mine workers – chaos then escalated which drove out the residents and workers, a few came back to the community.

In a conversation with “Commander Botsoy”, he said that the community that now thrives in Kiranggol has only been around for three years. The young community already boasts of some businesses in the area despite the fact that the sitio is only accessible by trekking through open-mountain-trail – and only by humans. Even horses would have a difficult time traversing the cliffs and the steep peaks. In Kiranggol, there are sari-sari stores, a karinderya, billiard halls, and … karaoke houses. Supplies are brought to the place by “haulers” and usually one hauler can carry about a 50 kilogram load at the very least – and will charge about 500 pesos to a thousand (or more) depending on the load. So expect the high prices of the commodities – to give you an example, a 1.5 liter softdrink would then cost 150 pesos.

The place is powered by electricity generators or dynamos; they switch on lights at 5:00 in the afternoon until 9:00 in the evening, and 4:00 – 6:00 in the morning. The community pays about 10 pesos per day for the community electricity while

Dream is Coming True

some residents have their own electricity generators, and for a fee you may charge some of your gadgets – yes, there are certain spots in Kiranggol with mobile network connectivity.

About 2 kilometers before reaching Kiranggol, there is also a spot they fondly call as “signalan” or a place with mobile network signal. There, trekkers may stop and rest, as well as text or call – this is the only place with mobile network connectivity along the 6-hour walk.

As the team trekked the treacherous trails, DSWD 10 Regional Community Infrastructure Specialist Engineer Roel Jumao-as spoke with the team on the possibilities of materials hauling when the actual construction of the school building will start. To haul a bag of cement would actually cost around 500 pesos each. However, Engineer Jumao-as is both hopeful and determined, “kung mabuhat nato ning school-building diri sa Kiranggol, walay rason nga dili nato mabuhat sa ubang dapit (if we can build the schoolbuilding here in Kiranggol, there’s no reason we can’t make it in other areas).”

Tiring as the trek and climb was, the satisfaction of reaching the sitio was overwhelming – people welcomed us with smiles and a warm meal. There we met the residents who congratulated us on surviving the trek.

One even commented “pasensya na sir, walay medalya diri sa finish-line (sorry sir, there is no medal here at the finishline),” catching my breath – I could only muster a smile.

Good thing they already have a water system in place.

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A young hauler arrives at Kiranggol.

Rain and fog. DSWD team trekking back to Brgy Dao, when heavy rains and fog greeted us, amid the rainforest

The sunset view from the proposed 3-classroom school building site in Sitio Kiranggol, Brgy Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

(right) Mira Ombo, a Lumad of Sitio Kiranggol, Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon with her children.

(from left) Mitze Antian, Grade 3; Nistle Genlisa Mae Baculao, Grade 4; and Roseann Antian, Grade 4, are pupils of Dao Elementary School in Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon. The three want to become a doctor, a police officer, and a teacher respectively. The grueling 5-hour mountain trek to their school makes it difficult for them to dream big.

D

The reamers DSWD – Kalahi CIDSSNCDDP embraced a warm welcome from the Lumad children of Sitio Kiranggol during the site validation for the construction of a three-classroom school building in the sitio. Kiranggol parents and children alike were delighted to know of the project and have high hopes that their community can now have formal education in their sitio.

Mitze Antian, Grade 3; Nistle Genlisa Mae Baculao, Grade 4; and Roseann Antian, Grade 4, are pupils of Dao Elementary School in Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon. The three dreams of becoming a doctor, a police officer, and a teacher respectively.

The grueling 5-hour mountain trek to their school makes it difficult for them to dream big.

However, they are given renewed hope and vigor to pursue their dreams as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Kapit Bisig Laban sa

Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP) will construct a three-classroom school building in the sitio. Kiranggol can now have formal education in their sitio.

Mitze says “makabalo na ko magsulat, magbasa, ganahan ko nga naay eskwelahan diri sa duol, para makalampus sa pag-eskwela ug mahimong doktor (I know how to write, read, I like that there will be a school near here so that I can finish my studies and become a doctor).”

Roseann hopes to become a teacher, “para makatabang ko sa pamilya ug sa komunidad (so I can help my family and the community).”

Nistle said “Nalipay ko nga di na malayo sa among balay ang eskwelahan, gusto ko makahuman ug mahimong pulis, akong uyuan kai pulis (I’m happy that our school won’t have to be far from

our house, I want to finish and become a police officer, my uncle is a police officer).”

