QUEZON CITY – Follow-up meeting on Regional Convergence for Frontline Programs and Services was conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) on January 15, 2020 at Circulo Verde, Bagumbayan Quezon City.

Said activity aims to gather updates on the activities and efforts exerted by the Department’s stakeholders such as the legislators, National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, and Non-Government Organizations, as part of the commitment they expressed during the first Regional Convergence held on September 20, 2019 in Manila.

The meeting opens up opportunities for the stakeholders to address the issues that rises in their respectivie jurisdictions.  Ms. Ilene Lotino, Head of DSWD-NCR Special Projects Section, led the action planning to recommend solutions and fill the gaps in the implementation of the programs.

DSWD-NCR also commits to disseminate the gathered plans and recommendations to the appropriate implementing offices for the conduct of necessary actions.

“Mapalad tayo dahil hindi tayo nasa kanilang sitwasyon. Tayo na nasa maayos na lagay ang dapat tumulong at mag-aruga samga kababayann ating nangangailangan,” expressed Ms. Edna J. Sacedor, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director for Operations of DSWD-NCR.

Promotion and protection of the vulnerable sector’s basic rights is one of the mandates of the Department. With this, the reintegration of street dwellers and other inconvenienced persons will be one of the top priorities of DSWD-NCR for the year 2020.

SUCCESS STORY OF UNDEL

Around the busy streets of Metro Manila, beggars and scavengers are scattered around using toxic substances out of curiosity. Those were the things that Undel used to do before he entered the DSWD Haven for Children (HFC) 6 years ago. He grew in a chaotic environment where quarrels and riots are just normal. Undel witnessed a group of children murdering a child, being sacked, and thrown in the river. It was a very traumatic experience for him.

Undel was admitted to the Center for begging and scavenging. Although he was being taken good care of in the Center, Undel unwillingly brought his trauma with him. To get him through the hardships he experienced, the Social Workers and other HFC staff helped and guided him through his rehabilitation and trauma.

Improvements were seen on him. Undel is now one of HFC’s trusted residents and he never attempted to leave the Center. Undel never wanted to leave the Center for he values the trust, love, and care that HFC gives him, who he treats as family.

Undel entered Jose Fabella Memorial School—Haven for Children in Grade 1.  From being a reserved boy, he turned into one of the idolized resident in the center. Undel was elected as a Coordinator and President under the Therapeutic Community Program, because of his confidence and good leadership. He was also assigned to regulate and maintain peace among his co-residents. Undel discovered so many things he thought he could not do, such as basketball, volleyball, and touch rugby, among others. He is very determined and committed that made him the captain of touch rugby to compete outside the Center. He was also awarded as the Most Valuable Player in playing Volleyball during the HFC Sportsfest 2018.

Slowly but surely, Undel is finally reaching his dreams. He officially graduated from Elementary (Grade 1 – Grade 6) last March 2019. When asked about his secret, he said “Perseverance and working hard” are the keys he used to succeed in his studies. He refused to take the Alternative Learning System (ALS) because for him, he wanted to experience each level through his hard work.

Undel’s ultimate goal is to finish gain a college degree because he wanted to secure his future. In his message to the other residents, he said, “You need to persevere in order to achieve your dreams. I know it is hard to stay in the center because we miss our parents and siblings, but we need to endure it for our future. Aside from that, we need to listen to our guardians (HFC staff) so that we can become the better people we thought we could never be.” Undel stated.

Haven for Children is a residential care facility that caters to street children ages 7 to 13 years old who are recovering from substance abuse. It aims to provide therapeutic and rehabilitative services to boys, gearing them towards their holistic recovery and development through the multi-disciplinary approach, commitment and teamwork of different professionals. To know more about Haven for Children, you may call at 807-1591 or you can send a letter at hncr.foncr@dswd.gov.ph. ###

MUNTINLUPA CITY – Residents of Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City participated in the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region’s (DSWD-NCR) Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Study on November 18 to 19, 2019.

DSWD-NCR, through the Social Marketing Office, studied a total of ninety (90) respondents, divided equally into program fourty-five (45) beneficiaries and fourty-five (45) non-beneficiaries.

Seventy (70) respondents were surveyed to answer questionnaires that focus on assessing the awareness of the public on DSWD-NCR’s programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Social Pension Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, Unconditional Cash Transfer, and Disaster Response among others.

Surveys and focus group discussions were conducted to assess the basic sectors’ awareness, knowledge, attitude, and communication practices on DSWD’s programs and services.

All field offices of DSWD will conduct KAP Study in their respective regions and the Social Marketing Service of DSWD Central Office will analyze the data gathered to look for ways to improve and enhance the Department’s communication strategies.

KAP Study is being conducted yearly by the Social Marketing Service of DSWD who are responsible for undertaking social marketing, networking, and advocacy activities of the Department. ###

DSWD-NCR officials and employees brought their A-game as they paraded their glamorous selves along with the black-and-white motif of the Department’s 41st Founding Anniversary on November 15, 2019 at Swiss-Belthotel Blulane, Manila.

