By Iryn D. Cubangbang
DSWD Information Officer II
Some 134 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries were considered for Vigan City’s livelihood program dubbed as “Pagsapulan: Raniag ti Masakbayan” [Employment: Radiates A Better Future]. They were provided with rolling stores, loading station, livestock production, tricycle operation,buy and sell trading activities, among others.
Prior to the coming of the Pantawid Pamilya Program, 10 poorest families in each barangay were identified and recommended by the community residents to avail from such projects.
DSWD’s list of poor as basis
Through the City Advisory Committee (CAC) chaired by Vigan Mayor Eva Medina, the City Government agreed that DSWD’s list of poor households will be the basis of priority beneficiaries. At the CAC meeting, the result of the Social Welfare Indicator administration [assessment of well-being of Pantawid beneficiaries] was also presented for the information of City Administration, planners and stakeholders.
“To avoid political manipulations and ensure focused targeting of beneficiaries, we concentrated on Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries,” Ms Medina revealed.
Also, DSWD will help in the monitoring of projects implemented and in providing technical inputs in simple book keeping, business management and values re-orientation.
“Walang-wala talaga silang iba pang mapagkukuhanan kung hindi natin tutulungan” [These families have no other source of help if we do not provide], the mayor narrated in her interview. We have success stories, but there are some who failed. Also, we thought of longer term livelihood with higher return of investment such as livestock production,” she added.
To check on readiness and viability of projects requested, a verification committee composed of representatives from City Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, and three NGOs [STAC Head, City Agriculture and Fishery Council, and a radio station] was organized.
Resources poured in to pantawid beneficiaries
Fruit-bearing trees, ornamental plants and vegetable seeds were also purchased for the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries to increase their livelihood opportunities and at the same time food in their homes.
So long as there are willing and generous sponsors and partners, resources are easily tapped by Medina.
Corporate social responsibility towards zero poverty
For the beneficiaries, they have to take care of their income generating activities. If failed, no more chances to access other livelihood programs of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Mayor Medina firmly said.
For the beneficiaries, “Magsipag sila [they have to work hard] because nothing comes easy. They must refrain from ill activities and vices. They must believe that in poverty there is always a hope for better days,” Medina said.
“For the city government of Vigan, we aim for zero poor poverty incidence based on the current clients being served now by the City (more than 1,000 families), likewise the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program,” the mayor stressed.
All for the children
As confirmed by Medina, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Vigan City’s Livelihood Program are focused all the more for the improved well-being of families and the development of children especially on their access to health and education.
“Kahit mahirap kung nakapag aral, at least may puhunan ka na [Even if poor but given the chance to study, there is human capital investment],” she explained.
“All the things that we do are for our children. We want to create a perfect community for the children, we may not be able to see it anymore, but if we prepare for them, they will reap whatever results of the things we do today, they will realize this in their future,” Medina further said.
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Jane, 39 (on wheel chair) and daughter Angel, 5 of Vigan City in their simple abode with their charcoal and wood stocks being sold as their source of income in addition to cash grants received. (DSWD photo)
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