Legazpi City-The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) opens the Cabanbanan Bigasang Barangay at P-3 Brgy. Cabanbanan San Vicente Camarines Norte last March 1, 2019.

Present in the activity was the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) /Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) Representatives and DSWD employees.

The project was under Microenterprise Development-Seed Capital Fund (MD-SCF) of SLP. A total of Php100,000.00 under 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA) was allocated for the said project with 10 members.

SLP is a community-based capacity building program that aims to improve the socioeconomic condition of the participants. It facilitates interventions that expand the livelihood asset base of the participants (human, social, physical, natural, and financial capital) so they may either have gainful employment or successfully manage a microenterprise.

MD Track focuses on starting, expanding or rehabilitating micro-enterprises, activities. This track includes entrepreneurship, technical – vocational and soft skills training.

Moreover, SCF is a capacity-building grant given to eligible SLP participants to finance the initial operations of their enterprise/s. It provides the participants with financial capital to be able to establish and manage their sustainable microenterprise/s, which should provide a stable source of income.

Based on the conducted project identification, the participants chose the rice retailing business since their barangay has a big number of population and rice is one of the basic commodities in the village so the Cabanbanan Association decided to build their own business wherein its residents are forecasted to buy rice in the said store most especially the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) families receiving rice subsidy.

On the other hand, the BLGU/MLGU will secure to assist the participants in securing the registration, other pertinent licenses such as barangay, mayors and retailer permit necessary for their microenterprise to officially and legally recognize the operations of the microenterprise. And, through the guidance of the DSWD, Cabanbanan Association will also undergo accreditation as beneficiary Civil Society Organization.

“Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat dahil kami ang napili upang mabigyan ng pondo para sa ninanais naming bigasan project (We are very thankful for giving us fund to start our rice retailing business),” Association President Biberlyn Paming said.

“Pinapangako ko at ng aking mga kagrupo na gagawin naming ang lahat upang ito ay lumago at nangangakongsusunod sa mga patakaran ng SLP at mag-iimpok buwan-buwan. Pagbubutihin din naming ang mga pamamalakad ng nasabing tindahan, magiging matapat sa lahat ng oras para masuportahan ang aming pamilya (We promised that we will do our best to make our business successful. We will strictly follow the rules stated in our group constitution and bylaws in order to support our family),” she added. #PRNPOJ03/07/2019

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Legazpi City- 13 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) from Mobo, Masbate received a total amount of Php 4,605,000.00 of livelihood fund through Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) last March 1, 2019.

The turnover of funds was attended by DSWD employees, Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) representatives, and program participants.

The following SLPAs who received the funds will engage into,

The project was under the Micro-development track (MD)- Seed Capital Fund (SCF) under 2018 SLP General Appropriations Act (GAA).

MD Track focuses on starting, expanding or rehabilitating micro-enterprises, activities. This track includes entrepreneurship, technical – vocational and soft skills training.

Moreover, SCF is a capacity-building grant given to eligible SLP participants to finance the initial operations of their enterprise/s. It provides the participants with financial capital to be able to establish and manage their sustainable microenterprise/s, which should provide a stable source of income.

Before the project implementation program participants undergone training conducted by SLP to prepare the program participants to the livelihood, they choose to manage.

LGU Mobo also expressed their support to the SLP projects implemented in their municipality through continuous technical assistance and monitoring of projects with the help and coordination with DSWD-SLP.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa DSWD-SLP dahil nabigyan ako ng oportunidda na magkaroon kami ng hanapbuhay at capital sa maing negosyo. Kahit na hindi madali ang proseso, kami ay nagtiyaga para makamit naming ito,” (I am grateful to DSWD-SLP because I have been given the opportunity to have a means of livelihood, and for providing capital to our association’s chosen enterprise. Despite the challenges in putting up this enterprise we (members of the association) persevere to achieve our goals.) Leny F. Danao, President of Bagacay Faram Products Consolidator SLPA said.

Ngayong natanggap na namin ang aming puhunan kami ay magsusumikap na palaguin ito.”, (Now that we have received our capital, we are determined to grow and expand our enterprise.), she added. #PRNPOJ03/07/2019

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Katarina Machtemes (lower, center), a Filipina, now living in Germany as a phramacy aide. She was one of the children placed for adoption in 1995 by DSWD from its Reception and Study Center (RSCC).

Katarina Machtemes found the cure to fill the gaps in her life. But she endured the wounds that molded her today.

