True to its mandate to uphold the value of health, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) resumes monitoring of compliance to program conditionalities particularly on health component starting this current period (August-September 2020).
With this resumption, the Department urges program beneficiaries to visit health center facilities and coordinate with their barangay health workers.
This is to further ensure that the 4Ps family beneficiaries remain healthy and in good condition amid threats of the Corona-Virus disease and other health threats that may arise such as malnutrition, vaccine-preventable diseases, among others.
Furthermore, DSWD advises beneficiaries to know the details on how to avail health services such as health center visit, home visit, and other health-related activities while following the guidelines set by their city/municipal health office and/or the Department of Health.
It can be recalled that the Department has waived compliance of beneficiaries to the conditionalities of the 4Ps program since the uproar brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This was possible through the signing of a resolution on Force Majeure effective last February.
Under Rule No. VIII Section 15 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the RA 11310 or the 4Ps Act, the Department Secretary may suspend monitoring of compliance of beneficiaries under a ‘force majeure’ circumstance.
Because of this, the beneficiaries became entitled to cash grants even without compliance to program conditionalities such as sending their children to school, pre/post natal check-ups, regular and preventive check-up for children 5 years old and below, de-worming for children aged 14 and below, and attendance to Family Development Sessions (FDS).
The resumption of health compliance monitoring consequently means that the grants intended for health will only be granted to beneficiaries once they comply with health conditionality.
However, monitoring of education compliance and attendance to FDS still remain suspended until further advisory.
Meanwhile, DSWD studies the possibility of utilizing technological advancements as we transition to the new normal without the need for mass-gathering such as the newly-introduced e-FDS.
Though she is from a barrio called “Binuangan”, which literally translates to either fooled or taking something light-heartedly in the English language, Sheila Mae Dagondong, a 30-year old mother of 2 from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte is very much serious in her advocacy to help her community in this trying times when the world is covered in fear by a pandemic.
The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has literally frozen life as we know it – establishments were closed, passenger vehicles were nowhere in the streets and highways, people stay indoors, the town was a bit of a ghost town, and the economy is at a brink of falling.
As a mother and a future educator, what concerns Sheila most is how it poses a threat to students’ education and development since they are on indefinite holiday break. She understands how important learning and education is as she, herself, also currently struggles to finish her studies for better future.
DOORS OF OPPORTUNITIES
All her life, Sheila has been a devoted follower of God. She serves in the Pentecostal church; she attends daily bible reading activities, youth camps, and other religious activities.
When she married her husband, Jeffrey, she has brought her entire family to serve the Lord as well. Together, they actively participate in church activities as the core foundation of their family relationship.
Their religious commitments and participations have enabled them to be part of their community even as a member of the Pure Bagobo tribe.
Since both of them have not finished their education, they had to strive to provide for their growing family. Jeffrey, as the head of the household, hits the road as a driver in order to bring food on the table.
In 2014, they became part of the country’s conditional cash transfer program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer program for Indigenous People (MCCT-IP).
Sheila claims that being a member of the program opened a lot of doors of opportunities for her and her family. She was able to attend trainings that developed her skills and boosted her confidence such as Parent Leader training, ECCD training, and skills training on cookery among others.
The learning that she has acquired form these trainings have helped her in her own home and in leading the group of 4Ps members in her barangay.
She and her husband have also received a scholarship grant as members of a tribal group who are given priority opportunity by the school where she is enrolled in.
Currently, she is taking up Bachelor of Science in Education major in English.
Now that her husband, her children, and her self all go to school to finish their studies, Sheila thinks that she is much closer to the fulfillment of their individual and family goals.
And while it is difficult to juggle studies, work, and family, Dagondong family is all up to the challenge knowing that the government is on their back.
OUR LABOR IS NOT VAIN IN THE SIGHT OF GOD
Sheila has always believed that to serve the Lord, one must serve His people.
During the Community Quarantine period, she volunteered to be of service in the barangay by assisting in the orderly implementation of SAP, packing and distribution of relief goods in their area, and community cleaning as a safety measure against the virus.
