The Outdoor Camp 2019 was conducted on August 28 -30, 2019 at the Philippine Marine Base in Ternate, Cavite for sixteen (16) selected residents, which aims to: (1) enhance the resident’s current functioning in terms of independent living capabilities as well as with their social engagement towards the society, (2) develop basic decision making skills that may contribute to the welfare of the residents, and (3) to learn and apply proper procedures in response to certain basic emergency situations. The entire camp consists of various activities which aim to challenge the potentials of the residents which they can apply to their everyday living.

The program started with an opening remarks given by Mr. Jericho Medel, followed by the distribution of kits containing IDs and toiletries of the residents. The participants were handed art materials so that each group can create their own outdoor camp 2019 banners. After the banner- making activity, the residents were given ample time to relax and enjoy the beach.

On the second day, the Psychological Service led the residents for a jog along the beach as part of their morning exercises.  Mr. Monching Guamos, a resident of the center, led the group for a zumba while Ms. Maricel Enteña for the aerobics. Mr. Bernard Llamanzares conducted a lecture on how to provide first aid for seizure, followed by a workshop on disaster management.

The event certainly met the objectives of encouraging residents to build fellowships among themselves, to showcase how empowered they are and to feel how much they are valued despite their vulnerabilities, through forming inclusive development. ###

The Haven for Children, in coordination with the Educational Service, conducted a month- long celebration of the 2019 Buwan ng Wika with the theme, “Wikang Katutubo sa Bansang Pilipino”.

In observance of the Filipino tradition the activity formally opened on August 5, 2019 at the Haven for Children activity hall through an activity called “Musikahan”, participated in by the students of Jose Fabella Memorial School- HFC. For the Musikahan the children is divided into six teams namely the Maranaos, Ilocanos, Kapampangans, Hiligaynons and Bicolanos.

On the succeeding days activities were played and participated by the children such as Poster Making contest and Essay Writing contest were conducted to give the children chances to exercise their creativity as they interpret the thee through visuals and words.

The Medical Services Department also participated in the activity through conducting a lecture for all the residents and employees about “Dengue and Parasites”, which aims to raise awareness on maintaining cleanliness and orderliness among themselves and the environment.

Tagisan ng Talino was also conducted on August 22, 2019. The Teachers and the Wellness Committee provided series of memory games that can help the students learn more and have fun at the same time. On August 24, 2019, six (6) selected students, accompanied by the Teachers and Houseparents, watched a Dulang Pangteyatro entitled “Alab ng Puso” at SM Southmall, Las Pinas. The play was about the life of Andres Bonifacio and his dedication in saving our country from the Spaniards.

On the 28^th day of August, the first part of Pagbigkas ng Tula was conducted by the Grade 1 to 3 students. During the culminating program of Buwan ng Wika, the Pampinid na Palatuntunan was conducted on September 2, 2019.  Masining na Pagkukwento, and Spoken Poetry, and the General Staff-Parent-Teachers Association (GSPTA) oath-taking were also conducted during the month-long activity which aims to promote patriotism among our fellow Filipino citizen. ###

Quezon City — Jamolo family from Barangay Merville, Paranaque City took home the plaque for this year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya held at Commission on Higher Education 2^nd floor Auditorium, Quezon City.

The Jamolo family conquered the plaque from 16 other contenders from their respective Local Government Units in National Capital Region.

Ninfa, 47, the mother of the family was a former Barangay Health Worker and currently serving as a Solo Parent and PWD’s desk officer in their Barangay.

Adding to her arsenal of community activities, she has been a member of Samahan ng mga Ilonggo sa Parangaque for 6 years, a group formed to help the Ilonggos living in Paranaque City; the Assistant Secretary of Samahan ng Inaping Dukha for 3 years, a group formed to aid the victims of abuse and violence in their Barangay; and a member of Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pantawid Pamilya, a group of Pantawid Pamilya members advocating the vision of the Program and the welfare of their co-members.

This year, through her incomparable efforts, she was able to finish her High School Education, making her an epitome of diligence for her children. It is perhaps the biggest recognition she could share to her children.

Joemari, 50, keeps the family steady by steering the wheel of his taxi; he is the team leader of Christian Family Movement, assembled to help families in spiritual formation. He is the adviser of Sitio Manggahan II-A Neighborhood Association for 3 years. He emphasized that their family is never perfect but to raise their children as responsible individuals with a sense of love for their community are just enough for him as a father. 

The children of Jamolo family made a name for themselves, especially Jenny Rose, 20, presently on her 5^th year in college. She once served as Vice President of Integrity of Students in Action Program at Kalayaan National High School for 4 years. As a college student, she was the delegate ambassadress for United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization representing Polytechnic University Philippines.

Jamolo Family is not perfect but through their support and love for each other, they walked through the toughest challenges that made them a model for other families. To witness their family develop through ups and downs while finding their way out of poverty is more than the recognition they had received.

