More than 1,000 beneficiaries of the three core poverty alleviation programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from all over the CALABARZON Region celebrated the change in their lives during the recently concluded Paskujuan 2015 held in Pacific Mall, Lucena City.
With the theme “Sama-sama sa landas ng pag-unlad,” the said activity gathered beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and community volunteers of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).
During the Paskujuan, various activities were conducted including a unity walk, a bazaar showcasing the products of Pantawid Pamilya and SLP beneficiaries, a discussion with Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers and awarding of volunteers, beneficiaries and partners in the implementation of the said programs.
According to Dir. Annie E. Mendoza, Asst. Regional Director for Operations of the DSWD Field Office IV-A, the Paskujuan 2015 is a celebration of the feat of the beneficiaries of the different programs of the DSWD signifying that they are doing something to improve their living condition.
“Pinapatunayan natin dito na hindi tamad ang mga benepisyaryo ng mga programa ng pamahalaan. Ang DSWD ay gumagabay lamang pero lahat kayo ay nagsusumikap para magkaroon ng pagbabago ang inyong mga pamilya at ang inyong mga komunidad,” shared Dir. Mendoza in her message to all the participants of the Paskujuan 2015.
A showcase of ‘products’ of beneficiaries
Selected beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya and SLP showcased their livelihood products in a bazaar. Products include handicrafts, processed foods such as longganisa and tocino, homemade delicacies such as coco jam, peanut butter, ube, coffee and candies among others.
“Ang mga produkto na tinitinda ng ating mga benepisyaryo ay patunay lamang na may ginagawa ang bawat isa para magkaroon ng dagdag kita at matulungan ang kani-kanilang mga pamilya para makapaghanap-buhay,” shared Dir. Mendoza.
According to Estrella Atienza, a Pantawid and SLP beneficiary from San Francisco in Quezon Province who showcased their ube products in the bazaar, she is grateful that through her business, she is able to help her family.
From a housewife, Atienza is now able to help with the family’s expenses through buying and selling crops in their town and selling various ube products in the market.
“Sa tulong ng DSWD, natuto akong maghanapbuhay. Nagkaroon kami ng mga seminars at ang dating maliit na taong katulad ko ay may tindahan na ng tricycle spare parts kasama ang iba pang mga benepisyaryo ng programa,” shared Benito Miel, an SLP beneficiary from Lucban, Quezon.
In the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya program, the DSWD provides various opportunities to beneficiaries to help improve their living condition. The SLP, which is implemented alongside Pantawid Pamilya, provides skills training to program participants to help them start a micro-enterprise or lead them to gainful employment.
‘Sama-sama sa landas ng pag-unlad’
Another highlight of the Paskujuan 2015 is the discussion with the beneficiaries, majority of them are community volunteers of the Kalahi-CIDSS from all 20 municipalities implementing the program in Quezon Province.
During the focused group discussions, the beneficiaries highlighted the change in their families and communities brought by the different programs of the Department.
“Dahil sa tulong ng Kalahi-CIDSS, nagkaroon kami ng boses. Kaya na naming sumigaw, kaya na naming sabihin kung ano ang aming mga pangangailangan para matulungang umunlad ang ating komunidad,” shared Angelito Panol, a Kalahi-CIDSS volunteer from Plaridel, Quezon Province.
Margarita Medina, a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary from Laurel, Batangas, thanked the program for opening her eyes to work for the future of her children.
“Proud po akong ibahagi sa iba kung bakit kami umunlad. Natutunan kong magtipid at mag-ipon para sa pamilya ko. Hinding-hindi na mararanasan ng mga anak ko ang hirap na dinanas namin noon,” Medina shared.
Further, during the unity walk, which served as the opening activity of the Paskujuan 2015, the program participants shouted their commitment towards working together to continuously experience a positive change in their lives.
“Ako, kami, tayo, may magagawa para sa pagbabago,” shouted the beneficiaries in unison during the walk.
During the Paskujuan, the DSWD Field Office IV-A also awarded the regional winners of the Kalahi-CIDSS’ Bayani Ka! Awards and Pantawid Pamilya’s Search for Best Parent Groups 2015. Program partners of the SLP were also recognized for their support in the implementation of the program, particularly in helping the Department in meeting its goal of improving the well-being of the beneficiaries.#