Mira Ombo is a parent of four children; Ling-ling who is now in grade 4, Ian in Grade 1, while Anelyn and Mayan, are in daycare.

Mira says that her main sources of livelihood are “mag tanom og kamote, lutya, ug uban pa, usahay manglampas (planting crops like sweet potato and yautia, and others, sometimes I mow fields).”

Mira also is delighted with the construction of the school building, “maayo kaayo nga naa nay eskwelahan, nalipay ko, makaayo kini para sa mga kabataan, dili na namo ipadala sa sentro sa Dao ang mga bata para lang makaskwela kai naa na diri (this is good that there will be a school, I’m happy, this will be good for the children, we don’t have to send our children down to Dao just to go to school because we’ll have our own here).”

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. JANUARY - MARCH 2016 . 21

Alde “Botsoy” Salusad, with Sitio Chairman Listino Licawan and DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS Community Empowerment Facilitator Danna Jill S. Ebiza, leads the election of Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee Chairperson and selection of volunteers.

A Lumad family of 7 in Sitio Kiranggol.

“

Tungod kai ang mga lumad wala na-edukar, pirme gyud mailad sa mga daotang elemento, gamay ra nga mga pasalig madala dayon sa mga dautan nga idolohiya...

Having read stories about Commander Alde “Botsoy” Salusad tells of a horrifying past.

However, we met a completely different man during our visit – far from the stories we have read.

Conversations with residents gave us another picture of Botsoy, one resident narrates a tale when Botsoy spent an almost sleepless night fixing the leaking water pipes on their water system only to be awaken the next morning seeing the pipes chopped by a drunk. Instead of showing rage – Botsoy asked the culprit to pay a tribute of a dozen chickens, and fixed the pipes again. Perhaps this is the reason why one can’t find liquor being sold in the sitio.

22

“

Botsoy

Botsoy narrated to us the origin of the name Kiranggol, he said that it was also known as “Maupya” meaning “good” because the early settlers were good people.

Botsoy addressed his fellow Lumads during the site validation and sitio assembly, “kini na gyud ang katumanan nga atong ipangandoy sa mga bata nga matukuran na gyud tag pormal nga skwelahan diri, gikan sa kalisod nato, pag-NPA nato sa una, pagsurrender nato — mao kini akong pangandoy nga maedukar kita, dili nata magsugot nga dili kita maedukar (this will be the fulfillment that we dream for our children that there will be a formal school here,

. JANUARY - MARCH 2016 . http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/

Alde “Botsoy” Salusad from our hardships, when we were still with the NPA until our surrender, this is what I dreamed of, that we will be educated, we won’t allow that we won’t be educated).”

Botsoy continued “tungod kai ang mga Lumad wala naedukar, pirme gyud mailad sa mga daotang elemento, gamay ra nga mga pasalig madala dayon sa mga dautan nga idolohiya, mao nang pangandoy nato nga maedukar gyud ang mga Lumad (because Lumads are not educated, we are always prone to bad elements, with just a little promise – we get carried away with bad ideology, that’s why I dream that Lumads will be educated).”

The site validation team comprise of DSWD, DepED workers pose with Alde “Botsoy” Salusad, Kiranggol residents and volunteers after the successful site validation.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP) meets the Lumad children of Sitio Kiranggol, Barangay Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon during the site validation for the construction of a three-classroom school building in the sitio. Kiranggol parents and children alike were delighted to know of the project and have high hopes that their community can now have formal education in their sitio. San Fernando, Bukidnon is a Priority 1 area for the intervention for Lumads in El Niño affected areas. The project is in partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) who will provide school teachers for the school buildings, and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Botsoy is thankful for the upcoming construction of the school building, “magpasalamat ta, nangingkamot ang gobyerno nga tukuran gyud tag eskwelahan diri, priority kita (we are thankful, the government endeavored to build us a school here, we are a priority).”

Sitio Kiranggol Chairman Listino Licawan also enthused “kitang tanan magpasalamat kay niabot sila diri sa Sitio Kiranggol, bisan tuod ug layo, mao na cguro kini ang katumanan sa atong mga pangandoy alang sa atong mga kabataan, kinahanglan kitang tanan magtinabangay ug maghiusa para dunay katumanan sa atong pangandoy (we should be thankful that they arrived here in Sitio

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Kiranggol, though it is far, perhaps this will be the realization of our dream for our children, we must all help out and unite to accomplish this dream).”