The Search Continues

Over the past ten years, Pantawid Pamilya has witnessed positive changes in the lives of its family members. Impact evaluations on the program showed that it is on track on keeping children healthy and in school. Increase in community participation and civic engagement also reflected in the reports about the program. Hence, countless success stories showing the significant effects of the program prove that the poorest of the poor Filipino families leap their way through a self-sufficient level of well-being.

The National Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya has been one of our venues to showcase these triumphant stories. Those family-members who maintain strong family ties, demonstrate positive Filipino values, and have a positive impact in the community are recognized through this search.

It promotes positive behaviors that we want our family-members to adopt such as putting a premium on children’s health and education and becoming active citizens. This is an institutionalized activity that communicates the stories of huwarang families that provide program members the actual examples of how hard work, family togetherness, and the assistance from Pantawid Pamilya could lead to affirmative changes in their lives.

This year, there were 25 families endorsed from Local Government Units after a thorough deliberation by the Provincial Selection Team/Operations Office. Selection Team consists of Social Welfare Officer III, City/Municipal Link, and one external judges. The 25 entries underwent Desk Validation by the Regional Selection Team consists of Information Officers, Regional Gender and Development Officer, and the Family Development Session Focal Person of Pantawid Pamilya.

As a result, 17 contenders from 17 LGU’s were subjected for Field validation from July 22-24, 29-31, 2019 until August 1, 2019. Various Representatives from Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Filipino Family joined in the quest to find the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya 2019.

Before the regional winner, the following families were awarded in order; Tubello Family from Mandaluyong City as the first runner-up, Bachicha Family from Navotas City as the second runner-up, Domino Family from Marikina City as the third runner-up, and Vega Family from Makati City as the fourth runner-up.

With the addition of Gender Sensitivity Assessment Checklist, Apart from the runners up, the group of validators provided a special award to Fuentes Family of Pasig City. ###

The Japan Foundation – Manila in partnership with the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) conducted a Japanese Film Festival (JFF), popularly known as EIGASAI which was attended by the selected residents of the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) on August 17, 2019 at the University of the Philippines, Diliman Quezon City.

The activity aims to let the children see a glimpse of the Japanese culture and appreciate the real cinema experience. EIGASAI continues the tradition of film screening for viewers of all ages, offers films of diverse genre and is open to public for free of charge.

The children watched the Lu over the Wall movie, a charming film about mermaids, music, growing up, and friendship. It is about Kai, a shy high school student and his band mates who ventures into Merefolk Island where their music attracts Lu, a mermaid who has power to make people dance. The children enjoyed the film’s music, attractive and colorful animation, as well as the bright and lively character of Lu with her googley eyes and seaweed hair. One of the most remarkable scene that put tears on the children’s eyes was when Lu was rescued by her father. The film taught the children empathy and have a wider perspective of the outside world.

The Reception and Study Center for Children provides services for the needs of 0 to 6 year-old children who were abandoned and deprived of parental care and support through provision of temporary care, custody, and alternative family care services. ###

On August 16, 2019, eight (8) Hairdressing and Beauty Care trainees of Nayon ng Kabataan (NK) Training Center (NKTC) together with the three professional trainers conducted free haircut, manicure and pedicure to seventy two (72) residents of Sanctuary Center.

This good practice aims to equip the residents of NK with necessary skills in the field of beauty and cosmetology. Said activity was conducted with guidance and supervision of Nayon ng Kabataan and Sanctuary Center staff.

Nayon ng Kabataan’s clients graduated on July 30, 2019 from the Skills Training courses such as Information and Communications Technology, baking, hair cutting, beauty care, and manicure and pedicure. This is part of the Helping Strategies / Interventions Program and Life Skills Service that provide opportunities for the residents to acquire basic knowledge on daily life activities that would expand their sense of responsibility towards themselves and to others. Learnings from the said training courses were then applied to provide service for the community.

Nayon ng Kabataan provides programs and psycho-social services and interventions to Children in Need of Special Protection ages seven (7) to eighteen (18) years old, while Sanctuary Center is a twenty-four (24) hour residential care facility which serves as a place of refuge and home for the abandoned, neglected, and unattached adult women with improved psycho-social disability, ages eighteen (18) and above. ###

On August 16, 2019, the Reception and Study Center for Children celebrated its 55^th Founding Anniversary with the theme, “Pagbabalik-tanaw sa ika-55 taon ng RSCC: Kaagapay Ka sa Matagumpay na Pagtugon sa Batang Nangangailangan ng Sapat na Pagkalinga, Tamang Pag-gabay at Proteksyon”, held at the Center’s Social Hall and was attended by the residents, staffs, partners, guest and donors.

The Reception and Study Center for Children was established on July 27, 1964 with the aim of providing child-caring institution for the abandoned, neglected and/or surrendered children 0-6 years of age.

