Parent Leaders played an important role in the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. They lead their co-beneficiaries in conducting meetings, community assembly, monitoring the receipt and use of cash grants, attendance of household grantees in the community assemblies and family development sessions.

With their crucial function, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V is currently conducting a Skills Enhancement for Parent Leaders as Advocates of Pantawid Pamilya in Sto. Domingo, Legazpi City.

According to Training Specialist Archie T. Medoza, the training is conducted in three batches. A total of 70 parent leaders are trained from the first and second batches which were conducted last October 8-10, 2013 and October 15-17, 2013, respectively. Another 35 parent leaders will be trained in the third batch which will be conducted on October 22-24, 2013.

Said parent leaders comes from the six provinces of Bicol Region which are Catanduanes, Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.

During the training, lectures, workshops, role playing, film showing was conducted to effectively provide the participants with necessary skills to further perform their duties and responsibilities as leaders, partners and in advocating the program in their respective municipalities and cities.

Some of the topics discussed were about leadership, knowing his/her capacity as spokesperson, effective communication, dealing with the media, rules on effective writing, active citizenship, and convergence program.

Also, the participants are provided with tips on how to effectively promote and be the primary advocate of the program showcasing the positive impact to their lives.

A mock media interview was also conducted to participants to let them experience and provide them a technical know-how in dealing with the media.

“Dakula po ang naitabang kan programa sa pamilya at sa buhay ko. Bukod sa assistance sa pagklase kan mga aki ko, natawan ning marhay na salud ang sakuyang pamilya. Dahil sa mga trainings na inatinderan ko, dai na man ako natatakot maghampang sa mga tao at sabihon ang sakon nasasaloob, [The program helped my family a lot. It addressed not only in providing the educational needs of my children but also provides good health to my family. Due to the trainings I have attended, I am not also afraid in facing and dealing with a lot of people and voice out my opinion],” said Lynlyn M. Salcedo, parent leader of Brgy. Salog, Goa, Camarines Sur ***Glorei Allelu N. Lindio, Information Officer-Pantawid Pamilya