Caraga IPs convene for 2019 IP Summit
By Clea Mariel C. Malunhao
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 -- Tribal
groups from different parts of Caraga gathered recently for this year’s
Indigenous Peoples Summit in this city to celebrate their participation and
contribution in nation-building and at the same time raise concerns that their
communities are facing.
The one-day summit, which was
organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field
Office Caraga, was held recently at Balanghai Hotel and was attended by Manobo,
Mamanwa, Higaonon, Banwaon, and Mandaya tribal groups.
These tribal groups are from six
ancestral domains granted with the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title
(CADT), namely: CADT 089 – Veruela and Sta. Josefa; CADT 117 – La Paz and
Loreto; CADT 078 – Rosario and Tagbina; CADT 134 – Kitcharao, Jabonga, and
Santiago; and CADT 048 – Kitcharao, Alegria, Tubod, Claver, Bacuag, and
Gigaquit.
Consequently, these ancestral
domains are also part of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and
Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) PAMANA–IP CDD
implementation.
The summit also served as a venue
for the Kalahi-CIDSS program to provide updates as well as for the IP
communities to highlight their contributions to the program implementation of
the PAMANA–IP CDD or the Payapa at Masagang Pamayanan – Indigenous Peoples
Community-Driven Development Project.
DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mita
Chuchi Gupana-Lim said that the activity was very significant as it allows the
IP communities to voice out their concerns and opinion. Further, RD Lim said
that through the said activity, the impact and contributions of the indigenous
communities’ in the project are highlighted.
“To our IP leaders, we need your
opinion. We want to hear your voice so we may know of your needs in your
respective communities. We believe that through this summit, the DSWD and the
other concerned agencies will be able to address your concerns especially in
the implementation of the PAMANA-IP CDD and other IP programs in your
localities,” Gupana-Lim said.
Datu Mario Labao, a Mamanwa tribal
leader from Alegria, Surigao del Norte province, expressed his gratitude
towards the DSWD for initiating the event because they were able to articulate
their pressing concern on education.
“Through this summit, we were
given the chance to tackle our request for scholarship funds for our children.
We fervently hope this will be granted the soonest because many of our children
desire to go to college and study medicine or law”, he said.
The IP Summit was graced by
stakeholders from the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, Office of the
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, and the Department of the Interior and
Local Government.
This year’s summit is anchored on
the theme, “IP in Action: Strengthening Culture and Tradition by Building a
Culture of Peace for Sustainable Development in Ancestral Domain Areas.” (Social
Marketing Section/DSWD-Caraga)
CDD institutionalization pushed in Kalahi-CIDSS
stakeholders forum
By Clea Mariel C. Malunhao
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 -- The
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga have intensified its
campaign for the institutionalization of the Community-Driven Development (CDD)
by gathering stakeholders from different parts of the region and explaining to
them the impact of CDD to poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors and
communities, on November 15, 2019, at Watergate Hotel, this city.
The Stakeholders’ Forum was
conducted through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated
Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Program, the agency’s lead in the
advocacy of the CDD institutionalization bid.
The forum was attended by
municipal and provincial information officers, and planning and development
coordinators and line government agencies’ representatives.
The forum intends to define CDD
particularly in the context of Kalahi-CIDSS, to strengthen the advocacy
campaign of CDD, to promote the use of this approach in the implementation of
other government programs and projects, and to strengthen the ties with the
stakeholders in order to gain their support and commitment in the passage of
the CDD Institutionalization Bill.
Jean Paul S. Parajes, DSWD Caraga
Promotive Services Division OIC chief, said that as the Kalahi-CIDSS program
comes to a close this year, the Department is on the move to call for the
passage of the CDD Institutionalization Bill, adding that since 2003, CDD has
already demonstrated success in poverty alleviation, community empowerment, and
participatory local governance.
“With the success of the program,
the agency sees the opportunity to ride on the momentum gained through the
implementation of the program, through the institutionalization of CDD by
making it a regular strategy for programs and services of the government. This
way, with the passing of the bill, CDD will be operationalized in government
programs, activities, and projects,” Parajes said.
For 16 years, the Kalahi-CIDSS
program has been using the CDD approach in empowering communities in targeted
poor and disadvantaged municipalities by giving the people the opportunity to
make informed decisions on locally-identified options for development and
manage resources to implement sub-projects that address their needs.
During the forum, regional
specialists from the program discussed the gains and successes of Kalahi-CIDSS
in the context of CDD. They also disclosed the future steps of the program
towards CDD institutionalization.
Kalahi-CIDSS also shared the
different technologies used by the monitoring and evaluation unit in the
implementation of the program. The management seeks to transfer these
technologies to help the local government units and government offices in
providing a more efficient and effective delivery of services.
