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 dito sa Pulilan, sobrang swerte ko sa mga tao dito at sa ibayong suporta ng local government unit 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

Undersecretary Florita R. Villar welcomes the participants and guests during the PaskuJuan, a simultaneous nationwide holiday festival and bazaar held at the SM City Clark, Angeles City. Usec. Villar said that the event showcases the different projects of the beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). “Maraming salamat sa inyo sa patuloy na pakikisama at suporta sa mga programa ng ating pamahalaan,” she said in addressing the beneficiaries of the SLP and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

“Magsikap, Magtipid pag nag-uumpisa sa pangkabuhayang proyekto at ang mga gastusin ay di dapat sosobra sa kinikita.”
The couple believes that through perseverance and simple living, their family will overcome poverty. This is the story of their transformation from sheer poverty to improved quality of life.
Looking Back

The Reyes family belongs to the Set 3 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of Floridablanca, Pampanga in 2010. The family was however one of those tagged not enrolled resulting to non-subsidy for one (1) year. Upon completion of the requirements, they received retroactive payments of P15,000.00. Rizalita, 43, recalled that she cried with joy when she received the amount, “Nuon lang po ako nakahawak ng ganuong kalaking pera kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa pamahalaan sa tulong na ibinigay sa pamilya ko’’.

With the P15,000.00 cash grants on hand, the family prioritized the most important things which include the food and school supplies of their three children enrolled in the program; down payment of one motorcycle worth P3,400.00; and P6,000.00 as payment for the two Aetas whom they commissioned to plant ampalaya and string beans.

The family used the remaining P2,600.00 as capital in trading vegetables and charcoal from the upland areas to Guagua and Floridablanca public markets. After a month, they started harvesting the vegetables planted by the two Aetas which resulted to more sales and profit.

Rizalita recalled that the financial difficulty they had for a long time was their motivation for their hard work and for not spending any amount for unnecessary expenses.

Before their inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilya, Joseph Reyes, 45, worked as a farm laborer earning P200.00 a day during planting season and 4-5 sacks of rice during harvesting season. Rizalita used to do laundry jobs two or three times a week. Between planting and harvesting seasons, Joseph was jobless.

To cope with their basic needs, the family had to approach sari-sari store owners in the barangay for their daily food subsistence through credit basis. She said that they could hardly meet the educational expenses of their children especially during lean months of farming. “Life was so hard because of the rebuff we received from our relatives and neighbors whenever we tried to borrow money from them,” Rizalita lamented.

Their house is a one-room affair made of light materials, cogon and sawali. They sometimes experienced uncomfortable nights during rainy days because the strong rain would usually rouse them from sleep soaked with rain. They could not afford electricity so a lampara (improvised lamp) was all they had that time.

“We were a ‘nobody’ in the community because of our economic status. That’s why we felt very inferior and had to remain on the sidelines for so long,” Rizalita said.

Things took a turn for the better

With the income derived from our livelihood projects: planting rice to the agricultural lot pawned to us and the backyard piggery, we can now see positive changes in our living condition, Rizalita said. According to her, their monthly income now ranges from P30,000-40,000.00 and that they already finished paying the motorcycle with side car which they use in their business. Their second motorcycle, which is being used as school service for their children, is now on the second year of payment. “Our children are now comfortable in going to school because they don’t have to walk very far,” Rizalita said.

The construction of our three-bedroom house is now underway, Rizalita said with a happy note on her voice. Although their present dwelling is made of cogon and sawali, it is a far cry from the one they used to have, Rizalita
said. She recalled that during rainy days they experienced uncomfortable nights when the strong rain would usually rouse them from sleep and soaked with rain.

They could not afford electricity so a lampara (improvised lamp) was all they had that time. They can now afford to home appliances such as TV set and DVD player, electric fans, beds with mattresses, rice cooker and other small gadgets.

