The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of DSWD Field Office XI, together with the members of the Regional Advisory Committee XI (RAC XI), and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) visited and conducted a field visit dubbed “Lakbay Tuklas” in Brgy. Sirib, one of the remote barangays in Calinan District, Davao City on July 27, 2023. The said activity was facilitated by Pantawid Onse Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) headed by Division Chief Margie G. Cabido. The Pantawid Davao City Operations Office Staff, headed by Provincial Link Ruel A. Lagulao, assisted the entire activity which is one of the many convergence efforts of various agencies addressing the needs of the vulnerable sectors and poor households just like the Pantawid families.
Present during the Lakbay Tuklas were RAC XI representatives from DOST XI, DTI XI, DPWH XI, United Registered Social Workers XI, NCIP XI, TESDA XI, PhilHealth Corporation XI, DOLE XI, DepEd XI, CPD XI, DAR XI and BFAR XI. The entire team was divided into two and assigned to different stops.
Both teams visited first the DAVECO Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative. Next, they paid a courtesy call to the Sirib BLGU. Then Team A visited the Lower Sirib Elementary School, Sirib Health Center and Bal Las Toh Upper Sirib SLP Association.
Simultaneously, Team B visited Lower Sirib National High School, different Pantawid Household Beneficiaries and the Center Sirib Bakeshop SLP Association.
Lastly, they all gathered for an exit conference and discussed all their observations, insights and recommendations.
Throughout the conduct, the Council was able to interact and learn more about the implementation at the ground level directly from the program stakeholders. RAC members were able to identify different issues, concerns, gaps, and challenges and recognized best practices in the implementation of Pantawid in the area. Some issues raised were the Not-Attending-School (NAS) cases of 4Ps children, and indifferent attitude of some beneficiaries to the different barangay activities. The members also recognized the creativity and innovations of the beneficiaries when it comes to the updated products and services of the SLPAs, just like the bread products of Pan de Sirib SLPA. Beneficiaries from the said bakeshop eagerly narrated how their lives were improved because of the different DSWD programs and services.
Witnessing first hand the impact and determination of the beneficiaries, Assistant Regional Director of DOST XI, Ms. Elsie Mae A. Solidum committed that DOST XI can support Pan de Sirib in terms of storage and equipment needed for its upgrade.. Other RAC members likewise pledged their support for the enhancement of Pantawid implementation.
Lakbay Tuklas was a helpful avenue for partner NGAs and CSOs in identifying first hand the above mentioned gaps along the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya Program. It was also an opportunity in strengthening the collaboration among the parties involved towards achieving improved well-being of beneficiaries.
Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo!
#BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD
