Gov't. agencies launch "convergence" caravan

CEBU, Philippines - More than a thousand beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from 23 barangays of Cebu City availed of various services from the different government agencies with anti-poverty programs through the DSWD initiated “Pantawid Pamilya Convergence Caravan” at the Mabolo Gymnasium.

The DSWD “Tatsulo” Convergence Program brings in the three major anti-poverty programs of the department namely Pantawid Pamilya, KALAHI-CIDSS and SEA-K, to create a significant impact in helping the poor cross poverty threshold. This concept inspired the agency to come up with a convergence strategy with other government agencies in channeling anti-poverty program to the identified poor specifically the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, enabling them to learn of other services of the city government through DSWS, educational opportunities for their children such as DepEd, CHED, TESDA and DOST scholarships, employment opportunities from POEA and DPWH, sustainable livelihood programs from the DA and DENR as hundreds of seedlings both herbal and fruit bearing were distributed.

True to the call of the Pantawid Pilipino program which is education and health, the Department of Health conducted a medical and dental mission where free sugar testing and dental extraction was available and for easy access of medicines, they also brought in Botika ng Bayan as part of their information drive on cheap and safe generic medicines.

Other agencies such as NSO, Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Philippine Postal, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, Cooperative Development Authority, Parole and Probation Administration, Philippine Air Force 53rd EB, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Information Agency were also introduced to the beneficiaries. To top it all, the Young Lawyers Association in Cebu also provided free legal advice and notarial services.

As Rea Remitio, 29, a mother of three children said “ang programa dako kaayo ug nahimong kausaban sa akong pamilya kay kung dili pa tungod niani di nako mabatyagan ang mga oportunidad sama ani” (the program has greatly my family and if not for this program, I wouldn’t have known opportunities such as this).

The occasion was also graced by south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña and former north district representative Raul del Mar representing his daughter Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar.

In his message, Osmeña emphasized on being a responsible beneficiary by complying with the conditions and using the grants according to what is required. Furthermore, Osmeña said that as a member of the Budget Committee in Congress, he is aware of how much is allocated for the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries and though he supports the program, not all congressmen share the enthusiasm and for this reason, he calls on all Cebuano beneficiaries to prove them wrong and that they are worthy to be helped.

Del Mar read a message of support from his daughter that she would continue to lobby for her proposal to institutionalize the said program ensuring its continuity regardless of who will be the next President.

The day brought in a new meaning to the word “convergence” especially to the poor who now looks into the government as one entity that would help them cross poverty threshold, and for the agencies it has forged a stronger bond in the realization, that we are one in serving the same clients. (FREEMAN)