DSWD7 honors organizations, individuals for success stories in transcending poverty

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

 Blog #1: SLP beneficiaries honored

CEBU CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD7) recognized organizations, individual beneficiaries and champions for their success stories that showcased the positive impact of DSWD programs in their lives and empower them to overcome challenges and celebrate small wins in life.

In celebration of DSWD’s 71^st Founding Anniversary last March 31, the agency also celebrated its 6^th Panaghiusa Festival where the beneficiaries were honored and recognized as DSWD’s partners in changing the country’s poverty landscape into a more empowered and sustainable communities that are able to address and transcend various dimensions of poverty.

Blog #1: The DSWD’s Sulong Bayanihan of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) market category honored eight organizations for their grit and hard work in managing and sustaining their groups that include KMKKS SLPA in Lapu-Lapu City, Tipolo SLPA in Mandaue City, Bigasan sa Asturias SLPA in Asturias, Cebu and Pantawid Buanoy SLBA in Balamban, Cebu.

Other honorees included the Cawayan SLP in Inabanga, Bohol; Siit Pantawid General Merchandise Association in Siaton, Negros Oriental, Tan-awan Farmers Association Ayungon in Ayungon, Negros Oriental; and Pantawid Pamilya Multi-Purpose Livelihood Association in San Juan, Siquijor.

Four individuals received recognition for the employment facilitation category where they used their skills learned in trainings and now are working in big companies in the region. The Sulong Bayanihan’s Sikap awards were given to Narlie Ochea of Mandaue City; Oliver Abapo of Talisay City; Jacqueline Orongan of Liloan, Cebu; and Joseph Pagalilaun of Siaton, Negros Oriental

The beneficiaries featured in the Malasakit Video Fest were also given recognition for sharing their small victories and their gratitude to the sustainable livelihood program for sharing and improving their lives.

The SLP's Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) beneficiary, Ritchel Catulmo, is a PWD fruit vendor in Talisay who never gave up on all the challenges he faced.  Despite having difficulties, Catulmo never gave up and he was teary-eyed after seeing his video and thanked DSWD for the recognition.

Ronnel Caminade, a member of the Sitio Tagaytay Rural Workers Association, said in a short interview that the SLP had given them hope after Typhoon Yolanda affected them. The association has built a strong camaraderie in its community.

The Sitio Tagaytay Rural Workers Association in Madridejos has over 100 members whose lives were changed also changing the lives of the people in their community. The organization fostered excellent camaraderie among its members and aided them, particularly those who were going through difficult times. (Photos: DSWD7)