Regional Director Gemma B. Gabuya (center) formally starts her stint as the new regional director of DSWD Field Office III in a simple ceremony led by Undersecretary Florita R. Villar (3rd from left) on February 2, 2015. Prior to her new assignment, Director Gabuya heads the Policy Development and Planning at the DSWD Central Office. She was installed by Usec. Villar, who served as the Officer-in-Charge of the Field Office for five months after the mandatory retirement of former Regional Director Adelina S. Apostol on September 2014. Also in photo are the members of the Regional Management and Development Committee. (SMU)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office III (DSWD FO III) has spearheaded the “Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago” Dance Competition which was participated by staff from the seven provinces of the region and a representative from the DSWD Field Office III based staff.

Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago campaign is an information and empowerment campaign that communicates the stories of change in the lives of the beneficiaries of the programs and services of DSWD. The campaign aims to gain support from different stakeholders to help sustain the gains of the programs and services of the department. The Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago Dance Competition was launched for the internal staff of DSWD FO III to understand what is the campaign and be advocates of the DSWD programs and services.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Irene C. Crespo was glad that all provinces have participated in the event and she also reminded them to enjoy the competition and that it will serve as an exercise for them as they temporarily leave their work and dance for their respective provinces.

Each group must interpret the Kaya Ko ang Pagbabago jingle without altering the music and dance steps provided to them. Pampanga finished the competition as they have placed first followed by the Field Office III and Zambales. Capping the event was the flash mob joined by all the participants and other DSWD FO III staff at Walter Mart Pampanga. # (Alexine Bianca RdS.Castañeda)

DSWD Field Office III has initiated a Convergence Jingle Making Contest last December 16, 2014 which was joined by 4 Provincial Action Teams (PAT). It is a part of the campaign of the Social Marketing Unit to advocate about the Convergence Strategy of the department.

The campaign is based in the same theme as last family day’s “Pamilyang Pilipino para sa Pagbabago: TumatawidsaKaunlaran” which would also highlight the importance of health and education in the fight against poverty.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Irene C. Crespo welcomes the participants by congratulating them for accepting the challenge of making their own compositions and be the advocates of the department.She kiddingly said that the winner will represent the region for the national competition in 2016. She added that “Andito tayo dahil sa commitment and dedication upang kilalanin ang hidden talents.”

Magandang Bukas by PAT Aurora has bagged the first place, the message of the song brings hope to the people highlighting what are the services being provided by the government especially with DSWD’s Core Social Protection Programs. PAT Nueva Ecija’s Sagot Kita placed second while Bataan’s Pantawid Pamilya: Simula ngPagbabago and Zambales’ Lahat Makakaya have tied in the third place.#(Alexine Bianca RdS.Castañeda)

Magandang Bukas is the original composition made by Provincial Action Team Aurora in the Jingle Making Contest. The song brings the message of hope to the people who are in need and reminds them that the programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are present to help them see their bright future.

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