“Kinihanglan nga atong dasigon ang atong pagpaeskwela sa atong mga anak, kay mao ray bugtong nga pangandoy nato para sa atong mga anak, ug labi ang mga ginikanan, akong dasigon nga maedukar gyud ang mga anak (we need to encourage our children to go to school, this is the only dream we can have for our children, and to the parents, I encourage you to have your children educated),” concludes Botsoy.

. SHAUN ALEJANDRAE YAP UY

VOLUME 1

. NUMBER 1 . JANUARY - MARCH 2016

The Official Publication of The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X REGIONAL DIRECTOR Nestor B. Ramos ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS Aldersey M. Dela Cruz ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ADMINISTRATION Manuel M. Borres SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT REGIONAL INFORMATION OFFICER (RIO) | Charmaine Suzette Leanore P. Tadlas INFORMATION OFFICER (Pantawid Pamilya)| Oliver Badel Inodeo INFORMATION OFFICER (Listahanan) | Mitzie S. Santiago INFORMATION OFFICER (SLP)| Jamila M. Taha SOCIAL MARKETING OFFICER (KC-NCDDP) | Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

RIO’s Note It has always been an inspiration seeing people from various walks of life take the lead in empowering themselves to fight poverty that has affected their families and communities.

As the communication team continues to discover and share inspiring and heart-warming stories from the grassroots – stories that tell of little victories won by poor families who worked hard to bring positive changes in their lives and proving that poverty is not a hindrance – more positive stories continue to sprung in the poor communities, and these are told by fathers, mothers, the youth, and children, who are actually “heroes” in their simple ways.

We are proud to share with you these stories of change that hopefully will tell us that indeed, nothing is impossible.

m r a h C

Peanut roll vendor tops graduating class . OLIVER BADEL INODEO

Talisayan, Misamis Oriental — It will be a dream-come-true for John Ericson Roselim, a 13-year old Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) beneficiary from Barangay Santa Ines, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, some 101.4 kilometer off northeast of this city, who will be graduating valedictorian in his elementary formation.

He will be graduating this March 29, 2016.

Dreaming of becoming a lawyer and at the same time businessman, John Ericson is the second child of of Crisman and Genarlie Roselim among the eight siblings.

According to Airin Jean M. Ariaso, Municipal Link of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental that John Ericson is generous and thoughtful when she conducted home visit to his family.

“He encourages others to fight for their desires and what they believe in, and doing it through God because he believes that nothing great comes easy and with God everything is possible, said Ariaso, adding that the child is motivated by love for learning and succeeding as he strive to become an outstanding pupil.

“He is also a very passionate boy.

He has passion for basketball, biking and gardening. He loves to plant flowers and vegetables. He also loves cooking,” claimed Ariaso.

Self-supporting As additional source for his everyday expenses, he cooks and sells peanut roll, 26

yema, munchkins and other sweets at school.

Despite his age, John Ericson is also opting to become a working student if his parents could not send him to college.

Active in Co-Curricular activities John Ericson is an active member of the Youth for Christ in his town. Several years ago, he was also involved in the Kids for Christ.

In school, he is the Classroom President, Supreme Pupil Government President, and Federated Supreme Pupil Government Auditor at the Department of Education’s District of Talisayan.

When he was in Grade 1, he was 1st Honorable Mention at Macabalan Elementary School in this city where he was also a member of the Science Club. When he transferred to Sta. Ines Elementary School the following year, he topped in his class.

He has been representing his school countless times at different contest like Quiz Bee where he won 2nd place, Reada-Thon, MTAP, among others where he always took home the title.

Right now he is involved in helping other youth develop their talents through YFC activities.

The municipal link of Pantawid Pamilya said his parents have contributed a great role towards his achievement.

Despite his father is the sole economic provider of his

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family, his parents were able to sustain the needs of the family.

Gernalie claimed that she is managing their minimal income to support their everyday needs since they are big family.

She added that proper discipline and assigning household chores to each member of the family were being practiced for them to have a sense of responsibility.

To date, Northern Mindanao has 272,252 active beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households’ primary of children aged 0-18. It utilizes the conditional cash transfer scheme where the partner-beneficiaries receive their grants provided that they fulfill their co-responsibilities, including sending their children to school, availing of health services, and attending the monthly FDS.

