The Young Adolescents With Disablities or the YAWDs Band rendered a performance that amazed everyone. (c) MBA

To stimulate public awareness on disability issues and concerns that will strengthen the involvement of the different government and non-government organizations, Department of Social Welfare & Development Field Office 02 together with other agencies observed the 35th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week on July 17-23, 2013.

With the theme “Building an Inclusive and Non-Handicapping Environment for Persons with Disabilities”, the week-long celebration kicked off with a motorcade around Tuguegarao City proper participated in by the different partner agencies, regional committee on disability affairs and non-government organizations afterwhich, a holy mass was held at the gymnasium of the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 02.

In his message, Atty. Roel Nicolas, Assistant Regional State Prosecutor, encouraged the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to continue striving for the realization of their dreams as he cited famous personalities who became successful despite being physically challenged.

Also, students of the Dinggin Ka Learning Center from the University of Saint Louis and the Young Adolescents with Disabilities or YAWDs Band rendered an intermission number that amazed the audience.

Department of Public Works and Highways chaired this year’s celebration which has successfully ensured that all persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities in all aspects of human endeavor to make their lives more meaningful and more productive. ###By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II

Mr. Kevin Malate, RITO, discusses the objectives of the Communication Tracking System on July 9, 2013 at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan- The Regional Information and Communication Technology Unit (RICTMU) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office developed a Communication Tracking System (CTS) that will organize and manage incoming and outgoing communications in an easier, faster and more efficient way.

Through the use of technology, the CTS enhances and improves the communication process. It gives the agency an opportunity to make use of existing technology to improve communication management for better traceability and to minimize the use of traditional paper-based logbooks.

The system is created to monitor the status of communication, where or whom and when was it routed and what action has been taken by the concerned Division/Unit; to generate statistical reports as to how many communications were acted, on process, or filed for the day; to determine levels of priority for each communication (Rush, Urgent and Regular); to reduce the chances of misplaced routing of communication and be accessible within the DSWD Field Office Local Area Network.

“We hope that we can use this as soon as possible so that the communication flow in our office will be faster and more efficient,” Dir. Violeta A. Cruz, Regional Director, DSWD.

John Manuel Maguigad, under the Government Internship Program or GIP was the one who created the tracking system with the technical guidance of Kevin Malate, the Regional Information Technology Officer (RITO) Andres Abong, Computer Management Technologist (CMT).

“I am challenging the proponents of the said tracking system that they will incorporate the suggestions of the participants while on the part of the participants let us be open minded to embrace the new technology created to improve the communication process.” Pasencia T. Ancheta, Acting Chief of Policy and Plans Division.

“We are very happy because before, this was only an idea. But now, we are already introducing this to our colleagues. We in the RITCMU are also very grateful for the support that the management had given to us,” said Kevin Malate, the Regional Information Technology Officer (RITO).

The launching of the system was held at the office’s Conference Hall and was attended by the Administrative Assistants from the different units. During the activity, steps and procedures of the usage of tracking system were presented. There was also an open forum wherein end users gave their insights about the tracking system.

“I am really thankful for the opportunity that this department have entrusted me. Though I am only under GIP, they gave me the chance to impart my knowledge and further improve my skills. Being with DSWD is a great training ground for me,” shared Manuel.

“This is a challenge for us because we are used to the conventional way of communication process. But now, there’s this tracking system that will make our communication flow faster.” Mr. Lowie Palatan, one of the participants.

After the soft launching, the RICTMU is now working on the schedule for the hands on training on the actual use of the system. ###By AILYN P. AGLAUA, Administrative Assistant V/NHTS-SMU

In line with the conduct of 2nd round of household assessment this semester, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 is hiring 1, 672 field workers for the National Household Targeting System.

These workers will collect socio-economic data from households using the Household Assessment Form (HAF).

An estimate target of 622, 659 households in the region will be assessed thus the hiring of workers has already commenced.

The Field Office is in need of 1, 343 Enumerators, 273 Area Supervisors, 56 Area Coordinators, 100 Encoders, 100 Verifiers and 2 Assistant Information Technology Officers respectively.

Hired field workers will undergo intensive training with practicum to prepare them for the job.

“We are very excited! Through NHTS, we will be able to identify once again the families who greatly need the services of the government. Identified families will be the target beneficiaries of the social protection programs, not just of DSWD but of other departments,” said Felipe Adarme, the NHTS Regional Coordinator said.