Honorable Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, Undersecretary Danilo G. Pamona, and Regional Director Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas graced the event.

Director Tomas in his welcome remarks shared his gratitude to Field Office (FO) NCR family who helped him serve the public after his retirement in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“I just would like to welcome everybody who are part of this very notable event –the men and women of Field Office NCR,” Mr. Tomas said. He also included his sincerest appreciation to the National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations, Social Welfare and Development Agencies, and other partners, stakeholders, and friends of the Department who are “those with the heart to help the Filipinos who are in need,” as described by Director Tomas. Notable stakeholders were hailed in the anniversary for their continuous and untiring support to the programs and services of the Department.

With the theme, “Ika-41 Taon ng Pinatatag, Pinalawak, at Pinasayang Ahensya na patuloy na Maglilingkod sa Kapwa at sa Bayan”, the FO NCR family recognized its outstanding employees through the 2019 DSWD-NCR Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards.

“Ni minsan po hindi nasagi sa isip ko na makatanggap ng ganitong karangalan, pero ito’y isang pagpapala na ipinagkaloob sa akin ng Maykapal. Ang propesyon pong ito ay hindi ko pinangarap ngunit naniniwala po ako na dinala ako sa gawaing ito na may dahilan. Patuloy po tayong mangangarap para sa ating mga kliyente na may kasamang dasal upang tayo ay magabayan sa paghahatid ng pagpapala sa mga taong ating tinutulungan.” Said Ms. Manilyn Gamboa, Social Worker of the Year awardee, in her heartwarming testimony as she received her recognition.

Another highlight of the event was the film-showing for the DSWD-NCR History video-making competition, wherein Secretary Bautista, Undersecretary Pamonag, and Director Tomas judged and awarded the entries of several offices of FO NCR. With the final score of 90%, Sustainable Livelihood Program Management Office won, followed by the Finance Management Unit with 89%, then the Policy and Plans Division with 83%.

Following the awarding, an intermission number by the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center Chorale awed the audiences with their medley of old hits. Adding to the performers was Mr. Efren C. Gonzales, Sr of NVRC who gave his heartfelt rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘Young at Heart’.

Also entertained the guests were Mr. Christian Mercado, Admin Aide IV of the Finance Management Division who performed his rendition of Ikaw Lamang and The Prayer, followed by the medley of Nayon ng Kabataan’s Rondalla Members.

In his keynote address, Secretary Bautista congratulated the FO NCR’s employees for the success of the event. “Kanina pagpasok ko dito, sabi ko mali ‘ata ‘yong pinasukan ko, parang napasukan ko yung ABS-CBN Star Magic Ball.” he jests as he thanked the Field Office for inviting him in the prestigious event.

“Let us continue to improve the services and find innovative ways to provide solutions in improving the well-being of our fellow Filipinos; to reduce and release them from vulnerability. Through continued support, our Programs and Services will be providing more effective ways to the deliver services to the public.” said Secretary Bautista as he emphasized the most important ingredient of any organization: teamwork.

Officially concluded the program was Ms. Glenda M. Derla, Division Chief of Protective Services Division and chairperson of the 41st Anniversary Committee, as she gave her warmest closing remarks and greeted the department a gleeful anniversary celebration and thanked everyone who attended. ###

Pesta Igal, a celebration of traditional dance and music of the ethnic group Sama Bajau, was held on November 13, 2019 at Palanyag Gymnasium, Parañaque City.

Said ethnic group showcased their talents on dancing Igal-Igal and performing Kantambol. Both cultural performances, Igal-Igal is an interpretative dance done by gracefully mimicking eagle’s wings flying above the sea while Kantambol is a performance done by singing while playing drums using a can.

Sama Bajaus also wore their traditional clothes – colorful sequined and beaded tanjak, accessorized with long nails, malong, and turban – for their performances for the Igal-Igal and Kantambol competition. Those with the most compelling performances and memerizing costumes won prizes.

Preserving the colorful culture of Sama Bajaus who live in Metro Manila is one of the advocacies of DSWD-NCR. The Department aims that despite being modernized, the ethnic group will still keep their rich culture through tranditional dance and music.

“Nakakatuwa po na kahit tayo man ay nasa Maynila, naipapakita pa rin po natin kung gaano kaganda ang inyong kultura. Dapat po ay hindi natin ito kakalimutan, hindi babalewalain, dahil kayo po ay nakakadagdag sa kagandahan ng Pilipinas.” Said Ms. Ilene Lotino, head of Special Projects Section of DSWD-NCR, proponent of said activity.

This year, representatives from Parañaque City won the Igal-Igal dance for Children and Adult Categories while representatives from Manila City won the Youth Category. Representatives from Manila also won the Kantambol Children Category while representatives from Taguig City won the Youth Category.

