Ricky M. Decino has been the sole municipal link (ML) of Pulilan, Bulacan for two years. According to him he never expected that he would be part of the DSWD FO III family under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program as an ML and how he would fall in love with his work.
In sharing his experiences as the municipal link “Isipin mo halos 2,000 beneficiaries ang hawak ko dito sa Pulilan, hindi biro yun at nag-iisa lang ako.” he narrated, “Lahat na ata ng klase ng reklamo narinig ko na, lalo na kapag nagkakaproblema sila sa mga natatanggap nilang grants. Nakaka-stress pero Masaya ako na ako ang na-assign ditto sa Pulilan, sobrang swerte ko sa mga tao ditto at ibayung suporta ng LGU dito.”
He also shared his project Perasa Basura, wherein the beneficiaries try to bring kalakal (recycable junk) such as plastic bottles, tin cans and old newspapers to be traded to junk shops in exchange for money. Ricky then would distribute the money to his parent leaders. He gives his 60 parent leaders a 25 peso load monthly and also provides them fares for commuting. “Hindi kasi tulad ng ibang bayan ang Pulilan, bibihira ang jeep at yung area ng mga parent leaders ko ay malalayo kaya minsan pamasahe sa tricycle P90.00 at P180.00 balikan.”
Beneficiaries also have their coin banks. From January to June they have earned enough money that ranges from P500.oo to P1,000.00 to buy their children’s school supply. Starting from July, the beneficiaries are already saving for the upcoming noche buena celebration of their family. “Masarap isipin na hindi mo iintindihin yung mga beneficiaries mo kung may kinakain sila o wala habang ikaw ay kumakain ng pang-noche buena. At least, kahit magkakalayo kayo alam mo masaya din yung Pasko nila.” said Ricky.
Family Development Session (FDS) is one of the three conditionalities of the program which aims to educate, empower and nurture families on familial and parental responsibilities. It also enhances the skills for parenthood and educates them positive values and attitudes for a better community involvement.
During the FDS of the group, beneficiaries were given a sheet of cartolina, 5 strips of scotch tape and a marker to build their dream house. Most of them have built a simple house and told that they do not need something fanciful but want a home with a complete family with a harmonious relationship. According to Ricky, it is better to conduct a 2-hour FDS by making the lessons filled with learning and laughter because it is easier for his beneficiaries to remember and learn from their sessions.
At the end of the session Ricky and beneficiaries have declared that “Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago” as they continue to walk in their paths towards their fight against poverty. (Alexine Bianca RdS.Castañeda) 12.10.14
