Ikot Sa Calabarzon: My Travel with DSWD Region 4A
Hello po! I love traveling, fun and adventure, and when it is partnered with an opportunity for learning, it's even better! So when DSWD announced their invitation for bloggers in Ikot sa Calabarzon, I joined!
First up, DSWD has these programs and services #TunayNaMalasakitSaMahihirap...
But for this blog, we will look at the 3 Core Programs highlighted in the immersion:
So last November 15, 2018, we went to DSWD Region IVa office in Alabang Zapote early in the morning, and a van brought us to the province.
Day 1 Paete, Laguna, the Carving Capital of the Philippines
We had a courtesy visit to the office of Paete Mayor Rojilyn Bagabaldo.
Afterwards we witnessed Pantawid Pamilya in action. We walked for about 1 km on dirt road, for half an hour! Well I can say Brgy. Ibaba del Norte is a pretty remote area!
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program- is also known as 4Ps. I am familiar with this since I know indigents (garbage scavengers, hey I am not choosy who to befriend!) who are its beneficiaries and it was a great aid for them. This is a human capital program that provides opportunities for poor families to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty through investing in the health and education of poor households, particularly of children aged 0 to 18. This provides families with cash grants in exchange for their compliance to their co-responsibilities with the program such as monthly preventive health check-ups, 85% monthly school attendance of children, and attendance to monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).
The 4Ps is not just spoonfeeding and giving away money, promoting indolence, no. It actually inspires motivation since it has conditions before one can avail it. And promotes how poor but deserving families can be strong and healthy which can lead to better lives and futures.
Nanay Jocelyn is the Parent Leader in the FDS of Brgy Ibaba del Norte, composed of 21 member families. She gets Php 5200 every 2 months. (Payout is not monthly but every 2 months.)
We also talked to Sir Rolly the OIC and in charge of collating reports. He is the Officer of 4Ps in High School. If I remember correctly, Ms. Fe is the teacher then DSWD person gathers forms, attendance..
If before, kids were only after attendance, now 4Ps teaches them to be more responsible!
Of all the schools in Calabarzon, Papatahan Integrated National High School was awarded 5th place in the Brigada Eskwela (Covered Pathway) because of the effort of 4ps parents! What a feat!
Then there was a tourism presentation upon our return to the Municipal Hall.
SLP
Next was travel to Brgy. Maytoong and visit the production of Papier Mache and interact with the Samahan ng Magtataka sa Bayan ng Paete, Taka Ladies.
The Taka Ladies had been in operation for around a year. Since they were relatively new, they cater to local clients. But those who had bigger capitals already are going exporting.
Molds cost Php 300, it's made either from resin or wood. The products should be avoided from getting wet. Saleable items are the horse and carabao. They make the paste from harina. They sell really cheap - the small figures for Php 35, and the big ones for Php 100.
I also asked their President Nanay Aurelia who is a Probinsyano fan and found out that the difference between their products and the China made ones are in our local's superior quality. The imported ones are heavier and it is usually made by machine, while ours, as you can see, are pieced carefully by hand. Since this is Christmas season, they already made the Santa Claus figurines last September. Now I see they are also making some bunnies.
SLP "loan" is weekly hinuhulugan. It is almost 2 years, and now with Php 68k in the bank. 10k per head was pooled. At 25 members, the total was Php 250,000. I find out that it takes a considerable amount of time to get approved if you will apply for a grant. It is actually a grant, but they deem it a loan...
Finally, we headed to Pagsanjan Falls Lodge and Summer Resort to rest for the evening. Some of us went for a night swimming!
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
Day 2 Luisiana, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon
For the second day, we dropped by the Luisiana Municipal Hall to Mayor Nestor Rondilla (unfortunately he was unavailable) for a courtesy call, then went to Brgy. San Jose.
Sustainable Livelihood Program - SLP is a capability building program which provides suitable income-generating opportunities to identified poor, vulnerable and marginalized participants to help improve their socio-economic well-being through micro-enterprise development or employment facilitation.