Homeless street families to receive livelihood skills training Cagayan de Oro City — Homeless Street Families in Cagayan de Oro will soon engage themselves in livelihood ventures, to gain employment and other livelihood opportunities with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Modified Conditional Cash Transfer specifically designed to provide livelihood assistance to the Indigenous Peoples and Homeless Street Families.

41 street families here, will receive Skills Training on Massage Therapy NC II, Beauty Care Services NC II, and Housekeeping NC II from the Philippines School of Science and Technology, DSWD’s partner institution for this specific project.

The training aims to contribute to the improvement of the socioeconomic condition of homeless street families through empowerment and capacity building. This will prepare them in their livelihood ventures, employment and other livelihood opportunities, in the future.

“We are hopeful that through our programs, these homeless street families, will be provided with equal livelihood opportunities and eventually improve their living condition”, says Lexa Lappang, a Community Facilitator for the DSWD.

In preparation for their training, the families are given skills training orientation, for them to be aware of the training processes, allowances and duration. “Recipients to this training will be provided with uniforms free of charge and livelihood tool kits during their culmination day”, says Mr. Bendisula, the proprietor of the Philippine School of Science and Technology.

The skills training will launch following the orientation and will continue up to five (5) weeks.

http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/

. JAMILA M. TAHA

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Bajau community receives livelihood skills training Iligan City — The Department of Social Welfare and Development in collaboration with the local government of Iligan City provided a 3-day skills training on weaving to the Bajau community last February 17 to 19, 2016 to contribute to the improvement of their socio-economic status through capacity building that will prepare them in their microenterprise ventures and other livelihood opportunities.

The Bajau in the Philippines are often referred to as the ‘sea gypsies’, people that live not only by the sea, but often on the sea. Officially known as the Sama or Samal, these groups are an indigenous fishing icon and their lifestyles are unique in many ways. The Bajau are traditionally from the numerous islands in and around the Sulu Archipelago.

They are heavily drowned around the coastal regions of Mindanao and the northern regions of Borneo. The distraction and conflict in their places of origin caused them to elope and seek refuge from other places, mostly living in the streets.

Begging involving Bajaus have become one of the prominent problems in almost all cities of the country. In Iligan City, the community of Bajau exist for about 10 years now with a population of more than 100 households. Although some of them have already considered fishing as their source of livelihood, majority are still relying on begging for survival.

The project came about through the BottomUp-Budgeting (BuB) program where the civil society groups identified this as of poverty related issues of the city. Making this as a priority, through

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Bajau hands-on training on weaving conducted last February 17 to 19, 2016 in Iligan City (Photo by Francis Flores)

BuB program, the communities such as Bajaus are assured to receive a community-based and need-based projects.

“This training would open not only livelihood opportunities but more importantly it would open a lot of minds and hopefully we can attract more supporters to create more projects similar to these, for our indigenous peoples”, says Mr. Norman Pacturanan, the BuB Focal Person for DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The BuB program implemented through DSWD, sought for alternative means of livelihood for the Bajau taking into consideration their culture and traditions. Nomadic in nature, the department sees the important of giving these people with life-skills related training making it more sustainable.

DSWD staffs with the Bajau participants and their finished products (Photo by Norman Pacturanan)

. JAMILA M. TAHA

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FEATURE Pantawid opens opportunities to grantee, now a teacher Camiguin — A beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) is now a part time teacher of the state-run college in this province.

Maria Melina Rodriguez, 30 of Sitio Tapon, Poblacion, Mambajao here handles Science subjects of Camiguin Polytechnic State College.

Rodriguez, who has three children, claimed she was unemployed when she and her family where placed under Pantawid Pamilya under Set 7 implementation.

Demolished Rodriguez used to live in Sitio Balintawak, Poblacion, Mamabajao town.

But, in 2004, her house was one of those demolished that drove them away to Sitio Tapon.

At first, she rented a house. Later, she 30

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built her own house near to her parents.

As a beneficiary, she learned from the Family Development Session the importance of preparing for the brighter future of her children.

As it is, Rodriguez claimed she exerted more efforts to find a job.

“I was not really concerned before that, but, because of the FDS, I learned the importance of providing their needs, aside from maintaining good relationship with them,” Rodriguez said.

The FDS is a monthly session where the partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya are required to attend as part of their co-responsibilities. Through the FDS, parent/s or guardians are educated about personality development which includes proper grooming and hygiene; strengthening family relationships; and fostering respect by

inculcating one’s rights, roles, and responsibilities within the family and their community. Parents also discuss disaster preparedness, financial literacy, and other topics that may be helpful to the family.