She also volunteered to help monitor those who are in quarantine. Her main task was to keep track of the body temperature and report unusual conditions of the Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs).
Sheila volunteered in repacking the relief goods and helped in monitoring the condition of the PUMs.
Though she knows how dangerous the task is, not only to her but also to her family, she said that she must do her part in the name of bayanihan to heal from this crisis.
NEVER TOO EARLY TO EDUCATE
As a future educator, Sheila understands the importance of uninterrupted learning especially with children.
With COVID-19 lurking around, the government had ceased classes in all levels since mid-March. It is still uncertain when classes will resume or how classes will be back to normal. Nonetheless, Sheila believes that, with proper caution and safety protocols practiced, children may still continue learning amidst crisis.
Along other Parent Leaders and Pantawid members, they were able to gather a couple of children in their community and teach them moral values, art, and music while classes in their regular schools are suspended.
Sheila thinks that other than educational purposes, this is also one way to unload the stress amongst children brought about by the pandemic.
QuaranTeacher in action
And though she is not yet a professional teacher, it is never too early to teach young minds especially in the situation that we are in right now.
Magsasagawa ng isang ‘disinfecting activity’ ang tanggapan ng DSWD Region 9 mula July 16 hanggang July 17 upang masiguradong ligtas ang pagbibigay ng #SerbisyongMayMalasakit sa publiko.
Pansamantalang nakasara muna ang opisina sa loob ng dalawang araw at muling magbabalik ang operasyon nito sa Lunes (July 20).
Gayunpaman, maaari pa rin kayong mapagsilbihan sa pamamagitan ng aming hotline at online platform na nakasaad sa larawan.
Hinihikayat ng DSWD ang mga batang miyembro ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program o 4Ps na ilahad ang kanilang mga pananaw at mensahe sa kasalukuyang kinakaharap na suliranin dulot ng banta ng Covid-19.
Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng mga likhang sining na nagpapahayag ng kanilang damdamin o opinyon tungkol sa kanilang karanasan ngayong may pandemiya.
Ang aktibidad na ito ang tinatawag na Likha ng Bata, Para sa Bata.
Ayon sa Regional Program Coordinator ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program sa Region 9 na si Flordeliza A. Atuy, mahalaga na malawak ang kaalaman at partisipasyon ng mga kabataan sapagkat isa sila sa mga sector na bulnerable sa ganitong sitwasyon.
Aniya, layunin ng programa na maihayag ang mga adbokasiya ng mga batang 4Ps sa kaligtasan at kooperasyon ng mga bata sa paghilom mula sa krisis.
“Bukod sa partisipasyon ng mga batanga 4Ps, gusto rin natin na hikayatin ang iba pang mga bata, kahit hindi miyembro ng 4Ps, na manatiling ligtas at sumunod sa mga tagubilin upang maiwasan ang sakit kaya natin ini-involve ang mga kabataan,” ani Atuy.
Maaaring magsumite ng mga obra sa City o Municipal Link kalakip ang iba pang mga mahahalagang impormasyon tulad ng maikling paliwanag sa ginawang sining, impormasyon tungkol sa sarili (pangalan, edad, tirahan, baitang sa paaralan) at sagutin ang mga sumusunod na katanungan.
a. Sino nga ba ako? (Pangalan, mga katangian, hilig, talento, atbp.)
b. Ano ang aking pangarap? (Sarili, para sa pamilya, para sa komunidad)
c. Ano ang aking mensahe para sa kapwa kabataan?
Ang mga mapipiling malikhaing sining ay mapapasama sa ililimbag na publikasyon ng DSWD.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) highly salutes Jefferson Yamson Salazar, a 4Ps beneficiary’s son who recently marched as Cadet First Class in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masidlawin Class of 2020.
Among the 196 graduates, Salazar ranked 3rd along with Cadet First Class Gemalyn Sugui (Valedictorian) and Cadet First Class Jade Villanueva (Salutatorian) being in the Top 3.
PMA TOP 3. L-R Cadet First Class Jade Villanueva (Salutatorian), Cadet First Class Gemalyn Deocares Sugui (Valedictorian), and Cadet First Class Jefferson Yamson Salazar (3rd placer). Photos courtesy: PMA
Jefferson is the fourth child of tricycle driver Jose and snack vendor Marites Salazar who are members of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
In an interview, Marites says that her son has always been a good student. Jefferson usually does not bring notebook in class because according to him, he ensures that he understands the lectures and everything he learns is kept in his mind.
Marites recalls that even when they were struggling financially, she has always seen the big potential in Jefferson and was confident that he can achieve his goals despite the hardships in life.
“Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan kaya huwag mawalan ng pag-asa at mag-aral ng mabuti para makamit nila ang pangarap nila at magtagumpay, (Poverty is not a hindrance so don’t lose hope and study hard to achieve your dreams and succeed,)” Marites shares her message to her co-4Ps family beneficiaries.
As a young boy, Jefferson was a consistent honor student of his class. Because of poverty, he has seen his eldest sibling sacrificed her education for a job to help sustain their family. And so he made sure to keep an eye on his goal.
Jefferson Salazar during his younger days in school.
In college, he took up Bachelor of Science in Physics at Western Mindanao State University then proceeded to pursue his studies in PMA and succeeded.
Despite not being able to attend the graduation rite last May 22 due to COVID-19 protocols, Jefferson’s family was very proud of his achievement.
Marites also expressed how thankful she is for the support that she has received from family, relatives, and the government.
“Naging malaking tulong yung natatanggap namin na cash assistance dahil nagkaroon ako ng karagdagang kapital sa pagtitinda. Ang programa ng gobyerno gaya ng 4Ps ay may layuning tumulong sa mga nangangailangan; nasa tao na kung papaano niya ito gamitin, (The cash assistance has been a great help especially as augmentation to our livelihood. Government programs such as the 4Ps aim to help families in need but it is up to the people to make something out of it,” says Marites.
Salazar family has been a beneficiary of the 4Ps since 2013. Jefferson’s older sister who was a monitored child of 4Ps will soon take her licensure board exam in December. To this date, only their youngest child who is in Grade 9 is monitored by the program.
Jefferson’s mother (Marites) and sister (Bernadette) visited him during his first year in PMA.
Now, Salazar family celebrates the achievement of each of their family members.
The eldest daughter, after working for several years to help support the family, is now back in school taking up BS Chemistry in WMSU;
The second child, who was also a scholar of DSWD’s Sulong Dunong, already graduated from a 2-year degree;
The third child supported herself in college by joining a school-funded organization and earning on the side from being a School Assistant;
The 4th child (Jefferson) will soon join the Philippine Navy;
The 5th child will soon graduate with a degree in Political Science;
The 6th child will take her licensure board exam as a Pharmacist in December; and
The youngest one is currently in Grade 9, GT STEM.
Sinimulan nang ipamahagi ang ayudang Emergency Subsidy mula sa Social Amelioration Program (SAP) para sa mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program na walang cash card o ATM cards.
Payout sa Camino Nuevo, Canelar, Capisan, at Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City
Sa buong Rehiyon IX, 7,723 ang mga benepisyaryo na walang ATM na target maabutan ng emergency subsidy. Aabot ang ayudang ito sa halagang PHP 28,188,950.
Bawat isang pamilya ay nakatanggap ng Php 3,650 na halaga ng ayuda. Ito ay dagdag sa kanilang regular na health grant (P750) at rice subsidy (P600) na ibibigay sa mga susunod na araw. Kung susumahin, Php 5,000 ayuda ang kanilang natanggap para sa isang buwan.
Sa datos ng 4Ps kahapon (Mayo 10), tinatayang 6,439 na pamilya na ang nabigyan ng ayuda. 1,281 sa mga ito ay mula sa Zamboanga City, 1,636 naman ang mula sa Zamboanga del Norte, 1,842 ang sa Zamboanga del Sur, at 1,680 naman ay mula sa Zamboanga Sibugay.