We visited the production area for Pandan Weaving, and interacted with the Lala Ladies. With 20 members, the capital assistance was Php 200,000. Oh I cannot publish the weaving process for it is a trade secret of theirs!
Tahisiana Enterprises SLPA
A trip to Kamay ni Hesus. It is my second time to be here. A sacrifice to walk up the 300 steps.
Soothe the weary spirit and pray. Feels to be so near heaven.
We then journeyed to Lucban, Quezon. Our room for the day was located at the beautiful Patio Rizal!
On the road again...
Then we chatted with the Program participants in the Lucban Farmers Trading Post in Brgy. Malupak.
Lucban Farmers and Traders SLPA was formed due to their dilemma with loan sharks due to their lack of capital. It has 76 members from different barangays and was granted Php 760,000 financial assistance. This translates to a positive impact on their lives.
Farming is one of Quezon province's main sources of income. Some of their harvest include kinchay, kamote, luya, sayote, labanos. Other veggies or crops, they get from Divisoria!!!
I was informed this market is neatly divided - Slot 1 is Lucban farmers traders pwesto 30 per sq m, Slot 2 retailer, Slot 3 wholesaler.
Finally, we headed to Calumpang...
There were 100 members in Calumpang SLP Association... Pooled together, the grant is Php 1 million for 3 stores- rice dealer, party needs and water refilling. Most of them were also 4Ps beneficiaries. Once the grant (again, this is grant, and not a loan as was a common belief), has been repaid, I understand it can be used for expansion.
It is amazing how the SLP helps our kababayans have their own business instead of being nangangamuhan...
Rice dealer...
Party needs...
Water refilling station...
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
- Lao Tzu
Day 3 Mauban, Quezon
Bayanihan refers to the spirit of communal unity, work and cooperation to achieve a particular goal. As Jose Ma. Montelibano says,"Once the discovery that bayanihan can be both fun and productive, once people understand that they are the answer to their many problems, once caring and sharing takes over selfishness, it is hard to stop."
Here in Barangay Remedios 1, the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan unfolded right before our eyes, through DSWD's KALAHI-CIDSS.
Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - KALAHI-CIDSS is a community-driven development program that empowers local residents in addressing their needs and working for the development of their communities. Residents are engaged in the prioritization, designing, planning, implementation, and operations and maintenance of their community projects such as access roads, school buildings, health centers, electrification, and water systems.
So we trekked to Barangay Remedios 1. Amidst lush greenery, I saw horses, men using chainsaw to cut wood, and we crossed a first steel hanging bridge, but our destination was the second.
Typhoon Glenda damaged their former wooden hanging bridge last 2014, and so they joined hands to make a new bridge, made of steel this time.
The cable bridge has made a tremendous impact not only to the residents of this barangay but to neighboring communities as well. It provides safety, convenience and ease of transport to those crossing, especially children. This is only passable by man and not by big animals. Big loads can pass Kinaimit river below, anyway it does not overflow naman daw. Residents take care of and protect this bridge.
Remedios Elementary Annex
There used to be only 3 classrooms catering to around 150 students, and this affects the learning capacity of the students because of distraction, according to teachers.
The grant was around Php 2M.
Through the funding of the development partner of DSWD's KALAHI-CIDSS, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the residents were able to construct an additional 3 classroom building.
The rooms were so tidy, and with learning aids very much conducive to learning, with grills protecting the windows' jalousies. Chairs were also neat, each room even features toilets separate for girls and boys inside. No need to "Ma'am, may I go out?" hehehe.
KALAHI-CIDSS was able to make the bayanihan spirit shine. People shared stories showing sacrifice, selflessness and diligence, and more importantly, projects had been done effectively and efficiently (at the minimal expense and budget)! Now compare that with some corrupt politician's project with mighty padding (patong patong) and substandand material! Here the residents of course use quality materials or else, they themselves will suffer di ba!
We were about to leave but this barangay was kind enough to prepare a feast for us! The lunch of Filipino dishes was indeed yummy!
We then rode to Majayjay, Laguna.