Rizalita added that she has gained confidence in dealing with people and can now express her ideas without fear of being rebuffed. She has to attribute this to the Family Development Sessions (FDS) and the trainings and seminars that she attended as a parent leader of the Pantawid Pamilya. As a result, she was elected as classroom secretary for her two sons enrolled in Grades IV and V. She is also one of the Barangay Health Workers in their community and was elected president of the Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SKA) because of her remarkable ideas during the Business Management Training (BMT) held in their town.

Meanwhile, Joseph personally attends to the agricultural lot pawned to them where they yield 30 sacks of palay every four months.
There is also a notable improvement in the health of their children because of the sufficient and nutritious food intake they have. Their academic standing in school has also improved, Rizalita proudly said.

Gains of the Sustainable Livelihood Program

In 2013, the family had also benefitted from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD which they invested (P10,000.00) in expanding their livelihood endeavor, cogon and buho trading. Rizalita said that they are getting an additional profit of P1,000.00 per week.

The couple who believes in the saying ‘save for the rainy days’ had opened a savings account after Rizalita’s attendance to the BMT. She was convinced on the importance of savings and had learned how to prioritize the needs of her family especially the education of her children.

Today the family earns more than enough for their basic needs. Rizalita has this lesson to impart to other beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya and Sustainable Livelihood Program: “Magsikap, magtipid pag nag-uumpisa sa pangkabuhayang proyekto at ang mga gastusin ay di dapat sosobra sa kinikita”. (SMU/SLP)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office III led the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) in a field visit in the province of Nueva Ecija. RAC representatives coming from agencies like DepEd, DOH, DILG, DTI, NEDA, POPCOM and DOLE have joined the Regional Project Management Office in visiting Carranglan.

Carranglan Mayor Mary B. Abad, who warmly welcomed the RAC visiting members, thanked the committee for visiting their municipality for the first time. Mayor Abad also recalled that before Pantawid Pamilya was implemented in Carranglan they were ranked as the poorest area in Nueva Ecija. A cultural presentation from Kalanguya tribe has been presented, the dance rituals are only performed in special occasions, like birthdays, weddings and even death.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Irene C. Crespo extended her gratitude to the staff and beneficiaries of the area and also acknowledged the effort of the RAC partners and the local government unit.

The RAC visiting members were divided into two groups and visited barangays Minuli and Capintalan to witness an actual Family Development Session.

In Capintalan, Riva Martin Felix taught her co-beneficiaries how to make a souvenir out of rock. Because of the abundance of rocks that they can pick beside the river, Riva said, “Lagi kasing nagpapa-project sa school ng mga bata kaya naisipan ko para may pera na magamit na pang-project yung mga anak namin.” Most of the souvenirs are raw materials from their surroundings like the rocks that they form to resemble a chair and dried gugo (a native tree that is extensively used for washing hair and hair tonics) were woven to form other products like baskets. The beneficiaries plan to sell each rock souvenir from 20-25 pesos.

Capintalan is in the boundary of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya where80 out of 121 beneficiaries are members of tribes of Kalanguya, Kankana-ay and Igorot. Based on the observation of the group, the beneficiaries are not fully-prepared about the topics on family planning and immunization. Ms. Tomasa Lirio, Regional Program Coordinator of Pantawid Pamilya reminded the partners that they need to be culturally sensitive in the discussion about topics like Family Planning. Ms. Lirio also encouraged the beneficiaries to comply with immunization because it will not only benefit their children but because it is one of the conditionalities of the program. The beneficiaries gave a positive response on this.

Testimonials from selected beneficiaries were also presented to the RAC. Celia Mariano nervously read her testimony, “Baka po kasi hindi ako makapagsalita sa inyo ngayon kaya isinulat ko po ang aking kwento.” Most of her testimony contained gratitude to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program saying “Malaki po ang naitulong ng Pantawid Pamilya sa aking Pamilya at natutunan ko na maaaring magpatingin sa health center. Sa mga pagdalo ko sa Family Development Session ay lalong lumawak ang aking natutunan at dito ay napag-aaralan kung papaano iaangat ang pamumuhay ng aming pamilya. Lalo akong nagpapasalamat dahil sa Pantawid Pamilya ay nakapasok sa DPWH ang aking asawa at sa patuloy na tulong na ibinibigay ninyo sa amin”.

