Seven benefit from job program

CEBU, Philippines - The Filipinos have been proven over time to bond as one in times of calamities. The alarming poverty incidence is a warning for the Filipino of an oncoming incurable disease called “intergeneration cycle of poverty” which is already in existence and poses a threat to institutionalize itself in the community.

It is high time to once again come together as one, which is why the Department of Social Welfare and Development are now exploring opportunities through convergence strategies, forging agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with other government agencies with anti-poverty programs.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which is the flagship of the national government on poverty alleviation, has tapped agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways for its identified poor beneficiaries. Responding to this need, the two agencies signed a MOU last June 28, 2011.

By virtue of the said MOU, the “Trabahong Lansangan ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” was launched last October 3, 2011 at San Remigio, Cebu where seven job orders were given to beneficiaries from the Municipalities of San Remigio, Tabogon, Tabuelan and Tuburan. The occasion was graced by third district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Mayor Jay Olivar of San Remigio, Engr. Marietta Ecarma, Asst. District Engr. of Cebu’s 1st Engineering District Engr. Dolores Salazar, Chief Roadside Maintenance Division and DSWD’s Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre.

DSWD is tasked to identify and endorse unemployed laborers to DPWH while the latter ensures employment of unskilled, unemployed beneficiaries through DPWH’s implemented programs and infrastructure projects. Through this, the call for sustainable livelihood is now slowly taking place.

In his message, Salimbangon emphasized the importance of “willingness to work” and hopes that this move on convergence of services does not stop with the job orders of the seven initially hired for the Trabahong Lansangan program.

In response to the call of their representative, a teary eyed Elma Hortelano, a mother of three from Barangay Canaocanao, Tabogon Cebu said “…wala nako damha nga masaligan mi mu trabaho, kay sa dugay nga panahon nanghinaot ko nga makatrabaho ug tarong aron naa poy mapanaminan akong mga anak, mau dako kayo akong pasalamat. Ug among paninguhaon nga dili gyud maulawan ang DSWD sa pag rekomendar namo sama sa among pagbuhat sa among obligasyon isip ginikanan pinaagi sa giya sa Pantawid Pamilya nga mga kondisyon” (I did not expect that we would be trusted with a job because for a long time, I was hoping to work so I can set an example for my children, that is why I am so thankful with this opportunity. DSWD can be assured that we will try our best to prove that they were not wrong in recommending us, in the same manner that we are fulfilling our responsibilities as parents guided by the conditions of the Pantawid Pamilya program, we will also abide with what is expected of us).

In her closing message, DSWD Regional Director, Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre congratulated the seven initial workers of the program and stressed the importance of responsibility saying “it is now on your shoulders to prove to DPWH that they were not mistaken in hiring Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries because you now represent the rest of the beneficiaries in need of job opportunities and by doing your job responsibly, you are also giving other beneficiaries a chance for employment.”

Macapobre was quick to add that although their P250/day work order is only until December of this year, it does not mean that it ends there because this launching is definitely just the beginning and hopefully by 2012, new projects would come up, therefore more employment opportunities for the beneficiaries in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental. (FREEMAN)