DSWD distributes cash grants in Negros Oriental

CEBU, Philippines – More than six hundred beneficiaries from the Municipality of Siaton, Negros Oriental, witnessed the ceremonial distribution of cash grants to the 4Ps beneficiaries of District III last August 5, 2010 in the Land Bank of the Philippines-Bayawan City Branch.

The event was graced by District III Rep. Henry Pryde Teves assisted by DSWD's regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, Land Bank Branch Manager Camilo Rubio with the local chief executives of the four identified 4Ps municipalities, namely Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Basay and the City of Bayawan.

The mayors took turns assisting Rep. Teves, Macapobre and Rubio in handing out the cash grant for the first quarter of 2010. Approximately P29.9M will be disbursed in District III for the 1st Quarter of 2010, while the sum of P35.9M will be disbursed in the 4Ps areas of District I namely Ayungon, Bindoy, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Tayasan and Vallehermoso for the 1st Quarter of 2010.

Immediately after the ceremonial distribution of the cash grants a press conference was held at Bayawan City's IBC Building where updates and initial gains of the program was given by Macapobre and the media and stakeholders of the program were allowed to interact.

Issues and concerns such as inclusion and exclusions errors where clarified as well as the grievance and verification process of the program on which the cash grants are based. 

Also present during the press conference, was a representative from the DSWD National Office, Isidora Duran, who reiterated the program's conditions and further discussed the systems involving the program.

Issues discussed where the availability of health centers and health workers, composition of grievance committee, grievances on inclusions and exclusion of beneficiaries and filing of grievances.

Macapobre emphasized "anybody can file a grievance and rest assured that due process shall be applied with twenty six days working time. On top of an appeal shall be accorded to as part of the due process".

She elaborated on cooperation of partner agencies such as Department of Health, Department of Education, the Provincial Government and the local LGUs as key players in ensuring that this project will alleviate poverty by believing and investing in human capital.

Initial gains claimed by DSWD such as increase in enrollment and access of health services was witness first-hand by the media as they toured a day-care center and health center in Sta. Catalina and Siaton, where in spite of the heavy downpour beneficiaries came to let their children attend school and have their children immunized.

4Ps has indeed improved the lives of its beneficiaries and touched the community they belong to as well. (THE FREEMAN)