In acknowledging the support of her municipal link Celia said, “Sa tulong po ng aming Municipal Link at Parent Leaders ay napakalaki ng aming natutunan. Labis-labis ang aking pasasalamat dahil nagpapakapagod kayo para matulungan kami”. ### (A.B. Castaneda)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office III led the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) in a field visit in the province of Nueva Ecija. RAC representatives coming from agencies like DepEd, DOH, DILG, DTI, NEDA, POPCOM and DOLE have joined the Regional Project Management Office in visiting Carranglan.

Carranglan Mayor Mary B. Abad, who warmly welcomed the RAC visiting members, thanked the committee for visiting their municipality for the first time. Mayor Abad also recalled that before Pantawid Pamilya was implemented in Carranglan they were ranked as the poorest area in Nueva Ecija. A cultural presentation from Kalanguya tribe has been presented, the dance rituals are only performed in special occasions, like birthdays, weddings and even death.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Irene C. Crespo extended her gratitude to the staff and beneficiaries of the area and also acknowledged the effort of the RAC partners and the local government unit.

The RAC visiting members were divided into two groups and visited barangays Minuli and Capintalan to witness an actual Family Development Session.

In Capintalan, Riva Martin Felix taught her co-beneficiaries how to make a souvenir out of rock. Because of the abundance of rocks that they can pick beside the river, Riva said, “Lagi kasing nagpapa-project sa school ng mga bata kaya naisipan ko para may pera na magamit na pang-project yung mga anak namin.” Most of the souvenirs are raw materials from their surroundings like the rocks that they form to resemble a chair and dried gugo (a native tree that is extensively used for washing hair and hair tonics) were woven to form other products like baskets. The beneficiaries plan to sell each rock souvenir from 20-25 pesos.

Capintalan is in the boundary of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya where80 out of 121 beneficiaries are members of tribes of Kalanguya, Kankana-ay and Igorot. Based on the observation of the group, the beneficiaries are not fully-prepared about the topics on family planning and immunization. Ms. Tomasa Lirio, Regional Program Coordinator of Pantawid Pamilya reminded the partners that they need to be culturally sensitive in the discussion about topics like Family Planning. Ms. Lirio also encouraged the beneficiaries to comply with immunization because it will not only benefit their children but because it is one of the conditionalities of the program. The beneficiaries gave a positive response on this.

Testimonials from selected beneficiaries were also presented to the RAC. Celia Mariano nervously read her testimony, “Baka po kasi hindi ako makapagsalita sa inyo ngayon kaya isinulat ko po ang aking kwento.” Most of her testimony contained gratitude to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program saying “Malaki po ang naitulong ng Pantawid Pamilya sa aking Pamilya at natutunan ko na maaaring magpatingin sa health center. Sa mga pagdalo ko sa Family Development Session ay lalong lumawak ang aking natutunan at dito ay napag-aaralan kung papaano iaangat ang pamumuhay ng aming pamilya. Lalo akong nagpapasalamat dahil sa Pantawid Pamilya ay nakapasok sa DPWH ang aking asawa at sa patuloy na tulong na ibinibigay ninyo sa amin”.

In acknowledging the support of her municipal link Celia said, “Sa tulong po ng aming Municipal Link at Parent Leaders ay napakalaki ng aming natutunan. Labis-labis ang aking pasasalamat dahil nagpapakapagod kayo para matulungan kami”. ### (A.B. Castaneda)

(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) The Department of Social Welfare and Development led the Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago!Regional Search for Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Children on September 16, 2014 in this city.

This is to encourage exemplary compliance of children to the conditionalities and co-responsibilities set by the program through recognition of those who excel in doing so and develop exemplary Pantawid Pamilya children beneficiaries as advocates of the program.

