Baganga, Davao Oriental – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and 35 other national government agencies brought programs and services to residents here through the 18^th ARENA XI Serbisyo Caravan.

Organized by the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA), the caravan targets marginalized sectors in Region XI.

At the outset, DSWD distributed 3,300 food packs, school supplies and assisted the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in the registration of persons with disability, solo parents, and senior citizens.

“We were able to turn over the cheque for Social Pension worth P 2,635,500.00. This will benefit a total of 1,757 indigent older persons who live in remote villages in the area,” shared DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration Ma. Vilia L. Vigil.

Since 2011, the ARENA XI Serbisyo Caravan has been delivering series of community outreach programs and direct services closer to the people.

ARENA President and Regional Director of Department of Public Works and Highways, Engr. Mariano R. Alquiza said the Serbisyo Caravan is the government’s way of providing services to the people especially those who live in isolated areas.

“We envision one thing: a progressive society where people are heard, seen, and felt. The Serbisyo Caravan will open a wide range of extended help, rendering services and steering actions that benefit not just one interest but of the majority’s,” Alquiza added.

Services offered by other agencies include medical and dental, distribution of medicines, turnover of seedlings and fingerlings, legal consultations, and scholarship application.

Serbisyo Caravan has been to the remotest areas in Region XI and it will continue bringing the government closer to the farthest village and to communities needing most. (DSWD)

MORE AID. Government officials extend food and non-food assistance to poor families in Baganga, Davao Oriental during the 18^th ARENA XI Serbisyo Caravan. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also handed in school supplies and social pension to 1,757 indigent older persons. To date, DSWD has provided a total of 674,059 family food packs to 395,599 families affected by El Niňo in Davao Region. The food aid costs P229,409,442.75. (DSWD)

Davao City –The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will conduct a Regional Children’s Congress and Awarding of Winners for the Search for Exemplary Children of Pantawid Pamilya on November 9-10  at the Grand Menseng Hotel.

The Regional Children’s Congress will gather 10-14 year-old children from all cities and municipalities in Region XI. Up for discussion in  the congress are pressing issues/concerns that directly affect children beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya through fun learning workshops.

The three-day activity hopes to emphasize to children-participants the importance of letting their voices be heard on issues affecting them.

Moreover, the Exemplary Children of Pantawid Pamilya will be recognized during the event.

The annual search that started in 2012 is a competition open to Pantawid Pamilya children beneficiaries from 10 to 14 years old. Children must be enrolled in school, compliant to the school attendance requirement of the program, with good scholastic standing, fully-immunized and dewormed twice in 2013 (for children 6-14 years old).

Children-nominees must also possess the following qualities/characteristics: (1) active in extra-curricular activities; (2) active in community activities; (3) talented; (4) with good moral character; (5) have no indicator of behavior problems; (6) aware of good nutrition and eats nutritious food; and (7) conversant on the conditionalities of the program.

The regional winner will receive Php 20,000 in cash, while the provincial winners will receive Php 10,000 each.

Provincial entries for this year’s search are: Clarence Penaso from New Corella, Davao del Norte; Jaybee Padasay from Matanao, Davao del Sur; John Christian Victoriano from San Isidro, Davao Oriental; Elisha Yehsa Marquizo from New Bataan, Compostela Valley; and Chlarince Lamila from Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental.

Pantawid Pamilya has been keeping children in school and families healthy since its onset in 2008. At present, Davao Region has 233,864 household beneficiaries in all 5 provinces, 6 cities and 43 municipalities. (DSWD)

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat responds to media queries on the implementation status of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program which now serves 233,864 beneficiaries in the region. Director Jabagat also shared updates on Kalahi-CIDSS, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Social Pension Program, Supplementary Feeding Program, and Listahanan Survey. (DSWD)