MOA Signing. Reigonal Director Arnel B. Garcia (center) together with representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol has renewed its partnership with two Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in support to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries through signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held during the First Quarterly Meeting with Partner Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at Fiesta Ballroom, Legazpi City, today, April 10.
The signing of the agreement was participated by DSWD Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia and two CSOs, namely, Ago General Hospital and Pambansang Kilusan ng Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA) Bicol. Ago General Hospital was represented by Ms. Remedios A. Lorilla while PAKISAMA Bicol was represented by its Coordinator Arnel Basquinas.
Under the agreement, the Ago General Hospital will implement the “No Balance Billing” scheme which would mean that 4Ps beneficiaries who are automatically qualified as Philhealth members, will no longer pay for any balance if they are discharged from the said medical facility.
According to Lorilla, it will be the government and the hospital or other institutions who will take care of the bills.
On the other hand, the PAKISAMA Bicol agreed to provide livelihood and entrepreneurial skills trainings to 4Ps beneficiaries. Also, they will help provide linkages for the beneficiaries to get a job or be employed in various institutions, organizations in the Region.
In addition, PAKISAMA Bicol will help in facilitating the conduct of Family Development Session (FDS). Some of the topics included for discussion are “Paghahanda sa Buhay Pamilya at Partisipasyon ng Pamilyang Pilipino sa Gawaing Pangkomunidad.”
The FDS is a monthly activity being conducted to beneficiaries of the Program. It is a venue for educational, interpersonal, interactive and adult learning engagement that aims to empower and strengthen the relationship and ties among family members and the community.
The renewal of partnership covers the 4Ps beneficiaries in the entire Bicol Region. Its duration shall be one (1) year commencing its effectivity and renewable upon the consensual agreement of the parties.
Regional Director Garcia, expressed his gratitude to CSOs for their full and continuous support in extending help and provision of assistance to vulnerable sectors and the poor.
Other CSOs were represented by Lydia B. Repuya of Sorsogon Integrated Health Services Foundation, Eduardo Tupas of Cebuana Lhuillier- Masbate, Mary Joy De La Cruz of JLO Big Heart Foundation, Erudita D. Madrid of Philippine Tuberculosis Society Incorporated, Steven Guinan of National Auxiliary Chaplaincy of the Philippines, Mary Jonelyn Ardales of Camalig Bank Foundation Incorporated, Alex Basabe of Universal Peace Federation, Raul B. Diata of Federation Associations for Communities and Children’s Empowerment Incorporated, Natividad A. Lanuza of International Holistic for Life and Progress Incorporated, Augustus P. Onturia of Kabalikat Civicom, Donsol Chapter, Rose Rivero of Philippine Red Cross, Erma H. Areola of Women’s Federation Incorporated, Pilar, Sorsogon.***GLindio,IO-4Ps.