More opportunities Rodriguez passed the LET examination in 2008 before she became a beneficiary of the program.

Knowing her low self-esteem, Rodriguez decided not to apply at the Department of Education. She focused on rearing her children after her marriage in 2004.

Also, she was closely engaged with activities in her community and availed of the programs and services of DSWD and other national government agencies.

Rodriguez enrolled and finished Front Office Services NC II and Cookery NC II in 2010 at the TESDA-accredited technical institution, Camiguin School of Arts and Trade in 2010.

The free vocational course, she said, had been instrumental in developing her self-confidence.

Through the Sustainbale Livelihood Program, she claimed she was able to hone her skills.

“SLP and Pantawid were a blessing to me.

Imagine, I had nothing at first. Now, I survived my family alone because of these programs,” said Rodriguez, who was surviving her children alone until recently when she found her new partner.

“More than the financial help, the program has improved my knowledge and capacitated me to fully develop my potentials through the trainings I attended,” she added.

Health benefits Rodriguez recalled that bringing her children to the hospital for medication had been a nightmare to her because of the hospital bill and cost of medicines.

Now, she is not afraid of bringing her children to the hospital because it’s free.

“I feel we are loved by the government because of the zero billing policy,” she said in vernacular.

Rodriguez hoped that beneficiaries like her will religiously follow their co-responsibilities of the program.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households’ primary of children aged 0-18.

It utilizes the conditional cash transfer scheme where the partner-beneficiaries receive their grants provided that they fulfill their co-responsibilities, including sending their children to school, availing of health services, and attending the monthly FDS.

Pantawid Pamilya:

A ray of Hope in the Grassroots In Northern Mindanao, The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has indeed touched the lives and has been a blessing to thousands of family beneficiaries.

For Marites Padla, 36 years old, mother of six and an active Parent Leader in Barangay Kibanggay, Lantapan , Bukidnon, she considers the Program a big help to their family considering that all of her children are studying. She stressed that, if not for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, she and her husband would not be able to send them all to school, with farming as their only source of living.

“The things we learn during Family Development Sessions are more than enough for us. We learned values and things applicable in our daily lives. We learned how to spend our cash grants wisely and appropriately. Having our children and even the whole family regularly checked at the Barangay Health Center gives us a sense of security that our children are healthy”, says Marites.

She also beams with pride knowing that the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development is really doing its part in making sure that no one is left behind and that all efforts are geared towards the best interest of the Filipino families in need, much more, for the best interest of the children.

The story of Marites is only one of the many stories that are worth sharing and inspiring that indeed, amidst today’s chaos, struggles, problems and trials that test the values, lifestyle, and the perseverance of Filipino families from North to South, east to west, they have the will to stand the test of times and always come out victorious in their own little ways. All they need is the support system that would push and motivate them to make ends meet and make the best out of what is entrusted to them.

. MITZIE S. SANTIAGO

. OLIVER BADEL INODEO http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/

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Youth gets help from government

M

aisarah Sarosong of Barangay San Miguel in Maramag, Bukidnon, has always been grateful for what the government has done for her and her family.

Coming from a poor family, the 18-year-old recalls that attending school was a challenge for her mother who brought her up and her four siblings singlehandedly. Her father died when they were young.

Although her mother could hardly make ends meet for their family, she was still able to attend college with the help of the Socialize Scholarship of Central Mindanao University which gave a “tuition privilege” for her.

Since the scholarship did not include covering miscellaneous fees required for the students by the said university, she became desperate after finding out that she needed to pay for her financial obligation in school . “Naguol gyud kay kinahanglan nako mabayaran akong utang sa eskwelahan para maka-take ko sa akong final exam (I was worried because I needed to pay for the fees before I can take my final exam),” Maisarah recalled.

Desperate to take her exam and completer her college course, she asked the assistance from the local government unit of Maramag and received educational assistance under the UNLAD Kabataan Program so that she can finish her schooling.

UNLAD Kabataan Program, which is implemented by the local government unit of Maramag and under the technical assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is aimed at providing developmental, remedial, and preventive services for outof-school, marginalized, and disadvantaged youths. The same youths under the Program shall also

Maisarah Sarosong

become members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippins (PYAP).

Soon after her graduation, Maisarah was then hired by the Local Government Unit of Maramag as an administrative aide.

Today, because of her income, she is now able to help her family financially. Her mother now even owns a karenderya which is now their other source of income.

