Heroes. Modern heroes. A title given to Overseas Filipino Workers as they sacrifice in leaving their families in dreams of having a better life and a brighter future for their children. Not enough employment opportunities for poor household members who have not finished formal schooling is a common background for those who seek employment abroad. As they leave to foreign lands of foreign languages that they have yet to learn, the appeal to become Domestic Workers has been glamorized by movies despite the homesickness, heartaches, and fears faced by these individuals who brave through tears to put smiles on their families back home.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 foster partnership with work placement agencies through the Sustainable Livelihood Program who can facilitate employment for non-skilled Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. One of the many private partners is Placewell International Services Corporation. Through a series of Special Recruitment Activities in the different cities and municipalities of Region 10, many Pantawid household members applied for available jobs. A Pantawid household member in the municipality of Baroy, Lanao del Norte took a leap of faith in applying for work abroad. A mother of three children, Maribel Baquiller sets her sights in providing a better life for her family even if it means leaving them. She used to sell Filipino snack food items such as suman, bibingka, palitaw, and the likes for their daily needs which is proving to be challenging as the expenses are getting bigger as their children are growing. Maribel admits it is not enough even with her husband’s income from driving a motorcycle. “Sakit kayo malayo sa akong mga anak pero akong kayanon ang mga kamingaw ug kaguol para sa ilang kaugmaon (It is hard to be away from my children but I will bear the loneliness and worries for the sake of my children).”, says Maribel.

After processing her required papers and passing the interview, Maribel was sent to Saudi Arabia in 2016. Her first few days was filled with mixed emotions of homesickness, excitement of being in another country, and fear of the possibilities of being abused by her employers and co-workers. All of her fears and worries were allayed over time. Her respectful attitude and cooking skills helped earning her employer’s respect and generosity. She was showered with many gifts such as a laptop, cellphone, clothing, and household utensils that she was able to send back home aside from her monthly salary which is increasing every renewal of her contract.

Over time, her family’s well-being at home begin to improve. They can now afford for the schooling expenses of her children, have good food on their table, and the opportunity in building their dream home. Maribel is still serving her same employer and is looking towards a better future for her children in sight.

Maribel shares her learned wisdom in working abroad. “The message that I can share to everyone is that they can have the things they desire if they will just keep in mind that personal anguish, fear, and loneliness will be worth it the moment you see a smile and joy on your children’s faces. I thank God for this opportunity because I can say to myself that I can stand whatever trials I may face because I have now these skills that I can depend on.”

Story contributed by Franze Jemima Kesia Alcoran-Mapandi

Pundasyon ng kaunlaran ang edukasyon. Ang halaga nito’y kailanman ay hindi matutumbasan. Ito ang tanging kayamanan na pamana ng magulang sa kanyang anak. Ngunit, sadyang may mga balakid na sadyang sumusukat sa katatagan at sumusubok sa pagsisikap ng mga taong gustong  mag-aral.

Kadalasang balakid sa pag-aaral ay ang kakulangan ng pantustos ng mga magulang sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng kanilang mga anak. Ang mga harang na ito’y tila madaling mahawi para sa mga taong patuloy na tinatahak ang piniling daan kahit na  maraming unos at bagyo ang kanilang madadaanan. Sila ang nagsisilbing representasyon na walang imposible na bagay sa mundo. Lahat ay posible. 

Pangatlo sa pitong magkakapatid si Alejandrino Yator Jr. o Jun kung tawagin sa kanyang pamilya’t kaibigan. Maagang namulat sa kahirapan ng buhay.  Ang kanilang pamilya ay larawan ng isang tipikal na uri ng pamilya sa lipunan na tanging ang bumubuhay ay ang padre de pamilya.

Nagsasaka ang kanyang ama sa lupaing hindi naman sa kanila. Ito ang pinagkukunan nila ng ikabubuhay para lamang makatawid sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan.  Salat man sa karangyaan, hindi ito nagpapahina sa kalooban ng kanilang mga magulang na papag-aralin at supurtahan ang kanilang mga anak.

Nasa elementarya pa lamang si Jun nang natutong magtanim ng palay. Lahat silang magkakapatid ay katuwang ng kanilang ama sa pagsasaka. Kailangan nilang magtutulungan upang magapi ang lakas ng kahirapan.  Naging playground niya ang sakahan. Ang mga palay at kuhol, ang kanyang naging mga laruan at kalaro.

