The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program as the government’s strategy in alleviating poverty firms up its mechanisms as positive reactions are continuously gathered from ordinary beneficiaries such as in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

Among the positive testimonials, one came from Simona Gutierez who said that stronger relationship with her spouse was brought about by the series of Family Development Sessions (FDS) she attended.

This was also confirmed by Eva Ribo saying “Lalong tumitibay ang samahan sa loob ng pamilya (Relationships inside the home is solidified).”

This positive change also leads to the realization of rights of the children. Perlita Ellang said, “Dahil sa FDS naintidihan ng asawa ko na kailangang pag-aralin ang anak (With FDS, my husband understood the importance of education).”

Along with FDS, practical lessons such as financial management, social awareness, laws that protects the rights of women and children are learned, and community participation is increased.

Poverty no more

“The Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries were tagged as facilitators of change. We are so passionate in engaging them in community activities,” said Executive Director Ester Alconga of Responsible Citizens and Empowered Communities in Solidarity for Social Chage (RECITE) in their forum held recently.

True to its name the RECITE teaches social accountability among various training skills and capability building activities. “We ensure that change is going upward through their oneness in enhancing their personalities and improving their own communities,” said Dir. Alconga.

“Hindi lang sila tanggap ng tanggap ng cash grant, aktibo sila sa implementasyon ng Programa (They don’t only receive cash grants, rather they are active partners in implementation), Dir. Alconga further affirmed. (by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II)