“Without the government’s help, I would have never finished school, nor would our family be able to have a stable income,” Maisarah said.

. Charmaine P. Tadlas

Maisarah and family

Ramil Ebio of Linamon, Lanao del Norte receives award from CHED Regional Director, Dr. Zenaida Gersana (left) and DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration Manuel Borres (right) after placing 7th at the recently concluded Recognition Rites for Academic Excellence for Pantawid Pamilya college scholars in Mindanao State UniversityIligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City.

Ebio is one of the 81 deans listers Pantawid college scholars. MSU-IIT has 395 Pantawid grantees under the Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation, a program of the national government which is instituted by the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and state universities and colleges.

State university honors Pantawid grantees Iligan City — The state-run Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) has recognized the increasing numbers of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) grantees who became academic achievers in the first semester of 2015-2016 here.

A total of 81 grantees made it to the dean’s list this academic year.

Ebio is one of the 81 deans listers Pantawid college scholars. MSU-IIT has 395 Pantawid grantees under the Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation, a program of the national government which is instituted by the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and state universities and colleges.

Ellenjoy P. Guerra, a second year Bachelor of Science in Psychology, topped the dean’s listers with a grade point average (GPA) of 1.16071. Guerra is a resident of Binuangan, Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental.

Guerra is followed by Mica E. Gabule, a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, major in Science and Health. She garnered a GPA of 1.2381.

A resident of Ubaldo Laya in this city, Gabule ranked third in the second semester of her third year formation while Guerra placed fifth during that period.

Settling at the third spot is Charlene V. Jumawan of Libertad village, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. She earned a GPA of 1.27273. Jumawan is a graduating student of Bachelor

of Science in Secondary Education, major in Biology who ranked second in the second semester of her third year education.

MSU-IIT’s academic year is divided into two semesters. First semester starts in the month of August and ends in December while second semester starts in January and ends in May. Other deans listers include: Nina Mae M. Genon of Busque, Linamon town, Lanao del Norte (4th placer) with 1.3625 GPA; Maricris P. Genela of Abuno in this city (5th placer) with 1.375 GPA; Kimberly Ann M. Anto of Silad, Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental (6th placer) with 1.38158 GPA; Ramel B. Ebio of Poblacion, Linamon, Lanao del Norte (7th placer) with 1.38333 GPA; Michelle J. Bacahon of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental (8th

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placer) with 1.38636 GPA; Jeo Vincent B. Micabalo of this city (9th placer) with 1.40909 GPA; and Arnold M. Centural of Poblacion, Linamon, Lanao del Norte (10th placer) with 1.45238 GPA. Dr. Edgar W. Ignacio, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of MSU-IIT said the students had an outstanding academic accomplishments last semester, adding that to be included in the dean’s list, a student shall achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 1.75 or better and had carried a load of at least eighteen (18) units in the previous semester, including summer in case for second semester.

MSU-IIT has 395 Pantawid college sholars under the Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation, a program of the national government which is instituted by the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and state universities and colleges.

ESGP-PA provides higher education to poor households that will give them opportunities for high value-added occupations that will eventually help beneficiaries have an improved quality of life.

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The college scholarship program aims to contribute to the national government’s thrusts in effectively addressing poverty alleviation by increasing the number of graduates in higher education among poor households and to get these graduates

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employed in order to lift their families out of poverty and contribute to national development.

. OLIVER BADEL INODEO

DSWD sends food packs to victims of tribal feud in Bukidnon A second tranche of more than 500 family food packs and 50 sacks of used clothing were sent to the Higaonon families in Malaybalay City last January 22, 2016, after a tribal feud took place sometime in November last year affecting more than 70 Higaonon families, and resulting three casualties, and injuring two individuals.

According to Mr. Romeo Fernandez of the DSWD Field Office X, the first tranche of more than 800 food packs were sent to the tribe last December as its assistance to the victims.

The DSWD is mandated to augment resources to the local government units in assisting victims of man-made or natural disasters. It helps ensure that the LGUs are able to provide food packs, temporary shelters, and early recovery and rehabilitation for all families affected by disaster.

The DSWD has a standby calamity fund of P1,000,000.00 and 30,000 family food packs should local government units request for immediate augmentation.

. Charmaine P. Tadlas

H elping children gain better nutrition through feeding and education

Supplementary Feeding Program For More Information: Visit our nearest DSWD office in your area http://www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph/

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