Nag-aaral siya sa Labo National High School noon nang sinubok ng kapalaran ang kanilang pamilya. Talagang kulang para sa kanilang pagkain ang kita ng kanilang ama kaya napilitan siyang huminto sa pag-aaral. Gustuhin man niyang tapusin ang haiskul ngunit kailangan muna niyang unahin ang kumakalam nilang sikmura. Dahil sa hirap ng buhay, dalawang beses siyang huminto sa pag-aaral. Umabot sa anim na taon ang kanyang ginugol para lamang makapagtapos ng haiskul.

Pagkatapos niyang makuha ang diploma sa haiskul, isinantabi muna niya ang kanyang mga pangarap. Pamilya ang kanyang inuuna.  “Mas pinili kong magtanim ng palay kaysa mag- aral. Buong araw akong nakabilad sa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ni haring araw, sa pagtulo ng aking pawis  kasabay din ang pagtulo ng aking mga luha. Walang araw na dumaan na hindi ko sinasabi sa sarili ko na hindi ako tatandang ganito”

 Sa oras ng pamamahinga, palaging sumagi sa kanyang isip ang natutulog niyang pangarap. Tinitimbang kung hahayaan na lamang matulog habambuhay o kailangan na niya itong pukawin. Buong lakas siyang nagpasyang gumising mula sa mahabang pagkahimbing. Bitbit ang lakas ng loob at determinasyon, iniwan niya ang buhay pagsasaka.

Batid niyang hindi maging madali ang daan patungo sa kanyang pangarap. Mga daan na katulad ng karamihang kalsada sa Pilipinas, maraming lubak-lubak at liko ngunit may mahaba pa rin at matuwid na pwedeng pagpipilian. 

Nagsisimula siyang mag-ipon upang maipagpatuloy ang kaniyang pag-aaral. Namasukan siya bilang isang taga- hugas ng sasakyan sa Route 88 Auto Spa. Tumagal siya ng isang taon sa pagtatrabaho doon hanggang sa nakilala niya ang isang Pari ng simbahang katoliko- si Fr. Sandy Cometa. Hinikayat siya nito na pumasok sa Seminaryo.

“Pahirapan daw ang buhay bilang isang Seminarista. Kailangan mong sundin lahat ng batas ng Seminaryo para hindi ka matanggal”. Sa Semnaryo siya nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral sa pribadong paaralan ng La Salle University. Minabuti niyang manirahan at mananatili dito kahit nahihirapan dahil nakikita niyang mas okey sa seminary kaysa nasa palayan siya,- maghapong nakayuko at maililibing nalang sa limot ang kanyang pangarap.

Tumagal ng apat na taon ang paninirahan niya sa seminary. Sa hindi niya maipaliwanag na dahilan, pinalabas siya ng mga pari. Walang paliwanag, walang paglilinaw. Basta na lamang siyang pinauwi sa kanila. Nakaramdam siya ng pagkabahala para sa kanyang pangarap. Naitanong niya sa kanyan sarili, Paano nalang ang mga pangarap ko? Babalik na naman ba ako sa pagtatanim ng palay?

Hindi niya sinukuan ang kanyang pangarap. Naging magulo man ito ng mga pangyayari ngunit hindi ito nakapagpatinag sa kanyang hangarin na maabot ang nag-iisang mithi ng buhay bagkus lalong nagpapatibay ito sa kanyang pagkatao.

Miyembro ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program o 4P’S ang pamilya ni Alejandro kaya ni refer namin  siya sa aming partner na Pribadong Ahensiya (Jolly Management Solutions).

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Nakapasok siya bilang service crew sa Jollibe Ozamiz. Minamabuti niyang ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral. Pinagsabay ang pag-aaral at trabaho. Ang kikitain niya dito ay para sa kanyang pag-aaral. Napakahirap! Puyat, pagod, galit mula sa boss, pagmumura mula sa mga customer,Lahat nang iyan ay buong puso niyang tiniis at hinarap. Tanging ang bumubuhay lamang sa kanya ay ang matinding damdamin na makatapos sa kolehiyo. Lahat ng disesyon, pokus ay para lamang sa pangarap. Hanggang sa natapos niya ang kursong Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy sa isang kilalang unibersidad ng Ozamiz.