Interested applicants may now submit their application addressed to: Director Violeta A. Cruz, DSWD Field Office 02, No.3 Dalan na Pagayaya, Regional Government Center, Carig, Tuguegarao City or submit to the nearest Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) offices in the province.

The National Household Targeting System is a special project of DSWD which identifies who and where the poor are. Beneficiaries for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or popularly known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and other programs were identified through the said project.### By AILYN P. AGLAUA, Administrative Assistant V/NHTS-SMU

“Sobrang saya ko po noong nalaman ko na pumasa ako. Gustung- gusto ko pong makatapos ng pag-aaral kahit may pamilya na ako. Alam kong hindi iyon ang magiging balakid sa pagtupad ko sa aking mga pangarap sa buhay. Ang pamilya ko ang inspirasyon ko sa aking pag aaral. Dahil sa kanila, nagsisikap ako na makatapos,” a joyful and determined mother of three children said.

Maria Crispina dela Fuente, 27 years old, is a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Her family hails at Barangay Anao, Cabagan, Isabela. His husband, Henry, 30 years old, works as a tricycle driver. They were blessed with three children: Marian, at Grade 4; Rhea, Kinder and Henry Jr., who is enrolled in a daycare center.

Nanay Crispina got married when she was just 14 years old. She was in 2nd year high school that time. Because she was faced with the huge responsibility of being a wife, Nanay Crispina was not able to continue her studies. She instead devoted her time in being a loving better half to Mang Henry, and most especially, as a caring mother when their three angels came to life.

She may not have finished any degree, but Nanay Crispina nurtures her children with knowledge and values that they should know, and that they should possess.

Her efforts paid off. Both Marian and Rhea became honor students last school year. Presently, the two excel good in their classes and continue to reap grades of flying colors.

According to Nanay Crispina, the kids are very enthusiastic in their studies because she always put emphasis on the importance of education.

 “Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na napakaimportante ng may natapos. Ayaw kong maranasan ng mga anak ko ang nangyari sakin. Ngunit kung may pagkakataon lang talaga, gusto kong bumalik sa pagiging isang estudyante,” Nanay Crispina shared.

 She wants to continue her studies. Nanay Crispina wants to have a diploma which she can be proud of.

 And her prayer was answered. Thanks to the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

 When she heard about the ALS program of Department of Education, Nanay Crispina wasted no time. It was October 2010 when she enrolled in the program. And her life as a student started to unfold, again.

After a year, she finished her modular classes and took another exam in October 2011. When the result came out last April 2012, Nanay Crispina was in cloud nine because she passed the exam.

“Nung naipasa ko yung exam, alam kong ito na ang simula ng katuparan ng aking mga pangarap,” she said. “Dahil dito mas magpupursigi ako para makuha ko rin ang inaasam kong diploma,” Nanay Crispina added.

Nanay Crispina cannot be more thankful. She said that Pantawid Pamilya does not only help their family in terms of health and education, but also improve their perspectives and behavior.

 “Dahil sa Pantawid Pamilya, nahikayat ako na muling ipagpatuloy ang aking pag-aaral. Napakalaki ng pagbabagong idinulot nito sakin, hindi lang yung tulong pinansyal, kundi lalo na sa pagpapaunlad ng aking tiwala sa sarili at mga paniniwala sa buhay.Biruin mo, 27 years old na ako pero hindi pa pala huli ang lahat para sakin,” Nanay Crispina expressed.

Presently, she is a 2nd year college student at Isabela State University, Cabagan Campus. She is taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Two years from now, Nanay Crispina will soon harvest her fruits of labor. But greater than the diploma that she will receive, is the recognition for her being a dedicated wife and a doting mother.

Plus, she will be one of the many living proofs that for somebody who has a dream, it will never be too late for that person to achieve it. ### By JASTIN ANN BUNDALIAN, Municipal Link/ Cabagan, Isabela (MBA, FO2 SMU)

A PhilHealth representative reiterates that beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya are automatic members of the health insurance program during the Pilot Testing of the enhanced RAC Monitoring Tool.

The Regional Program Management Office of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program created an e-group for the members of Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) recently.

A Facebook account was created for the RAC members and also to the staff of Pantawid Pamilya in the region.

