The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office II already started with its string of Provincial Convergence Caravan in Cagayan on May 16, 2014 at Mall of the Valley, Tuguegarao City.

Around 500 participants composed of beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and partners from the Local Government Units, National Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, Academe and Media in the province attended the event which aimed at displaying the collaborative efforts of DSWD with the different stakeholders in the implementation of its programs and services.

The activity also became a venue for the beneficiaries to share their testimonials regarding the impacts of Pantawid Pamilya in their lives.

According to Eliza V. Respicio, a beneficiary and a Parent Leader from Enrile, Cagayan, the program has helped her to be a better person, a more responsible parent and wife.

“Dahil sa Pantawid, mas naintindihan ko ang aking mga responsibilidad at niyakap ko yun ng lubusan. Nadagdagan din ang aking kumpiyansa sa sarili lalo na sa pakikipag-kapwa tao. Nagkaroon na rin ako ng pakialam sa mga nangyayari sa aking paligid,” she said.

She also added that because of the program, she and her husband strive hard to give their children a good life. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa DSWD sa pagtulong nila sa’ming mahihirap na pamilya. Mas tumindi and aming paniniwala na totong ‘Kayang-kaya ng Pinoy tumawid tungo sa kaunlaran,” she ended.

Partners from the different sectors also gave their messages about their support in the implementation DSWD’s programs, especially the Pantawid Pamilya.

Another highlight of the activity was the showcase of talents among the beneficiaries.

Furthermore, booths were also installed around the venue for the NGAs to promote their programs and services.

The Convergence Caravan is being conducted by DSWD annually to showcase its partnership with the different sectors for the better and more effective implementation of programs and services. But this year, the Caravan is held per province with Cagayan as its first leg. Caravan in the provinces of Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya will be conducted next month. ### By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Information Officer II- Pantawid Pamilya