Bukal Falls opened last 2016. Charges as follow: Php 300 guide which is mandatory (bawal ang walang guide besh at baka maligaw o magkalat pa mga visitors), Php 20 environmental fee, and optional Php 50 for life vest.
The traverse to Bukal Falls was definitely a challenge (left my knees and legs hurting for 3 days!) Made our way over slippery rocks, tree roots, there was uphill and downwards, muddy path, etc.
But once you get there, the scene is breathtaking. Well actually, even the journey going there, with the greens and the batis and all the majestic view! Swimming in the clean and clear, icy cool water is so refreshing. I was just so scared initially since I do not know how to swim and the bottom was 16 ft deep. There was a Mama Mary grotto we can meditate in.
Going back was so much easier and lighter. We grabbed a coconut for Php 25 and it recharged us. Hi sis Jenny, TY for the treat!
We had late snack back at Angelina's and final talk/ evaluation.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
- Helen Keller
All in all, this is really important as we can share with you, our dear readers, the message and role of this government agency, Department of Social Welfare and Development, in reaching out to the underprivileged even in far-flung destinations. Plus it's great to admire the beauty of our country and be reacquainted with our proudly Pinoy products and native handicrafts! Amidst all the recent news, our generation should be patriotic more than ever!
Behind the scenes vids, stories and other pics HERE Thanks for reading my experience in this awesome trip with DSWD! :)
First up, DSWD has these programs and services #TunayNaMalasakitSaMahihirap...
- Tulong Medikal
- Tulong Pampaaral
- Tulong Pampalibing
- Tulong Pamasahe
- Pagbibigay ng Food Packs (kapag may disaster)
- Cash / Food for Work
- Social Pension para sa mga Indigent na Senior Citizen
- Supplementary Feeding Program
- Pagsagip sa mga Batang Napapabayaan at Naninirahan sa Lansangan
- Solo Parent ID
- Programa at Serbisyo para sa mga PWD
- Travel Clearance para sa mga Menor de Edad
- Programa at Serbisyo para sa mga Kababaihang Biktima ng Pang-aabuso
- Lingap at Gabay para sa May Sakit (Lingap sa Masa)
- Sustainable Livelihood Program
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
But for this blog, we will look at the 3 Core Programs highlighted in the immersion:
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program - 4Ps
- Sustainable Livelihood Program - SLP
- Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - KALAHI-CIDSS
So last November 15, 2018, we went to DSWD Region IVa office in Alabang Zapote early in the morning, and a van brought us to the province.
Day 1 Paete, Laguna, the Carving Capital of the Philippines
We had a courtesy visit to the office of Paete Mayor Rojilyn Bagabaldo.
Afterwards we witnessed Pantawid Pamilya in action. We walked for about 1 km on dirt road, for half an hour! Well I can say Brgy. Ibaba del Norte is a pretty remote area!
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program- is also known as 4Ps. I am familiar with this since I know indigents (garbage scavengers, hey I am not choosy who to befriend!) who are its beneficiaries and it was a great aid for them. This is a human capital program that provides opportunities for poor families to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty through investing in the health and education of poor households, particularly of children aged 0 to 18. This provides families with cash grants in exchange for their compliance to their co-responsibilities with the program such as monthly preventive health check-ups, 85% monthly school attendance of children, and attendance to monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).
The 4Ps is not just spoonfeeding and giving away money, promoting indolence, no. It actually inspires motivation since it has conditions before one can avail it. And promotes how poor but deserving families can be strong and healthy which can lead to better lives and futures.
Nanay Jocelyn is the Parent Leader in the FDS of Brgy Ibaba del Norte, composed of 21 member families. She gets Php 5200 every 2 months. (Payout is not monthly but every 2 months.)
We also talked to Sir Rolly the OIC and in charge of collating reports. He is the Officer of 4Ps in High School. If I remember correctly, Ms. Fe is the teacher then DSWD person gathers forms, attendance..
Q&A with PL Jocelyn, behind her FDS about child labour on-going.
If before, kids were only after attendance, now 4Ps teaches them to be more responsible!
Of all the schools in Calabarzon, Papatahan Integrated National High School was awarded 5th place in the Brigada Eskwela (Covered Pathway) because of the effort of 4ps parents! What a feat!