With the name: DSWD FO2-PP RAC, the e-group aims to facilitate faster communication and updating of activities among the member agencies.

The RAC is composed of different regional lined agencies namely: Department of Education (DepEd); Department of Health (DOH); Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP); Population Commission (PopCom); Philippine Information Agency (PIA); National Nutrition Council (NNC); Commission on Higher Education (CHED); PhilHealth; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Tourism (DOT).

DSWD partners with the aforementioned agencies for the better and more effective implementation of Pantawid Pamilya. Advisory Committees were created at the national, regional and municipal levels to enhance national ownership and promote joint efforts with partner agencies and local implementers.

RAC aims to ensure the availability of the supply side on health, nutrition and education and promote complementation of services with other stakeholders as well as to provide the necessary support services to meet the conditionalities for the success of the program.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor Filipino children aged 0-14 years old. In exchange of cash grants, beneficiaries should comply with the health and education conditions set forth by the program. For region 02, there are a total of 94,120 household beneficiaries. ###By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II

(Liham ni ALONA MANGALNIDAN, Parent Leader ng Brgy. Antonino, Alicia, Isabela)

Ako po si Alona Mangalnidan, isa pong benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ng Brgy. Antonio, Alicia, Isabela. Noong wala pa pong Pantawid dito sa Alicia, kayhirap po ng buhay namin. Kami po ay isang kahig, isang tuka. Dahil pos a kahirapan, lahat po ng trabaho ay pinasok ko upang mabuhay po ang aking pamilya.

Binuhay ko po ang pamilya ko sa pagiging isang Kubrador. Alam ko pong ilegal ang jueteng, ngunit mas nangingibabaw po ang kagustuhan kong malagyan ng pagkain ang aming hapag. Sa pagiging kubrador ko po kinukuha an gaming pangkain at gastusin araw-araw.

Setyembre po ng nakaraang taon ay pinalad po akong mapasama bilang isa sa mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilya. Magkahalong tuwa at lungkot po ang aking naramdaman. Tuwa dahil batid ko pong ang programa ay magbibigay ng tulong pinansyal para sa kalusugan at edukasyon ng aking mga anak. Ngunit nalungkot din ako dahil ipinagbabawal sa programa ang pagsusugal at pag-inom ng alak. Sa isip ko po, saan na ako kukuha n gaming pangangailangan araw-araw kung ipinagbabawal naman ang pagiging Kubrador ko?

Sa mga susunod pa naming miting sa aming Municipal Link, mas nabigyang-diin po ang pagtatalakay tungkol sa Pantawid, ang mga kondisyon na dapat naming magampanan, at ang epekto nito sa halaga ng cash grant na maaari naming matanggap. Ngunit ang higit na tumatak sa aking isipan ay ang mga gawaing hindi dapat gawin bilang isang benepisyaryo, tulad na lamang ng pagsusugal.

Naihalal din ako bilang isang Parent Leader, na nung una ay muntik ko ng tanggihan. Masasayang lang kasi ang oras ko sa pag-iikot sa mga bahay-bahay dahil tiyak na marami akong maipapataya.

Hindi naglaon, buong puso kong niyakap ang pagiging isang Parent Leader, sa paghihikayat na rin n gaming ML at ng aking mga kapwa benepisyaryo. At dito na nagsimulang magbago ang ikot ng aking mundo.

Laking tuwa ko ng matanggap ko ang aming unang cash grant, agad kong binili ang pera ng bagong gamit sa eskwelahan ang aking mga anak. Dahil din sa Family Development Sessions o FDS, tuluyan ng nawala sa aking sistema ang pagiging isang kubrador.

Hindi lang ang pagiging kubrador ang paraan upang kumita ako ng kahit na kaunting halaga. Marami pang ibang paraan. Maraming paraan upang kahit paunti-unti ay umahon sa kahirapan. Sa ngayon po, ay maipagmamalaki kop o na isa na akong Franchise Dealer ng sari-saring produkto: Avon, Natasha, MSE at Tupperware pa. Ang munti kong kita ay siya ng tumutugon sa aming pangangailangan araw-araw.

Samantala, ang cash grant naman na aming natatanggap ay inilalaan ko para sa aming kalusugan, lalong lalo na sa pag-aaral ng aking mga anak.

Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa Pantawid. Isa po itong napakalaking biyaya sa katulad kong mahirap. Ngunit higit po sa tulong na naibibigay ng programa para mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng aking pamilya at edukasyon ng aking mga anak, ay ang pagbabagong idinulot nito sa aking pagkatao at asal upang mas maging mabuti at responsible akong magulang, at mas maging kapaki-pakinabang na nilikha dito sa mundong ibabaw. ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is again on its quest to search for the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya for this year.

The Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya is a nationwide advocacy activity of the department which aims to give recognition to family beneficiaries who religiously followed the conditions of the program and exhibit Filipino values and strong family ties.

For region 02, there were already eight identified entries from the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya who will compete for the regional level. The winning family beneficiary will be the region’s contender for the national title.

The family of Mrs. Ritchelle Soriano from Sta. Ana, Cagayan, last year’s regional winner, said that the recognition given to them by DSWD has motivated them to be more responsible beneficiaries and even encouraged their fellows to fulfill their responsibilities as recipients of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

“Bale hinihikayat naming yung mga kapwa naming beneficiaries na dapat gampanan din nila yung mga tungkulin nila, at saka dapat yung cash grant nila ay gamitin ng tama. Yung para sa kalusugan ng pamilya lalo na sa edukasyon ng mga bata,” said Mrs. Soriano.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor Filipino children aged 0-14 years old.

In exchange of cash grants, beneficiaries should comply with the conditions of the program which includes (1) pregnant women must avail pre and post natal care; (2) children aged 0-5 years old must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; (3) children aged 6-14 years old must receive deworming pills twice a year; (4) children aged 0-5 years old must be enrolled in preschool/daycare with at least 85% attendance rate; (5) children aged 6-14 years old must be enrolled in elementary and highschool with at least 85% attendance rate; and (6) parents must attend Family Development Sessions or FDS.

The program is being implemented by DSWD in the 17 regions nationwide. As of now, there is a total of 92, 619 household beneficiaries for region 02. ###By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II

“The State shall promote social justice in all aspects of national development”, thus says the constitution, a call to address the perennial problem of poverty and adopt measures calculated to insure economic stability and equalization of social forces of the state.

Social Justice requires the formulation of development programs responsive to the needs of the poor. Alongside, it is imperative that the government ensures that these programs reach the indigents and vulnerable sectors of the society, hence, the birth of Executive order No. 867 which provides for the adoption of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, otherwise known as the NHTS-PR.

The NHTS-PR is an information management system used to identify the poor households in the country and determine where they are. This system utilizes objective and verifiable characteristics of households to classify them as poor. For the first years of its pilot implementation it has been used to firm up the implementation of programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Programs, distribution of PhilHealth cards to indigents and social protection programs for senior citizens. But how does the system contribute to the attainment of social development and ultimately, social justice?

As an information management system, the NHTS-PR provides data that can be used as reference in the formulation and implementation of programs responsive to the needs of the poor. This enables the National Government Agencies and Local Government Units to direct their efforts in crafting plans, programs and activities that will assist the poor live a quality life, wherein basic necessities for survival are met and education availed.

The system is also a facility for the objective identification of beneficiaries of social protection programs. It allows the distribution of scarce resources only to the poor instead of including those who are capable of meeting their subsistence needs to share in the limited resources provided by the government.

Moreover, the NHTS-PR is a springboard to foster collaborative approach for poverty reduction. The quality database derived from the system and its availability to the public and private stakeholders of social protection programs facilitates the convergence and synchronization of resources into poor households. In effect, this advances the quality of their life.

Finally, the NHTS enhances the transparency and integrity of program implementation. Since the identification of beneficiaries of programs will be based on an objective assessment, political and other unnecessary influence for the availment of government services is inhibited. This paves way for the genuine delivery of services to the poor consistent with the objectives of programs and administration’s thrust for development and economic stability.

A targeting system that aids planning, implementation and delivery of social development services to the poor and vulnerable sectors of the society, the NHTS-PR is a boon for social justice where the Philippines, as dreamt by the late Secretary Jesse M. Robredo and as envisioned in the Constitution will be “A country that is not always on the cusp of something great but trips all the time, but a Philippines where people are not battling hunger every day!” ###By Marydine L. Cambri, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 02, (This piece won 1st place during the NHTS Essay Writing Contest for National Government Agencies on June 14,2013 at Crown Lodge, Tuguegarao City)