IN PARTNERSHIP FOR THE POOR. Director Leticia T. Diokno (left, top photo) and CBAP-Cavite Ministries, Inc. Chairman Daniel Feliciano (center) sign the Memorandum of Agreement which formalizes the partnership in the conduct of Family Development Sessions for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Cavite Province. (photo by CBAP-Cavite Ministries, Inc.)***
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office IV-A recently inked partnership with Community Builders, Advancers & Partners (CBAP) – Cavite Ministries, Inc. for the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, particularly in the conduct of Family Development Sessions (FDS) for program beneficiaries in the province of Cavite.

According to the MOA, the CBAP-Cavite will collaborate with the DSWD in its “Bantay, Tulay, Kaagapay, Gabay” framework. As a “Bantay,” the organization shall provide assistance on anti-corruption projects and activities of the program such as validation of the list of beneficiaries and assistance in the monitoring of compliance of beneficiaries. Being a “Tulay,” they shall help in facilitating action, feedback and monitoring for beneficiary updating and resolution of grievances while as a “Kaagapay,” they shall promote and introduce anti-poverty projects and activities such as livelihood programs and referral for employment opportunities.

The CBAP-Cavite, however, will focus on being a “Gabay,” which means they shall extend technical assistance to the Department for implementation of its various programs. The facilitation of the FDS for Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries falls on their responsibilities as a “Gabay.”

DSWD Regional Director Leticia T. Diokno, in her message during the MOA Signing, said that she is grateful that there are civil society organizations (CSOs) like CBAP-Cavite that are willing to help in the implementation of Pantawid Pamilya especially on the conduct of FDS.

“The FDS is one of the tools of the program in instilling behavioral changes in our beneficiaries so we can lead them towards self-sufficiency,” she added.

Rev. Daniel D. Feliciano, chairman of CBAP-Cavite, is thankful for the opportunity and support the Department provides so that they can help with the values formation of beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya.

“Being a Bantay, Tulay, Kaagapay and Gabay coincides with our mandate of transforming nations and generations. We hope for a smooth relationship between our group and the DSWD,” he said.

CBAP-Cavite Ministries, Inc. is a faith-based CSO based in Dasmariñas City. It is an association of more than 40 conservative Baptist churches in the province, which all are involved in community transformation, livelihood programs and other community-related activities.(With reports from Maria Cecilia Llanto and Ma. Adelina Diaz)***