Isusunod naman ngayong araw ang pamamahagi ng ayuda sa bayan ng Isabela, Basilan at magpapatuloy din ang distribusyon para sa mga unclaimed o mga hindi pa nakakuha ng ayuda sa iba pang mga probinsya sa Zamboanga Peninsula.
Dahil walang ATM ang mga benepisyaryo, direktang bumababa ang mga kawani ng DSWD sa bawat barangay upang iabot ang nasabing ayuda.
“Una na nating nabigyan ng ayuda ang mga benepisyaryo na may hawak na ATM noong nakaraang buwan pa dahil mas madali nang ipasok sa kanilang mga ATM yun. Ngayon naman, tayo mismo ang gagawa ng payout pero syempre sisiguraduhin nating maayos ito,” ani ng Regional Program Coordinator ng 4Ps sa Region 9 na si Flordeliza Atuy.
Ayon sa programa, naging maayos ang pagsasagawa ng payout o distribusyon ng ayuda dahil sa pagsunod sa mga panuntunan upang makaiwas sa pagkalat ng virus.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the lead agency that implements the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) pursuant to Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, says that not all families will be given provision by the program.
The Memorandum Circular No. 9 or omnibus guidelines state that the emergency subsidy shall be given to low-income families, assessed to be most affected by the imposition of community quarantine, given their existing life situations or circumstances.
Target beneficiaries shall include 4Ps beneficiaries, families with low income including those who are not currently recipients of the 4Ps, informal economy workers, indigent families of Indigenous Peoples, and other vulnerable groups.
“As much as we want to help all families that are affected by the implementation of the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine), we are bounded by guidelines that are our basis for doing what should be done,” DSWD-9 OIC-Regional Director Fatima S. Caminan said.
Not eligible to receive SAP grants are those families who have members that work in the government such as elected and appointed government officials, personnel contracted in any National Government Agency (NGA), Government –owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC), and Local Government Units (LGU).
Employees in the private sector, formal economy workers, including those who work for GOCCs without original charters, regardless of the existence of employee-employer relationship, and regardless of the fact that they are receiving salary or wage are likewise excluded in the provision of SAP.
Retired individuals who are receiving pension and their immediate families are also not included in the program.
Region IX has 726,259 families to be covered by SAP. 323,074 of which are 4Ps family beneficiaries and 403,185 families are non-Pantawid beneficiaries who are qualified to receive the SAP cash subsidy based on the omnibus guidelines.
To date, DSWD Field Office 9 has already transferred a total amount of Php 1,951,158,000.00 to sixty six (67) LGUs in Region IX or about 98% of the total funding requirement.
Queries and complaints on inclusion and/or exclusion can be reported to the hotline service center of the DSWD through 0906-512-4841 (Globe) and 0961-721-0948 (Smart).
Following the implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the regional office in Zamboanga Peninsula has activated an Agency Operation Center (AOC) to oversee and address all concerns with regards to carrying out the program.
The establishment of the AOC was activated to serve as a command facility to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Department’s Social Amelioration Program or the provision of emergency subsidy to the most affected families and individuals in areas under community quarantine.
Consequently, the Department has also launched a hotline center which will capture and answer all inquiries, refer actions on complaints and grievances, and clarify matters to the public about the said program.
The hotline center is managed by the committee on Client Support as part of the Agency Operation Center.
The hotline numbers are open to all networks including Globe and Smart Telecom and are ready to receive calls daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
As of its launching yesterday, the hotline center was able to respond to more than 100 clients from across the region.
The top three concerns received are mainly on (1) eligibility to the program; (2) under coverage or those who were not administered Social Amelioration Card (SAC); and (3) inquiries on schedule of SAP orientation and distribution of SAC in their barangays.
DSWD Hotliners in action, attending to concerns and inquiries