Ngayon, isa na siyang ganap na guro at kasalukuyang nagtuturo sa Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology sa syudad ng Tangub.                   

Ang mga karanasan niya sa buhay ang humuhubog sa kanyang buhay ngayon. Itinuturing na lamang niya itong sahog na nagpadagdag sa lasa ng niluluto niyang buhay. Isa lang ang nais niyang iparting sa kanyang kwento, ang ibahaging huwag sukuan ang pangarap dahil kung magkaganoon ikaw ang talo.

Kwento at retrato mula ni Mark Mangubat, Project Development Officer II

“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston S. Churchill

Success is often paved with learnings from failures. To be able to stand up again takes huge amount for courage when faced by hopelessness. This is true to many and so is for C-50 Macanhan SLPA in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

28 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program household members were organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 through the Sustainable Livelihood Program in 2018 and received their seed capital fund worth Php 280,000.00 by April 2019 for their community store project. Then-elected President took upon herself to oversee the implementation and management of the store with the help of her family members. The officers and association members conducted an audit on the cash flow and stocks inventory noticing discrepancies even after validating the purchases from the supplier. The former President promised to pay the variance but failed to do so. The installment of a new Cashier only created conflict in the business that the store was eventually closed down. Left with low inventory and cash on-hand worth Php 90,073.29, the remaining members were disheartened on their project despite being motivated by their assigned SLP Project Development Officer in transferring their store.

One of the members, Glenda S. Langgamin, did not lose hope. Fuelled with courage in her heart, she felt that they can still make their project work with the money left rather than leaving it idle at their association’s bank account. She encouraged the members to give it one more try and this time doing it right. Another positive sign that came their way was when a commercial space became available. Rebuilding their association and business through broken trust was hard but the members cooperated with renewed belief. New set of officers were elected and capacitated themselves on how to properly record cash flow and inventory. Management of the store was divided among themselves with assigned cashier and assistant with alternating schedule so that there is check and balance. Despite this new system in place, majority of the original association members left with seven (7) members remaining, facing new challenges in agreeing to a manageable store operations schedule as they still have families to take care of. Motivated in not losing their store, the members were able to surpass this by having a more flexible store operation hours with commitment in seeing it become stable and profitable.

After a year, the association is doing well with cash on-hand of Php 96,238.29 and stocks worth Php 70,000.00. Their good performing sales enabled the remaining members to enjoy benefits such as a credit line, honorarium for those who who report on duty in managing the store, and increased their confidence and resiliency after the great challenge they overcame.

The members reflect in the values of cooperation, working together for the common good, discipline, and unity through sacrifices and prayers that helped them grow strong from their challenges. Their unified faith will surely help their association and business see through future challenges.

We hope that their story will inspire everyone to have patience in achieving success in every endeavor we may have.

Story and photos courtesy of Leilani W. Mantuhac, Project Development Officer II

Many establishments are greatly affected with the ongoing health pandemic. Small enterprises are among the badly hit as they have exhausted reserved resources during the lockdown. After the lift of the lockdown, many stores were not able to operate again.

But for All Rice SLPA at Brgy. Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, their Community Store has to work through the lockdown and face many challenges like restrictions as they serve their Indigenous People (IP) community situated in a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA).

The SLPA adapted the health protocols for COVID – 19 pandemic prevention such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing, but one notable initiative they did was installation of a wash area outside of their store where the customers could wash their hands; and plastic cellophanes were placed within their vicinity. The need for balance with economic needs and health safety would depend on the precautions set by local authorities and compliance of establishments. The association officers have taken these initiatives into themselves so that they can continue operating and serving their community.

Their project has been operational for almost two (2) years already and have been growing ever since they opened up. It was originally a rice retailing store which was then expanded into a community store.

Composed of 40 members from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, 21 of the association members are members of the Matsulog tribe. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 has always been prioritizing the marginalized and vulnerable in its programs and services. These identified groups, especially if they belong to poor households, are provided with opportunities to increase their earning capacities in becoming self-sufficient families. Their adaptation to new technologies and health safety measures ensures that IP communities continue to thrive in the modern world.