On its sixth year of implementation, Pantawid Pamilya expanded its coverage to children up to 18 years of age in order to further pursue the rights of the children and enable the program to contribute to the end of the inter-generational cycle of poverty, thus the launching of the Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago Campaign.
Also, in line with the national celebration of Children’s Month every October the search was conducted to be a part of the National Children’s Congress that aims to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and in nation-building. The search will also identify a pool of children advocates of the program.

Mr. Armont C. Pecina, Chief of the Institutional Development Division, who welcomed the guests and participants stressed, “Alam ko at alam nating lahat na ang layon sa ngayon ay pag-igtingin ang programa upang lalo pang umusbong ang bagong uri ng kabataan na taglay ang ugali at kakayahan na halaw sa pagpapanday ng programa.” He also challenged the audience by saying “Kapit-bisig nating iatang sa balikat ang pangarap sa bukas at tupdin any nakalaan para sa maayang hinaharap ng ating kabataan.”

Ten children from different provinces of Region III competed for the title of Grand Winner of the Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! Regional Search for Pantawid Pamilya Children. They performed their talents and were judged according to the criteria Kilos at Ugali (Behaviour and Practice), Talento (Talent), Talino at Talas ng Isip (Intelligence and Wit), Pakikilahok sa Komunidad at Eskwela (Community and School Participation), Tindig at Pormang Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! (Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! Presence and Appearance), each comprises of 20%.

The Provincial Operations Office of Tarlac bagged the top place represented by Regina N. Villarama followed by Pampanga’s representative Rose Ann S. Garung and Bulacan’s Hannah S. Breis.

Regina presented a sing and dance and drama portraying a life of a child who’s living in poverty. She also added “Hindi ko kasalanan na ako ay ipinanganak na mahirap pero magiging kasalanan ko kapag ako ay namatay na mahirap. Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! Salamat sa Pantawid Pamilya.” ### (Alexine Bianca Castaneda)

(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) The Department of Social Welfare and Development led the Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago!Regional Search for Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Children on September 16, 2014 in this city.

This is to encourage exemplary compliance of children to the conditionalities and co-responsibilities set by the program through recognition of those who excel in doing so and develop exemplary Pantawid Pamilya children beneficiaries as advocates of the program.

On its sixth year of implementation, Pantawid Pamilya expanded its coverage to children up to 18 years of age in order to further pursue the rights of the children and enable the program to contribute to the end of the inter-generational cycle of poverty, thus the launching of the Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago Campaign.

Also, in line with the national celebration of Children’s Month every October the search was conducted to be a part of the National Children’s Congress that aims to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and in nation-building. The search will also identify a pool of children advocates of the program.

Mr. Armont C. Pecina, Chief of the Institutional Development Division, who welcomed the guests and participants stressed, “Alam ko at alam nating lahat na ang layon sa ngayon ay pag-igtingin ang programa upang lalo pang umusbong ang bagong uri ng kabataan na taglay ang ugali at kakayahan na halaw sa pagpapanday ng programa.” He also challenged the audience by saying “Kapit-bisig nating iatang sa balikat ang pangarap sa bukas at tupdin any nakalaan para sa maayang hinaharap ng ating kabataan.”

Ten children from different provinces of Region III competed for the title of Grand Winner of the Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! Regional Search for Pantawid Pamilya Children. They performed their talents and were judged according to the criteria Kilos at Ugali (Behaviour and Practice), Talento (Talent), Talino at Talas ng Isip (Intelligence and Wit), Pakikilahok sa Komunidad at Eskwela (Community and School Participation), Tindig at Pormang Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! (Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! Presence and Appearance), each comprises of 20%.

The Provincial Operations Office of Tarlac bagged the top place represented by Regina N. Villarama followed by Pampanga’s representative Rose Ann S. Garung and Bulacan’s Hannah S. Breis.

Regina presented a sing and dance and drama portraying a life of a child who’s living in poverty. She also added “Hindi ko kasalanan na ako ay ipinanganak na mahirap pero magiging kasalanan ko kapag ako ay namatay na mahirap. Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago! Salamat sa Pantawid Pamilya.”