One of the punitive moments for her was when she was abandoned by her mother in 1994 who left her at a DSWD office in Daet, Camarines Norte. Katarina, who was four at that time, was then brought to DSWD Reception and Study Center (RSCC) in Legazpi City that gave her the temporary care.

In this difficult time, she slowly recovered from the distress because of the people who showed love and compassion.

According to Katarina, the social workers at RSCC described her as a cheerful child who wants to be cuddled all the time. Their arms served as a refuge to a lost child that longed for a family.

After a year of staying in the Center, Katarina was blessed with a family who gave her not only a permanent home but unconditional love. Through intercountry adoption, she met and lived with them in Germany.

“Though I’m not the only child in the family, I experienced being loved and accepted wholeheartedly,” she said.

Katarina also said that she did not feel any hint of pity being an adopted child because her new family nurtured and helped her reach her dreams. Her siblings were ready to help and support her aspirations.

“I never felt scared or doubted my capacity,” she added.

Moreover, she took Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and currently working as a pharmacy aide at one of the drugstores in Germany.

Katarina thought things are working well for her, however, her adoptive parents struggled with their marriage that led to their separation.

Her siblings got their own families as well that incited for Katarina to look for her biological parents in the Philippines.

“I felt the desire to look and meet my family in the Philippines when I started to feel that there’s something missing,” she said.

She started to ask questions like what does her family looks like; are they still looking and thinking of her; what’s their condition now.

Her boyfriend arranged her motherland tour in 2016. Finally, she was able to fly to the Philippines.

Katarina felt a sense of belongingness and extreme joy when she saw her fellow countrymen.

Her adoptive brother who is also a Filipino accompanied her to meet and look for her family.

She met her relatives but not her biological mother. However, she was happy to hear stories about her as a child and her mom.

“For unknown reason, I felt relieved on what I heard from them. I am hopeful to meet my biological mom the very soon I get back again to the Philippines,” Katarina said.

Moreover, she was grateful to meet the people behind RSCC who introduced her to the life she has now.

“They were adorable, accommodating and approachable. They assisted me all throughout my motherland tour and made it a successful one,” she said.

Katarina was more than thankful that she was one of those children placed under the care of the center rather than living on the streets with full of uncertainties.

Despite of the doubt and all the wounds she withstood through time, Katarina was able to find the cure in her emptiness.

“I am more than complete and would always want to thank all the people who helped me to grow into an independent person,” she said.

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Bula town approved the ordinance that institutionalizes the Municipal Talakayan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS) being the fourth municipality in Bicol Region to adopt such activity.

The Municipal Talakayan is an evaluation tool which has been designed as face-to-face interaction with the people and government to discuss the overall development of municipalities being assisted by DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS.

Since the evaluation was proven effective in achieving government transparency and accountability, the local government unit (LGU) accepted Talakayan as their annual activity that shall be done on the 3^rd day of April coinciding the founding anniversary of the town.

Based on the ordinance, the LGU shall provide the development status on governance, poverty reduction and people empowerment.

An initial budget of Php500,000.00 will be allocated and an increment of 20% every other year for the implementation of the activity.

According to Glenn Genio, municipal councilor and author of Municipal Talakayan Ordinance, an LGU is effective if people are included in discussing the development and direction of the municipality.

“Itong Talakayan ay magiging basehan ng local government para sa susunod na badyet kung saan tatanunging at kokonsultahin ang lahat na sektor sa ganitong paraan mas binubuhay nito ang people empowerment (This activity will be the basis of the local government for the next budgeting where people from various sectors will be asked or consulted in this way, stimulating people empowerment),” he explained.

Other LGUs that adopted Municipal Talakayan are Viga in Catanduanes, Gainza and Ragay in Camarines Sur.

INSTITUTIONALIZING COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT (CDD)

For Mary Ruth Parro, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), the local government have decided to institutionalize Talakayan considering DSWD Kalahi-CIDSS is about to end this 2019 and the beauty of the process.

Parro explained that one of the benefits of CDD Institutionalization is the effectiveness of programs coming from the needs of the people.

“For a long time, the national government even the local government are implementing programs and plans that are detached from the real need of the people because of CDD, it is better if people themselves will voice out their needs, identify the possible solutions and are part in the implementation and monitoring of the operations of the project,” she said.

The MPDC also added that government officials need to work hard to include people in everything they are doing in the local government with the help of the national government. /ramsertan/

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Legazpi City—DSWD FO V is now accepting application for its Government Internship Program (GIP) with 80 available slots until March 13, 2019.