This Global Handwashing Day, we put great emphasis on the general public the importance to wash their hands with soap properly (at least 20 seconds) and frequently, especially during this pandemic. We can only end this with the cooperation of every individual. More important so the proper wearing of face masks, observance of physical distancing, and to stay at home except for essential errands.

May All Rice SLPA serve as a good example for all other SLP projects when it comes to hygiene promotion and disaster responsiveness.

Story and photos contributed by Ivanne Jay Zafra, Project Development Officer II

Bubong, Lanao del Sur – Noronisa Mama cuddles her eight-month old baby for checking by local health officials, who visited her house in this second class municipality in Lanao del Sur.

It was a house-to-house visit of the team from Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUn) Project in coordination with the barangay and the town’s health officials.

Noronisa’s daughter, Janima Monaim, looks moderately thin in her Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), a manifestation that the child is malnourished.

MUAC is the circumference of the left upper arm, measured at the mid-point between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow (olecranon process and the acromion). It is used for the assessment of nutritional status.

Also, it is a good predictor of mortality and in many studies.

Norosa regularly breastfeed Janima.

Similar situations like Janima’s are reportedly prevalent among children in this municipality of Lanao del Sur, the very reason why BangUn Project was conceptualized during the 5th Cabinet Meeting in August 2016. 

The DSWD Field Office 10 workers conducts home visits to families with undernourished children daily.

Despite the province of Lanao del Sur belongs to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao; DSWD Field Office 10 manages the implementation of BangUn Project in this town.

The project aims to reduce the vulnerabilities of the children from hunger and malnutrition in this town.

The feeding program provides two hot meals for 180 feeding days. The target beneficiaries are 5,000 children 0-12 years old and pregnant/lactating women (PLW).

This second week of September, the BangUn staff start the identification of the baseline nutrition assessment of each child aged four years and below. They also assess the PLW using the MUAC Tape. Meanwhile, the staff measure the height and weight of the children aged 5-12 years old.

Mayor Usoph B. Munder of this municipality is happy to see the target families doing its share by following the advice of the nutritionist and dietitians.

Mayor Munder hopes the project will improve the nutritional status of malnourished children here.

“We fully support this project for the benefit of our children,” he said.

The feeding will start in the second week of October.

In consideration to the existing health protocols such as social distancing and mass gathering, the staff decide to prepare the food in a community kitchen and pack the meal for house-to-house distribution.

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Bukidnon has a long history of internal armed conflict. From tribal wars to insurgents, this lush land of forests and agriculture is scarred with violence. Consequently, one factor contributing to such armed violence is poverty. Government services are not accessible due to factors like road conditions and distance, available resources, such as financial and physical assets, and most importantly, education.

Depriving poor communities from access to their basic rights make the Indigenous People vulnerable to joining militants. Yet not everything stays the same forever. One barangay in the Municipality of Quezon, Province of Bukidnon is about to experience change and, soon, peace.

Sitio Gamut of Barangay Sta. Filomena is considered the farthest community in Quezon. 24 kilometers from downtown with approximately 400 households, the area is mostly inhabited by the Manobo-Pulangihon tribe people. They are traditional farmers who lack new technology for post-farming activities such as shellers and haulers to augment the market value of their produce like corn and coffee.

They lack the capital to buy the necessary machinery. Saving money is a luxury they cannot afford to do as they need every cent earned for their daily needs.

With the introduction of a Sustainable Livelihood Program’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (SLP Pamana) project to their community, the locals have reckoned the idea that things are about to change for them. The group of farmers with 30 members has been organized into an SLP Association which adapted the name Barangay Farmers Tribe Group Pamana SLPA.

To aid the association in their farming activities and increase their production rate, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process have provided the association with corn sheller and coffee dehauler.

The said project is one of the government’s programs to strengthen peace-building, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. Notably, it is not only the association who will benefit from the said project but the whole community as well.  

Looking forward to the improvement of their income through the provision of the much-needed service, the members of Barangay Farmers Tribe Group Pamana SLPA likewise hope to achieve peace through productivity and socio-economic growth as they soon harvest their valuable grains of corn and coffee.