Ms. Malou Von Arx, Executive Director of Sun For All Children, Inc. which is a non-government organization that sends children to school and Hon. Congressman Eric Olivarez of Parañaque also showed their support and graced the activity.

DSWD-NCR still accepts volunteers for the Sama Bajau Activity Center located at San Dionisio Gymnasium, Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City. Interested volunteers may coordinate with DSWD-NCR Special Projects Section through telephone number 734-8623. ###

On October 23, 2019, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) conducted an Information Caravan at the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) Special Caravan entitled, “#PCUPatyourService: Pinagsama-samang Serbisyo Para sa Tao!” at Remarville Covered Court, Barangay Bagbag, Quezon City.

Information Officers from the Social Marketing Office of DSWD-NCR as well as representatives from various units of the Department disseminated information and education campaign materials. Concerns and inquiries of the participants were also addressed and properly attended to through one-on-one consultations.

PCUP spearheaded this Special Caravan in order to serve as a one-stop orientation shop of pro-poor services on health, education, employment, and legal advices that the urban poor community may avail. Government and non-government services were discussed to engage the community towards better opportunities. In this pursuit, DSWD-NCR was able to advocate some of its promotive and protective programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the Sustainable Livelihood Program, the Social Pension Program, the Unconditional Cash Transfer, the assistance to Solo Parents, and the services of its Centers and Residential Care Facilities.

Around 2,000 participants attended the event along with different National Government Agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Public Attorney’s Office, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Land Transportation Office, among others. Booths that offer on-the-spot services such as massage, haircut, licensing, vehicle registration, and job fair were also provided in the caravan. ###

OKTUBRE 16, 2019 – Inilunsad ngayon ang Sama Bajau Activity Center sa San Dionisio Gymnasium, Parañaque City, sa pangunguna ng DSWD-NCR at pakikipagtulungan ng Cartwheel Foundation, Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, at ng Lungsod ng Parañaque.

Ang pagtayo ng Sama Bajau Activity Center ay ginawa sa layuning mapabuti ang kalagayan ng mga Indigenous People na nasa Lungsod. Sa pamamagitan nito, sila ay maihahanda sa pormal na pag-aaral at pagkakaroon ng hanap-buhay. Tuturuan sila ng mga paraan upang kumita ng pera at makasabay sa pamumuhay ng mga mamamayan sa lungsod. Ang mga programa ng DSWD-NCR tulad ng Sustainable Livelihood Program at Cash-for-Work Program ay makakapagbigay rin ng tulong sa kanila.

“Instrumento lamang po kami upang kayo ay matulungan. Kayo po ang sentro ng programang ito. Kailangan po namin ang inyong pakikipagtulungan upang maging matagumpay po ang ating programa.” ani Bb. Ilene Lotino, tagapamahala ng Special Projects Section ng DSWD-NCR, sa kanyang mensahe para sa mga Sama Bajau.

Dumalo rin ang ilang mga opisyal sa aktibidad na ito upang magpakita ng suporta. Kabilang sa mga opisyal ay sina Kagawad Raymond Arceo, Kagawad Shannin Mae Olivarez, Konsehal Vandolph Quizon, at Kongresista Eric L. Olivarez ng Parañaque City.

Maaaring pumunta at makipag ugnayan sa Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City ang mga Sama Bajau na nais maging bahagi ng programa. Ang Activity Center ay bukas mula Lunes hanggang Sabado.

Ang Sama Bajau Activity Center ay tumatanggap din ng volunteers na nagnanais makatulong sa mga Indigenous People. Maaaring makipag ugnayan sa DSWD-NCR Special Projects Section sa numerong 734-8623 ang mga nagnanais tumulong. ###

In celebration of the 27th National Family Week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) held its Family Day Celebration with the theme, “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag, at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino” on September 21, 2019 at Nayon ng Kabataan, Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.

Each year, staff of the Field Office gather and bring their family members to this activity to enjoy exciting shows, contests, and games. This year, the event overflowed with amusing gimmicks such as the “patalbugan” game booth, glitter tattoo booth, color game booth, photo booth, massage booth, raffle draws, and fun games. Appetizing food such as taho, ice cream, japanese cake, waffles,and food carts for kwek kwek, fish balls, and hot dogs were also all over the place.

More so, two major contests served as the highlights of the event. First one is the DSWD Idol 2019, won by Mr. Christian C. Mercado, while the second one was the Parent and Child Tandem Contest, won by Mr. Margarito Pelino and his daughter. Guests were also invited to judge said contests, namely, Mr. Kurt Ruzel M. Daquipil, a blogger, and Ms. Ray-Ann V. Sorilla with Mr. Rikki Joshua E. Campano, both from the Department of Budget and Management.

Family Week is celebrated every year in compliance to Presidential Proclamation No. 60, series of 1992 wherein DSWD is tasked to be the lead agency in promoting Filipino values by strengthening Filipino Family unity and relationship through recognizing its importance as the basic unit of the society. ###