The selection of the qualified applicants will be based on the following: a) 18-25 years old; b) Educational background (High School graduates, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Certificate holders, Alternative Learning System (ALS) certificate holders, incoming first to fourth year college students for school year 2019-2020; c) in good health condition; d) monthly family income not more than Php8,022.00; e) Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) member; f) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary or Listahanan-identified poor.

Listahanan is an information management system that aims to establish a database of poor households that serve as basis in prioritizing the poor as beneficiaries of social protection programs while 4Ps is a human development measure of national government providing conditional cash grants to poor families to improve the health, nutrition and education of children aged 0-18.

Interested persons must fill-out the GIP application form available at Protective Services Unit (PSU) of DSWD Field Office V or coordinate with the Youth Service Provider at the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs). They must submit photocopy of birth certificate, most recent school registration form or certification from the school indicating the recent year/semester of the applicant’s school attendance, photocopy of income tax return (ITR) of parent/guardian or Barangay Certificate of Indigence and medical certificate indicating that the applicant is fit to work.

All requirements must be submitted before March 13, 2019 to the Protective Services Unit (PSU) personnel at DSWD Field Office V, Buraguis, Legazpi City or look for the PYAP Youth Service Provider at LSWDOs.

Incomplete documents will be disqualified. Only applicants who passed the screening process will be notified through text or phone call.

Moreover, there will be an orientation to GIP qualifiers on April 5, 2019 in Legazpi City (venue to be determined).

Each GIP beneficiary will receive a total stipend of PhP6,862.50 or 75% of the regional daily minimum wage rate of PhP228.27.

The duration of GIP is good for 30 working days only. It will begin on April 15, 2019 until May 29, 2019 but may be extended if there are official holidays or celebrations. The GIP evaluation is scheduled on June 5, 2019.

The GIP’s will be deployed at the DSWD Field Office V and local government units (LGUs) implementing PYAP.

Queries can be sent to the DSWD Youth Focal Person Ms. Kathe Sabdao through her mobile number: 09121160438.

The GIP is implemented by the DSWD in its regional offices. It is one of the components of the Kabataan 2000 program of the government. It aims to provide in-school youths and out-of-school youths an opportunity to learn about the government and develop skills with hands-on experience to work in the government, which they can use if they decide to join public service in the future.

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DSWD Field Office V Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia with the Provincial Local Government of Albay joins the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) Building in Oas, Albay.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) was conducted yesterday with key officials from the Albay local governments and DSWD Field Office V.

The RRCY of DSWD Field Office V will transfer to a bigger facility at Brgy. San Vicente, Oas, Albay once the new building is completed. This is through the partnership of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Albay and DSWD.

“We would like to thank the PLGU of Albay through the leadership of Gov. Al Francis Bichara because we will transfer the RRCY to a convenient location,” DSWD Dir. Arnel Garcia said.

Furthermore, Gov. Bichara said that the PLGU is open to any future partnerships with DSWD to support the enhanced delivery of social services to its target clientele.

The new RRCY building under phase 1 construction is expected to be completed in one year based on the technical plan with Delpar Construction and Supplies as its contractor.

DSWD allocated a total of P150 million to construct the new RRCY building in the two-hectare land property of PLGU-Albay under Usufruct Agreement with DSWD. The new bilding will include the following amenities and facilities: two-storey administrative building, two-storey boys quarter building, road network, parking and drainage, perimeter fence and entrance gate, water facilities (water tank and accessories), electrical facilities (power house, electric post and accessories), clinic/infirmary building, guardhouse with receiving and inspection area, drying and laundry room, productivity building, staff house, receiving area with cottage for visitors, multi-purpose covered court, motor pool and landscape.

The new RRCY will feature a rain collector system and will also have an agricultural and gardening area.

DSWD’s RRCY is currently located at a residential area in Brgy. Pangpang, Sorsogon City with only 45 bed capacity.

The relocation to a new site was prompted by complaints received from the homeowners and residents at Brgy. Pangpang due to the observed behavior by the boys undergoing rehabilitation.

With the ongoing construction of its new building, the RRCY in Oas will have an increased bed capacity good for 150 clients with ameliorated facilities to help the children in conflict with the law (CICL) in a non-residential area.

The RRCY provides 24-hour care, treatment and rehabilitation services under the guidance of trained staff where residents are cared for under structured therapeutic environment with the end view of reintegrating them into their families and communities as well as to help them become socially functioning individuals.