The celebration started with the Baptism of the newly admitted children and babies at Sto. Niño Parish Church, facilitated by Rev. Father Gilbert Dumlao, followed by the Holy Mass and Blessing of RSCC Buildings at the Center.  On behalf of Ms. Rowela F. Hizon, Social Welfare Officer IV and Officer-In-Charge of the Center, Ms. Chorrie Lou-an Digneneng, Project Development Officer III welcomed the guests, donors, staff, and the children. An opening number by selected RSCC kids was also performed and brought smiles on the attendees’ faces. The Philippine Children’s Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Philippines Band of Mercy, Bago Bantay Health Center, Philippine Heart Center, Ms. Kristine Garcia, Ms. Wilma Chua, Cebuana Lhuilier Foundation, Ms. Georgia Renella, Mr. Dennis Geron, Ms. Frecy Lazaro, Barangay Sto. Crsito, Atty. Minerva Ambrosio, Atty. Elizabeth Andres, Sto. Crsito Elementary School and Bagong Pag-Asa Elementary School were all awarded with Certificates of Appreciation for their support to the center.

In grateful appreciation of their invaluable contribution and support to the operations and programs of the center, Plaques of Appreciation were awarded to the following: (1) City of Dreams, (2) Co Ban Kiat Hardware, (3) Dynamics Global Solutions, (3) Rotary Club of Balintawak, (4) Radio Veritas,  (5) Hinduja Global Solution (6) Open Heart Foundation, (7) Ms. Judith So, (8) Mr. Edwin Tabuzo, (9) Mr. Rodolfo Robles, and (10) Rev. Fr. Gilbert Dumlao. After the awarding, RSCC selected staff danced with glaze to the tune of “Twist”. Ms. Glenda M. Derla, Social Welfare Officer V and Division Chief of Protective Services Division, former Center Head of RSCC gave her message and congratulated each and everyone at the Center as she expressed joy to former RSCC clients who attended the anniversary.

The Parachale siblings, former residents of the Center, delivered their inspirational message for the Center’s staffs and children. They reminisced the old days when they were still at the center and how their Aunties (Houseparents) took good care of them and made them feel loved. Also, Mrs. Whitaker, their adoptive parent, shared that one of the struggles they had was the language barrier, which they eventually learned to overcome by learning the culture of the kids. “It is worth the wait to become the parent of Parachales,” Mrs. Whitaker said.

The Regional Director, Mr. Vicente Gregorio “Kuya Vic” B. Tomas, graced the activity and expressed gratitude to all the staff of the center as well as to all the donors and partners who played huge part in the continuous success of the Center.

“According to Orison Swett Marden, ‘We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest’. Let us all continue being the candle and light for all these kids and secure their bright future,” said Mr. Tomas. ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) through its Social Pension Program conducted 7-day pay-out activity from August 5 to 13, 2019 at several barangays in Malabon City. A total of 7,601 indigent senior citizens of NCR received their stipend.

The Social Pension program for Indigent Senior Citizens is an additional government assistance that issues a P500 monthly stipend to the elderly which aims to improve their condition by augmenting to their daily substance and medical needs, reduce incidence of hunger, and protect them from abuse, deprivation, disasters, and neglect.

The DSWD-NCR is pursuing this program in compliance with Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which states that the beneficiaries for the social pension must be: (1) frail, sickly or with disability; (2) receive no pension from GSIS, SSS, AFPMBAI and other insurance companies; and (3) do not have permanent source of income or regular support from relatives.

DSWD Undersecretary Mark Allan Jay Yambao and DSWD-NCR Regional Director Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas graced the event to check on the comfort of the elderly and the smooth flow of operations of the activity.

DSWD-NCR is set to conduct its pay-out on September 3 to 5, 2019 in Las Piñas City and on September 11 to 14, 2019 in Marikina City.

On August 13, 2019, fifty-five (55) trainees from the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) visited Gardenia, a world-class bread-making plant in the Philippines, and the Tahanang Walang Hagdan, a non-government organization providing services to persons with disabilities (PWDs) specializing for the orthopedically impaired.

Recognized by their world-class bread-making process, Gardenia was also known for its educational tour-friendly facilities that impart knowledge regarding automatic types of machineries.

Just like NVRC, Tahanang Walang Hagdan (TWH) provides programs and services to persons with disabilities. For the second itinerary of the tour, TWH provided orientation on their four workshops such as, metal craft, woodcraft, sewing, and packaging services that provide livelihood to PWDs.

NVRC conducts education or industrial tour yearly for their trainees, as part of their Psychological and Vocational Guidance Service that aims to help trainees identify their rehabilitation goals through assessment and evaluation of their cognitive ability, personality framework, and interest.

The trainees’ exposures to these sites serve as inspiration as they realize that PWDs like them can work and be productive. They also learn that aside from NVRC, there are other institutions that can provide training and employment opportunities for PWDs such as themselves. Hence, they become more hopeful and optimistic in their endeavor. More so, it helps them discover and learn things outside of the center and meet new friends and acquaintances.

National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) is located at J.P Burgos Street, Project 4, Quezon City. ###