A remarkable record of accomplishment for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipinong Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 greets Sec. Corazon “Dinky” Juliano Soliman in her recent visit to Cagayan Valley.
Sec. Soliman was elated with the report that the economic status of more than sixty percent (60%) of the 1, 308 Pantawid beneficiaries in Patagueleg, Penablanca rose from survival to subsistence level, a marked triumph for DSWD FO 02 which she proudly shared with the media practitioners in the region during the Media Hour.
Likewise, this visit of the Secretary in Penablanca was highlighted by the Family Development Session of the beneficiaries on the topic, “Pag-iwas sa Bisyo at iba pang Banta sa Pamilya.” She was surprised with, and at the same time commends the beneficiaries, on their self-imposed restrictions against gambling, smoking, drug abuse, use of marijuana and other vices prevalent in their community which they think pose a threat to the sanctity of their families.
“I am surprised with your self-imposed restrictions against vices. We at DSWD did not require you to do so but you made this commitment on your own volition. Perhaps, members of Congress especially those opposed to this program should learn from you. They should be mindful of their own vices before they throw unverified accusations against you and the program,” Sec. Soliman said.
This sentiment of the Secretary is rooted from the negative feedback on Pantawid program especially from members of Congress who are opposed to this program since its inception asserting, among others, that the cash grants are used for gambling and other vices and not for its intended use. These assertions, however, do not hold true for the beneficiaries of Pantawid in Patagueleg, Penablanca.
Moreover, Sec. Soliman noted the story of Melody Catubag, a Pantawid beneficiary who is now employed at the Department of Public Works and High Ways (DPWH) as road maintenance worker receiving P405.00 a day which is above the minimum wage. Aling Melody shared that her family’s condition has greatly improved through Pantawid’s intervention particularly with her present employment at DPWH and no longer worry about her children’s education and health maintenance.
Aside from the abovementioned increase in the percentage of subsistence level of beneficiaries, Brgy. Patagueleg boasts notable accomplishments. For one, it is a record holder for Regional Barangay Peace and Order Council Award and has been a nominee in the national level of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.
Patagueleg has a good percentage of compliance rate in the attendance to FDS. The beneficiaries in this barangay actively participate in different community activities such as Blood Drive that made the barangay a recipient of Sandugo National Award.
In addition, beneficiaries are involved in tree planting and established a communal garden in Patagueleg Elementary School where they grow cocoa. They also put up “4Ps Malunggay Boulevard ” along the highway going to Penablanca which is still being maintained by the beneficiaries.
Sec. Soliman was welcomed by Penablanca Vice Mayor Washington Taguinod, other local officials from the Municipal Council and Barangay Officials. ### By GELA FLOR R. PEREZ, Regional Information Officer II