It provides the following services: Social Services, Home Life Services/Group, Living Environment, Educational Services, Productivity Livelihood Services, Socio-Cultural and Recreational Services, Spiritual Enhancement Services, Medical/health/Psychological and Dental Services, Legal Services and Other Therapeutic Services.

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Assistant Regional Director Arwin O. Razo

As digital technology is at its peak nowadays, reading and loving books are being left behind.

With the aim to encourage high school students to love and put time in reading, a book drive with the theme: Aklat Tungo sa Pagkatuto: Book drive and Youth Development Session was recently conducted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) held at Gov. Mariano E. Villafuerte High School, Pili, Camarines Sur.

The activity is in partnership of the said school, Department of Education and Camalig Bank Foundation.

Almost a thousand of books and journals was donated to the said school benefitting more than 900 high school students, 449 of which are children beneficiaries of 4Ps.

According to Assistant Regional Director Arwin O. Razo, the Department sees the need of the school to have access to books.

“We have solicited and gathered various reading materials to private entities including DSWD staff, to be able to initiate this activity. We hope this would be able to help the school students to keep their mind sharp, and imaginations working through browsing and reading books on a regular basis,” he said.

Department of Education Representative Nora J. Laguda, EPS, encouraged the students and parents to support the said advocacy.

“We believe that getting these books in the hands of these students directly impacts education. Let us work together and raise excitement in reading not only in school but also in our homes. This benefits not only to ourselves but improves the literacy of the whole community,” she added.

School Principal Dr. Edna F. Aladano said the school is grateful to receive the reading materials. “In fact, our library nooks located inside the classrooms are now filled with plenty of books ready to be accessed by everyone,” she said.

On the other hand, a Youth Development Session (YDS) was simultaneously conducted on the said school. The YDS was participated by a total of 42 4Ps high school students.

Said session tackles on how to appreciate oneself and worth. Workshops and reading session was also held to provide the students learning and instill to them the importance of reading. ***GANLindio

Youth Development Session simultaneously being conducted during the book drive activity.

Library nook at Gov. Mariano E. Villafuerte High School, Pili, Camarines Sur

DSWD Field Office V 4Ps staff

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Various government agencies join the official kickoff event of the Adoption Consciousness Week Celebration at Puro, Legazpi City.

Legazpi City-The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V has officially commenced with its annual celebration of the Adoption Consciousness Week yesterday at Puro, Legazpi City.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Pagmamahal palaganapin, legal na pag-aampon ating gawin (Spread unconditional love through legal adoption)”.

Different government agencies were present yesterday who joined the foot parade and Zumba as part of the opening program. Local officials from National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Educo, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Civil Service Commission (CSC), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Commission on Population (POPCOM) were present.

“We would like to inform the public that DSWD will guide you with the legal adoption process. Consultation with us is free of service,” DSWD Regional Director Arnel Garcia said.

As part of the weeklong celebration, the DSWD will put up inquiry desks at SM Legazpi and SM Naga on February 14-15, 2019, 10:00AM-5:30 PM to respond to queries about adoption and foster care.

Also, a poster contest is scheduled at DSWD Field Office V, Legazpi City on February 19, 2019.

The Adoption Consciousness Week Celebration will culminate on February 21, 2019, 1:00-5:00 PM with a forum about foster care and legal adoption at PNP Regional Office V, Camp Simeon Ola, Legazpi City. Admission is free and snacks will be served to first 50 guests. Interested individuals or parties may contact 09171426963 to confirm attendance or send queries about the said forum.

Moreover, DSWD Field Office V has its own adoption text lines: 09475854675 or 09171426963.

Any interested individuals may seek DSWD’s free services. For those who want to adopt, they can visit DSWD Region V ARRS located at Buraguis, Legazpi City or may call (052) 8201309. However, applicants are advised that they need to spend a considerable amount on legal services and documentary requirements in line with the adoption and foster care process.

Adoption as an alternative parental care program is one of the statutory programs of the DSWD for abandoned and neglected children as guided by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8552 known as the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 and R.A. No.9523, also known as an Act Authorizing the Secretary of DSWD to issue a Certification Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA).

Adoption is a socio-legal process of providing a permanent family to a child who is legally available for adoption while foster care refers to the provision of planned temporary substitute parental care to a child by a foster parent.

A Foster Parent/Family is issued a license by the DSWD after a favorable assessment and recommendation. A Foster Placement Authority is also issued by the Department to authorize the placement of a child/children to a licensed foster parent/family.
In 2018, DSWD Field Office V was able to place 11 children for adoption, 25 children for foster care and 13 children were endorsed for inter-country adoption.

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