More opportunities await Pantawid beneficiaries

The Department of Social Welfare and Development recently conducted the 7th Pantawid Pamilya Regional Directors Workshop in Dumaguete City.

The workshop was attended by the different regional directors from the departments of Education, Health, Interior and Local Government, Agriculture and Tourism.

Participants were given updates and assessment on future programs with partner agencies that will answer the needs of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

“Our partnership with various agencies is crucial in implementing social protection services to have a smooth transition of our beneficiaries,” DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat said.

She added that aside from partner agencies, the Department of Labor and Employment also joined in the transition plan that will focus on livelihood.

On the same occasion, the regional directors had a community visit to five local government units in Negros Oriental namely: Bindoy, Ayungon, Manjuyod, Dauin and Mabinay which have existing tourism programs.

They also had a talk with the Pantawid beneficiaries.

“Kung bukas wala ng Pantawid kakayanin namin, para sa kinabukasan ng aming mga anak. Ginagawan namin ng paraan para makatawid kami sa aming kahirapan (If tomorrow there will be no more Pantawid, we will still persevere for our children’s future. We will find ways to overcome the challenge of poverty),” said one of the beneficiaries.

After the visit, the different groups created a regional convergence planning to identify specific areas of collaboration among the present agencies.

Meanwhile, the DSWD also inked an agreement with the Department of Tourism during the consultation dialog for livelihood opportunities through tourism-related activities.

DOT sees opportunities for beneficiaries to showcase their skills as performers, tour guides, native products sellers and service crew members for various hotels and resorts.