Then there was a tourism presentation upon our return to the Municipal Hall.
SLP
Next was travel to Brgy. Maytoong and visit the production of Papier Mache and interact with the Samahan ng Magtataka sa Bayan ng Paete, Taka Ladies.
Molds cost Php 300, it's made either from resin or wood. The products should be avoided from getting wet. Saleable items are the horse and carabao. They make the paste from harina. They sell really cheap - the small figures for Php 35, and the big ones for Php 100.
I also asked their President Nanay Aurelia who is a Probinsyano fan and found out that the difference between their products and the China made ones are in our local's superior quality. The imported ones are heavier and it is usually made by machine, while ours, as you can see, are pieced carefully by hand. Since this is Christmas season, they already made the Santa Claus figurines last September. Now I see they are also making some bunnies.
SLP "loan" is weekly hinuhulugan. It is almost 2 years, and now with Php 68k in the bank. 10k per head was pooled. At 25 members, the total was Php 250,000. I find out that it takes a considerable amount of time to get approved if you will apply for a grant. It is actually a grant, but they deem it a loan...
Finally, we headed to Pagsanjan Falls Lodge and Summer Resort to rest for the evening. Some of us went for a night swimming!
(This was taken in the morning before check out...) The actual falls was much further at the opposite side, where the sun was rising.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
Day 2 Luisiana, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon
For the second day, we dropped by the Luisiana Municipal Hall to Mayor Nestor Rondilla (unfortunately he was unavailable) for a courtesy call, then went to Brgy. San Jose.
Sustainable Livelihood Program - SLP is a capability building program which provides suitable income-generating opportunities to identified poor, vulnerable and marginalized participants to help improve their socio-economic well-being through micro-enterprise development or employment facilitation.
We visited the production area for Pandan Weaving, and interacted with the Lala Ladies. With 20 members, the capital assistance was Php 200,000. Oh I cannot publish the weaving process for it is a trade secret of theirs!
These handicrafts are showcased in different trade fairs in and out CALABARZON. Oh, the pandan weaved is not the short ones we can make tea with, but really long grasses...
Tahisiana Enterprises SLPA
A trip to Kamay ni Hesus. It is my second time to be here. A sacrifice to walk up the 300 steps.
Soothe the weary spirit and pray. Feels to be so near heaven.
We then journeyed to Lucban, Quezon. Our room for the day was located at the beautiful Patio Rizal!
On the road again...
Then we chatted with the Program participants in the Lucban Farmers Trading Post in Brgy. Malupak.
Lucban Farmers and Traders SLPA was formed due to their dilemma with loan sharks due to their lack of capital. It has 76 members from different barangays and was granted Php 760,000 financial assistance. This translates to a positive impact on their lives.
Farming is one of Quezon province's main sources of income. Some of their harvest include kinchay, kamote, luya, sayote, labanos. Other veggies or crops, they get from Divisoria!!!
I was informed this market is neatly divided - Slot 1 is Lucban farmers traders pwesto 30 per sq m, Slot 2 retailer, Slot 3 wholesaler.
SLPA VP Kuya Bionic (did I remember correctly?) was generous to give us a pabaon of camote and sayote! Mabait din also the lola vendor I bought from. May patikim, may dagdag... Indeed they sell at a very low price since it was their own produce!
Finally, we headed to Calumpang...
There were 100 members in Calumpang SLP Association... Pooled together, the grant is Php 1 million for 3 stores- rice dealer, party needs and water refilling. Most of them were also 4Ps beneficiaries. Once the grant (again, this is grant, and not a loan as was a common belief), has been repaid, I understand it can be used for expansion.
It is amazing how the SLP helps our kababayans have their own business instead of being nangangamuhan...
Rice dealer...
Party needs...
Notice the DSWD cert on the wall, upper right.
Water refilling station...
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
- Lao Tzu
Day 3 Mauban, Quezon
Bayanihan refers to the spirit of communal unity, work and cooperation to achieve a particular goal. As Jose Ma. Montelibano says,"Once the discovery that bayanihan can be both fun and productive, once people understand that they are the answer to their many problems, once caring and sharing takes over selfishness, it is hard to stop."
