In a unified voice, all active and prospective partners in the implementation of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) verbally pledged their commitment and support of their organization in realizing all the thrusts of the program in bringing about development to the lives of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.
The SLP is being spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO1).
Representatives from Non-Government Agencies (NGAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Private Sectors, and Cooperatives were convened in the second SLP Partnership Forum together with selected Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries to strengthen the implementation of existing convergence initiatives and expand to additional areas of cooperation.
Their collaboration with DSWD got more intense and strengthened as they were being recognized as valued partners in the effective and efficient implementation of the department’s core programs through convergence strategy.
Thus, underscored by the Regional CSO Focal Person Leah Mylen Lucero while articulating the roles of CSOs as Bantay, Gabay, Tulay, and Kaagapay.
And they proved that they are worthy of their recognition through presenting the present status, challenges, lessons, and recommendations as their contribution in SLP implementation.
Most of the partners were glad to know that the clients they are serving before they entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DSWD are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya. That makes them more inspired to give better services to their clients through their partnership with SLP.
“We are looking forward for a good partnership. We are willing to share our time, talent, and expertise for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya”, Adelia C. Navarro, United Primary Cooperative (UNIPRIMCO) Manager said.
Such commitment was heard directly by selected beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya. That is why Natalia Cedron, President of Santiago Island SEA-K Workers Association of Bolinao (SISWAB) in Bolinao, Pangasinan promised to utilize and maximize well the capital assistance provided by DSWD to their organization.
Other beneficiaries extended also their heartfelt thanks to DSWD for providing them livelihood through SLP. According to Marcelina Sesuca from Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, it is a blessing that her family was included Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary and her husband worked at the Trabahong Lansangan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The SLP Regional Project Coordinator Agnes Tambalo hopes for more from the strengthened partnership. She mentioned that support and commitment of all the partners are vital in pursuit to inclusive development. And she also looks forward for expansion of commitment or areas of engagement to those existing SLP partners.
By Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Administrative Assistant V, Listahanan/NHTS-PR
