CEBU, Philippines - As Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program mark its first year of implementation in the City of Lapu-Lapu, various activities have been undertaken by the local government, celebrating empowerment, change and most of all commitment. In preparation of the program’s first year anniversary the 1559 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the 19 identified barangays of the city conducted simultaneous activities consisting of tree planting activities clean-up drives in both their streets and coasts, not to mention practicing their dance and drama presentations for the big day.
To some this may just be an ordinary celebration but to most of them, this is a first time experience. During the inspirational message of City Mayor, Paz Radaza she reiterated the reminders of CSWDO Ermelita C. Degamo on the consistent compliance of the program’s set conditions on monthly health check-ups, immunization for children, pre-natal and post natal care for pregnant women and twice a year de-worming. For the educational component, 85 percent attendance in school is a must to continually receive the P500/month for health and P300/month/child for education but a maximum of three children only. All these she said “…importante sa pagpalambo natong tanan, mau nga ako gyud ning gi-suportahan…” (…is important in our success which is why I am supporting this…) As she said this, hundreds of thank you letters from the beneficiaries were hundred to her, as their symbol of their collective voice of gratitude.
The highlight of the occasion was the singing of commitment on stage by all stakeholders starting with Mayor Paz Radaza followed by Vice Mayor Ycong, all board members, barangay captains, health workers, teachers, CSWDO Degamo, DSWD Regional Office through its representative SWO III Luz Fegarido and the beneficiaries themselves marking a moment in the history of Pantawid Pamilya implementation in Lapu-Lapu City.
This simple action of affixing one’s signature from their elected leaders, gives the beneficiaries an assurance that they are not alone in their fight for poverty. The occasion is not simply to commemorate the implementation of the program but it to mark a year of empowerment, camaraderie and most of all an assurance on the supply side of education and health accessibility from the City of Lapu-Lapu. - (THE FREEMAN)