Here in Barangay Remedios 1, the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan unfolded right before our eyes, through DSWD's KALAHI-CIDSS.
Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - KALAHI-CIDSS is a community-driven development program that empowers local residents in addressing their needs and working for the development of their communities. Residents are engaged in the prioritization, designing, planning, implementation, and operations and maintenance of their community projects such as access roads, school buildings, health centers, electrification, and water systems.
Interview with the volunteers. Subproj ptt, pit, brt, people involved oversee the entirety of the project- identify, implement, monitor from conceptualization to actualization; the proposal, funding, etc. of what they actually need. And it is great also that the salary, instead of going to outsiders, was being paid to residents themselves.
So we trekked to Barangay Remedios 1. Amidst lush greenery, I saw horses, men using chainsaw to cut wood, and we crossed a first steel hanging bridge, but our destination was the second.
Typhoon Glenda damaged their former wooden hanging bridge last 2014, and so they joined hands to make a new bridge, made of steel this time.
It was not scary to cross this bridge, the metal relays stable footing...
The cable bridge has made a tremendous impact not only to the residents of this barangay but to neighboring communities as well. It provides safety, convenience and ease of transport to those crossing, especially children. This is only passable by man and not by big animals. Big loads can pass Kinaimit river below, anyway it does not overflow naman daw. Residents take care of and protect this bridge.
DSWD assistance given was about Php 454k, with Php 10k maintenance per year (source out from LGU if more fund is needed). 118 households are served by this project.
Remedios Elementary Annex
There used to be only 3 classrooms catering to around 150 students, and this affects the learning capacity of the students because of distraction, according to teachers.
The grant was around Php 2M.
Through the funding of the development partner of DSWD's KALAHI-CIDSS, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the residents were able to construct an additional 3 classroom building.
The rooms were so tidy, and with learning aids very much conducive to learning, with grills protecting the windows' jalousies. Chairs were also neat, each room even features toilets separate for girls and boys inside. No need to "Ma'am, may I go out?" hehehe.
KALAHI-CIDSS was able to make the bayanihan spirit shine. People shared stories showing sacrifice, selflessness and diligence, and more importantly, projects had been done effectively and efficiently (at the minimal expense and budget)! Now compare that with some corrupt politician's project with mighty padding (patong patong) and substandand material! Here the residents of course use quality materials or else, they themselves will suffer di ba!
We were about to leave but this barangay was kind enough to prepare a feast for us! The lunch of Filipino dishes was indeed yummy!
We then rode to Majayjay, Laguna.
Bukal Falls opened last 2016. Charges as follow: Php 300 guide which is mandatory (bawal ang walang guide besh at baka maligaw o magkalat pa mga visitors), Php 20 environmental fee, and optional Php 50 for life vest.
The traverse to Bukal Falls was definitely a challenge (left my knees and legs hurting for 3 days!) Made our way over slippery rocks, tree roots, there was uphill and downwards, muddy path, etc.
But once you get there, the scene is breathtaking. Well actually, even the journey going there, with the greens and the batis and all the majestic view! Swimming in the clean and clear, icy cool water is so refreshing. I was just so scared initially since I do not know how to swim and the bottom was 16 ft deep. There was a Mama Mary grotto we can meditate in.
Going back was so much easier and lighter. We grabbed a coconut for Php 25 and it recharged us. Hi sis Jenny, TY for the treat!
We had late snack back at Angelina's and final talk/ evaluation.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
- Helen Keller
All in all, this is really important as we can share with you, our dear readers, the message and role of this government agency, Department of Social Welfare and Development, in reaching out to the underprivileged even in far-flung destinations. Plus it's great to admire the beauty of our country and be reacquainted with our proudly Pinoy products and native handicrafts! Amidst all the recent news, our generation should be patriotic more than ever!
Behind the scenes vids, stories and other pics HERE Thanks for reading my experience in this awesome trip with DSWD! :)
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