Cagayan de Oro City — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) recently conferred the 2016 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees (Dangal ng Bayan) Award to Sonia Ipang, Social Welfare Officer III of DSWD Field Office 10 and the head of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Gingoog City, in a ceremony held in Heroes Hall of Malacanang.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, CSC Chair Alice Bala, and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales bestowed the award to Ipang. She also received the gold gilded trophy and P200,000 cash from the Central Bank of the Philippines.

As an awardee, Ipang will be automatically promoted to a one step higher rank as per provision under the Republic Act 6713, an act establishing a code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, to uphold the time-honored principle of public office being a public trust, granting incentives and rewards for exemplary service, enumerating prohibited acts and transactions and providing penalities for violation thereof and for other purposes.

The Dangal ng Bayan Award is conferred by the CSC to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of his/her observance of the eight norms of behavior provided for under RA 6713: commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living.

DSWD Field Office 10 Regional Director, Nestor B. Ramos, said the recognition of Ipang serves as an inspiration to all workers of DSWD in Northern Mindanao.

“She is the pride of DSWD and Northern Mindanao. I hope workers will emulate her great dedication and commitment to our agency, clientele, and country,” said Ramos.

Ipang received the award for her passion and diligence in taking care of the children in conflict with the law (CICL). Under her watch, the RRCY in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental taught residents to become more responsible through engagement in livelihood opportunities such as crafts making and backyard farming, and activities such as sports fests and educational trips.

Compassion, care, and dignity

Child protection is an important part of the work of a staff of the RRCY. That is why implementing child protection programs are now strictly observed inside the center. With this, Miss Ipang, as a social worker, ensured that vulnerable children are protected, to the best of her ability, wherever they are.

Free from discrimination, she treated the CICLs with compassion, care, dignity, and understanding who are undergoing rehabilitation inside the DSWD-run center.

To address issues and concerns RRCY were facing, Ipang implemented some programs at the center and made it to a point to all her colleagues that they are working as a team. She advocates for improved laws, policies, and systems in the center to realize and achieve the goal of RRCY which is the rehabilitation of clients.

This happened when Ipang was sent to a training in Cebu on Therapeutic Community. She applied her learnings from the training and re-echoed all her learnings to her co-workers through an orientation. This paved the way for the implementation of programs and services at the center which involved both staff and clients. Such implementation is geared towards improving and changing the atmosphere of the center and the rehabilitation efforts as well.

She amplified the implementation with the several learnings from trainings she attended relative to handling difficult behavior of the CICLs. This resulted in the gradual improvement of the behavior of the children clients inside the center. Each client embraced the changes, thereby making them believers of peace, love, and understanding. There are no more reported conflicts among clients within the center.

The continuous pursuit of excellent performance is Ipang’s mantra in serving the clients at the center. As it is, she was promoted as center head in 2004 and assumed office in 2005. Her first month was quite difficult.

As a newly-hired center head, for a while, she performed two functions: a center head and a case manager/social worker since the social worker position was vacant at that time and filling up the position was still on screening process. Her multi-tasking performance declined when DSWD hired another social worker in 2007.

With her expertise, all problems and difficult situations arising and encountered by the staff and by the center were addressed. Change has come, from being unattractive, offensive, and dilapidated buildings of the center to becoming a Center of Excellence after passing and maintaining the accreditation of the Standards Bureau of DSWD. As Level III accredited center, RRCY has become a world standard in providing rehabilitation to CICLs.

The Protective Services Unit of DSWD which directs and manages center heads are well aware of the personal contributions of Ipang in making the center free from children’s conflicts, vandalism, and vices among CICLs.

Rosemarie Conde, PSU head, disclosed that Ipang would immediately find solutions and resolve complex problems, a rare and enviable ability in center heads now.

“She always innovates and closely work with her colleagues, inspiring and encouraging them to work as a team. She has greatly contributed to the development of the center and the total rehabilitation of the children as a center head and as a mother to all in the center,” added Conde.

The mother image resonates throughout the center that resulted in more productive and valuable clients. One of the examples is the client Rustie Quintana. Quintana, after undergoing formation and rehabilitation at the center was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Youth of the Philippines. No less than the former President Benigno S. Aquino III handed the award to Mr. Quintana.

Committed and dedicated

For the last three years, there have been significant transformations of RRCY under the leadership of Ipang. Her hardwork and perseverance in running the center of DSWD has been enormous that DSWD officials, through former Regional Director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo and current RD Nestor Briones Ramos, exerted and all out support to the programs and services implemented at RRCY.

From the dilapidated building to new and more buildings, Ipang commits to giving excellent service to the clients. She also repaired and renovated some RRCY facilities and amenities to pave the way for a conducive rehabilitation center for CICLs. This include the construction of as new building which now serves as the administration building of the center, making the homelife area safe and spacious for the residents to live in,  completing the guest house.

The extension area of the administration building now serves as the venue for learning like the conduct of skills training, lectures, meetings, and many other purposes.

Based on PSU’s observation, RRCY has tremendously evolved from a mere stop-over of CICLs to a world class rehabilitation center. Ipang has contributed  to the over- all impact of the center’s  operation and achievement as Level III accredited center.

Resource Generation

Ipang mobilized resources for the completion of the second floor of the administration building. The Department of Public Works and Highways based in Gingoog City pledged for its construction and completion of a building, involving the total amount of P2 million. She has inked a memorandum of understanding for its completion.

In addition, DSWD hired good and competent staff assigned at the center that complements Ipang’s quest for transformation of the center and processing the lives of the residents. They comprise the team in providing wholistic approach to the residents.

They still use and apply the therapeutic community and milleu therapy as part of the approaches of the staff in dealing the multi-faceted problems of the residents. These approaches have contributed to the zero to two percent performance as far as abscondence of wards is concerned. Abscondence is an act of clients of the center leaving without permission. This is a clear indication that residents have been enjoying the quality of care bestowed upon them by the staff, thereby making them comfortable, safe, and secured.

Recognition and commendation

RRCY under Ipang’s received commendations from DSWD Central Office for attaining the highest standard of accreditation, the Level Three (3) or as a center of excellence. The said accreditation was made in December 2015.

The commitment for excellent service to the clients never ends with the recognition and honor received. Ipang and the rest of the staff maintained the level of excellence. In November 2016, The Standards Bureau of DSWD monitored and assessed the recent operation of RRCY and it found out that the center has maintained it world class quality of service and programs to the clients.

“The strong leadership of Ipang is evident and this could be attributed to her over-all performance as the center manager, garnering an outstanding performance over and above other centers/ facilities run and managed by DSWD Field Office 10,” said Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Manuel M. Borres.

Borres added that RRCY-10 stands as one of the most  prestigious centers in the Philippines, a facility which can be called a social laboratory where private organizations, non-governmental organizations and government organizations will look upon for possible replication.

Moreover, case management process and records keeping are well-organized and monitored. The intervention program of each resident is based on their psycho-social needs thereby rehabilitation of CICLs admitted in the facility.

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“Ang Kalahi-CIDSS maayo kini kay ang isig-katawo sa barangay mu-cooperate gyud ug magpakabana, kung matapok ang katawhan – there is strength (Kalahi-CIDSS is good because it makes the people in the barangay cooperate and care, if the community gathers – there is strength)”

The driving force that Thelma C Paalisbo, 48, from Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, has to keep on moving forward in life is dedication, hard work, service for others.

“Sa una, sa gawas ko nagtrabaho, 23 years I joined in a mission outside the Philippines. 10 years mag-raise mi og kwarta para makasuporta sa mission, pagbalik nko diri sa Pinas, nakahunahuna pud ko nga magtrabaho diri o magserbisyo sa komunidad (I worked abroad for 23 years, I joined in a mission outside the Philippines. 10 years we raised money to support the mission, when I returned home, I thought of working here and serve the community)” Thelma said.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Community Empowerment Facilitator Glenn Uranus Alcoran describes Thelma as a strong-minded woman. “If she knows she is right you cannot change her mind” continues Alcoran.

 

Libertad and the Community-Driven Development

The Community-Driven Development (CDD) concept in the Philippines is implemented through the DSWD’s Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP)

Thelma narrates how the Kalahi-CIDSS’ community sub-projects helped their barangay and neighboring communities since 2011.

“Sa PAMANA namo nga project, sa among barangay mabalitok gyud ang mga motor sa una – 2011 nakatabang gyud tag dako ang atong proyekto nga farm-to-market road, karon naa na ang dalan, hamugaway na ang mga magbiyahe ug magdala sa ilang mga produkto ngadto sa merkado (In the PAMANA project, in our barangay – motorcycles would always meet accidents – in 2011, our farm-to-market road project really helped, now the road is there, traveling through the barangay is now smooth and they can bring their farm products to the market)” enthused Thelma.

PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) is the national government’s convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind.

Thelma says “as a volunteer sa procurement team, you need to find for yourself para pamilite, mangita gyud mi og paagi para makapanganvas. Makatabang man gyud ni (Kalahi-CIDSS), pareha anang eskwelahan nga ang gi-fund sa Australia, mapasalamaton kaayo ko nga naay nag fund, kay diri sa Barangay Libertad – ang mga eskwelahan puros daghan guba, paagi aning among gitukod nga eskwelahan, ang mga bata diri karon ug sa uaabot nga panahon makagamit pa ani nga mga classrooms  (as a volunteer in the procurement team, you need to find for yourself some money for fare, you need to find ways just to canvas for supplies and materials, Kalahi-CIDSS really helps, just like school we built from the Australia funding, I am thankful for the funding because here in Barangay Libertad – the schools are damaged. With this school we built, children now and the next generations can use this).”

In 2015, the community volunteers of Barangay Libertad successfully implemented the construction of a 1 Unit – 2 Classroom School Building funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade/AustraliaAid (DFAT/AusAID) with a total project cost of Php 1,899,342.00.

“Nalipay ang komudidad kay naa nay eskwelahan diri nga tarong, nagtinabangay gyud ang mga katawhan aron matapos gyud ang proyekto, kung adunay mga buluhaton sa komunidad, karon nakahibalo gyud ang tanan kung nay mga aktibidades sa barangay (The community is happy that a school building is already in place, the community really worked together for this, now everybody knows all the activities we have in the barangay)” Thelma said.

The implementations in the Municipality of Kolambugan, of course, also had their share of struggles. “Only minor struggles, no major struggles experienced since the local government units are very supportive in the implementation of the program, the only struggle we had was dealing with the different behaviors of the community volunteers that sometimes would lead to less desirable scenarios, however, this was resolved through close coordination with them, monitoring and supervision with regular meetings to report updates and discuss issues and concerns with them” DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS Area Coordinator Carolyn Caw-it says.

Thelma adds “sa construction, nakita nako nga kung maayo ang budget sa proyekto, makapalit gyud ka og de kaldidad nga materyales para ang building pud malig-on, kung barat ang materyales dili gyud lig-on (in the construction, I see that if we have a very good budget, we can purchase quality construction materials for a strong building, if the materials are substandard it’s not strong).”

 

Volunteers as Partners for Change

Thelma sees volunteerism as a catalyst for change; she sees this first hand in her daily activities with her fellow volunteers in Libertad. “Nausab gyud ang kinaiya sa mga tawo, diri nako nakita nga kung ang komunidad magkahiusa dali ra ang trabaho, nakita pud nako ang kooperasyon sa komunidad, ug ang sa working team namo maayo – maayo pud ang resulta, dili gubot (the attitude of the community changed, I saw that if the community will work together – the work is easy, I also saw the cooperation of the community, and the working team is good – the results are also good and orderly).”

Thelma also expressed her thanks on behalf of her fellow volunteers, “mapasalamaton gyud mi aning mga proyekto, nalipay gyud ang katawhan diri sa among barangay kai niabot ang Kalahi-CIDSS, kung wala ni miabot, walay siguro’y mahitabo nga kalamboan. Maayo usab ang CDD kai diri nato makita nga gatinabangay gyud ang mga katawhan sa komunidad ug gapakabana alang sa isig-katawo (we are really thankful for these projects, the people in our barangay are really happy that Kalahi-CIDSS is here, if not for this, there could not have been any progress here. CDD is good since it is through this that we see the people help each other in the community and cares for each other).”

“I’m happy serving my country and the people around. I hope nga naa pay daghan proyekto para sa Barangay Libertad ug sa katibuk-an sa munisipyo (I’m happy serving my country and the people around. I hope that there will be more projects for Barangay Libertad and the whole municipality)” Thelma concludes.

The community volunteers of Barangay Libertad are currently facilitating the construction of a 100 Linear Meter Seawall with a total project cost of Php 2,471,263.00 from the Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP 2015-2016 cycle.

Written by Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy, DSWD