“Ang pag unlad ng Pamilya ay nangangailangan ng determinasyon, pagsisikap, pagsasakripisyo at pagkakaisa”. These are the words of wisdom from the head of the Lucas Family, George. He recalls the times when they used to live in a small barong barong in the distant sitio in Barangay Ditinagyan where life is really hard and everyday living is a sacrifice. The family radiated joy and contentment as they share their rich life experiences that have inspired them to be what they are at this moment.

“Nang dumating ang Pantawid Pamilya, unti unting nabuksan ang isip naming mag asawa na itaguyod ang aming pamilya at tulungan ang aming mga sarili sa pamamagitan ng ibayong pagsisikap”. Being a Barangay Councilor, Kuya George is certain that he cannot provide for his family with the small incentive that he receives. Enthused by his precious dream to create a good future for his children, he managed the awarded certificate of “stewardship” given to him by the Department of Agriculture to till the land and use the income as an additional earning of the family. Aside from this, he spent his free time in fishing while Ate Marina peddles the fish. Working in great stride is the battle cry of Lucas Family; coupled with hard work, perseverance and strong faith, Lucas Family had shown that they are an epitome of a simple living while connecting to the community from where they are a part. They have taken determined steps to assuage the family’s well-being and improve their living conditions.

Lucas Family demonstrates the values of embracing only what is essential, making it clear that sustainable progress is possible by healthy and simple living. In essence, one of the outstanding qualities of Lucas is the family’s spirituality shared by all members of the family. They can be seen to attend church service every Sunday paving the way for strengthened family values and cohesion. Life is hard, there is no doubt about it but Lucas Family remained steadfast in their faith that poverty is not terminal; instead, it is only a stopover. Motivated by the family’s thinking that the soundest way to escape from poverty is to come up with goals and ensuring that these are achieved by working together.

As the family’s foundation, George Lucas embodies qualities of a good husband, good father, good neighbour and good relative. Being elected as Barangay Councilor, Mr. Lucas performs his role well as a part of Barangay Council as attested by residents and community members. Since Barangay Ditinagyan is far from the town proper, getting there takes a lot of effort in terms of transportation and distance; hence, residents are prevented from going to and fro to access basic services such as health and basic commodities. Significantly, Mr. Lucas and family unveil a pure heart by generously allowing residents to use his own tractor for attending to the needs for transportation particularly in the event of health emergencies. People helped by Lucas Family cannot be undermined and counted signifying that the family is sincere and has a genuine spirit for helping other people in need.

As a father, Kuya George projects as a role model to his two sons. Proudly, Ate Marina shared that her husband is not engaged in any vice; therefore, their two sons have adapted and live with this value. On the other hand, Ate Marina, as a mother offers unconditional love by ensuring that her children are taken care of and their needs are well provided.
The children of Kuya George and Ate Marina have realized their parents dream by pursuing what their hearts wanted. The eldest, John Adrian, is currently working as a regular welder of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines in Subic, while Richard Renz is undergoing training at AFP, Joana Marie is studying at Aurora State College of Technology and Joana Lyn and Joana Jane are on high school.

Ate Marina as a Parent Leader is described by her group members as a leader who possesses a strong will and a clean heart. Her willingness to share her learnings and knowledge to her members are evident that it reflects how faithful the members comply with the conditionalities and how it affect their cash grant. Essentially, Ate Marina encourages her members to be involved in community works so as to show the community that Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are active citizens and responsive to the need for active participation.

Armed with the dream to escape from the plight of poverty, the couple have invested in their children by providing them with education and honing them to build their own dreams. In passing, Kuya George and Ate Marina wanted to inspire all Pantawid Pamilya families to be a role model family on their own way. They are passionate about their mantra that “if one is determined to achieve some really big goals, you have to fall in love with hard work,” which means that success comes from within self and the harvest of success comes after hard work and teamwork.