Participants expressed their
support and commitment to the program, saying that they believe in what CDD can
do to help their people.
Trento Municipal Information
Officer Allen Joe Lumanta shared that Trento town is now on the move to create
a CDD ordinance, after the Kalahi-CIDSS program improved the lives of the
communities in the municipality.
“The municipality of Trento has
always been supportive of the Kalahi-CIDSS program. We assure the management
that our municipality will promote the institutionalization of CDD because we
believe that this is an effective strategy in poverty alleviation and fosters
inclusivity. This is what our people need,” Lumanta said. (Social Marketing
Section/DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Police Caraga launch 8-bullet challenge
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 -- The Police
Regional Office (PRO) 13 officially launched the “8-Bullet Challenge” in an
opening ceremony held Friday at the Butuan Primer Gun Club and Shooting Range
Inc., Brgy. Bonbon, this city.
Police Brigadier General Joselito
Esquivel, Jr, PRO13 Director, signed Command Memorandum Circular Number 32-2019
with subject “PRO13 8-Bullet Challenge” which set the guidelines and procedures
to be undertaken by PRO13 to enhance the weapon and shooting skills of all PNP
personnel in Caraga.
The challenge requires all
participants to go through four stages. In stage 1, the target is 5 meters in
distance which must be hit by the participant using two bullets in 3 seconds.
Stages 2, 3 and 4 will be 7 meters, 10 meters and 15 meters in distance,
respectively. No participant will proceed on the next stage unless he/she
passed the prior stage.
In his message, Police Colonel
Jimili Macaraeg, Deputy Regional Director for Operation, challenged all
personnel to continue practicing even after passing the 8-Bullet Challenge to
become proficient in handling firearms.
“I encourage all Police Officers
to go to the range, once a month to certify ourselves that we can hit the
target and basically to defend ourselves and to defend others,” said PBGEN
Esquivel, Jr.
The challenge is mandatory in
nature which requires all Caraga Police to participate on the activity on their
scheduled date and venue. (PRO13/PIA-Caraga)
LGU support assured in ongoing DSWD Listahanan 3
assessment, DILG says
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 -- With the
on-going Listahanan 3 implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG)-Caraga ensures the participation of all Local Government Units (LGUs) in
the 3rd round household assessment activities.
This assurance was delivered by
DILG Local Government Operations Officer Ednon John Aparicio during the
Listahanan 3 Stakeholders Media Forum which was attended by the National
Household Targeting Office and DSWD Field Office Caraga personnel together with
the media practitioners of the region held recently at Almont City Hotel, this
city.
“With the existing Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between DSWD and DILG in relation to Listahanan 3, we
ensure that the conduct of Listahanan 3 will be completed together with the
participation and cooperation of the local officials,'' said Aparicio.
“If you have difficulties or
concerns regarding the implementation of Listahanan 3, you can also report it
to the Municipal/Local Government Operations Office for us to take actions,''
Aparicio added.
Based on the MOU, the DILG shall
enjoin City/Municipal/Barangay Officials to assist the DSWD in the
implementation of Listahanan nationwide household assessment in all phases from
the preparatory, data collection, validation, and finalization until report
generation phase. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Story of volunteerism: A
peek in the life of a youth
By Clea Mariel C. Malunhao
When he was still young, Vicente L. Gausin, Jr., or “Vic”, used to
tag along with his parents in their community meetings because he had nothing
to do at home and he wanted to avail of the snacks during these meetings. Later
on, when he was a little older, he began assisting them in facilitating these
meetings. This sparked his interest in community volunteerism.
Vic is a 20-year old youth
volunteer from Barangay Pinana-an, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. His parents,
Vicente D. Gausin, Sr., and Ofelia Gausin, used to be Kapit-Bisig Laban sa
Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services
(Kalahi-CIDSS) community volunteers and members of the Barangay Sub-Project
Management Committee Community Volunteers of Pinana-an.
While assisting his parents in
their volunteer works in Kalahi-CIDSS, Vic realized that he also wanted to do
what his parents were doing. He wanted to help the community. He also fathomed
that even at a young age, he can contribute to the improvement of his
community.
With this realization, he became
more active and involved in the community.
As a community volunteer, Vic
learned and experienced a lot. It was with Kalahi-CIDSS, where he first learned
the significance of community effort. He said that it really motivated him when
he saw how each member of the community would walk an extra mile just to
accomplish their goals.
“I have seen that the people in my
community were united and worked hand-in-hand just to achieve the development
we aspire for. This inspires me even more to take part and contribute even in
my own little ways,” Vic said.
During the community planning, Vic
developed a deeper understanding of the problems in his community and how
critical it is to work as a team in resolving these issues. Before, he did not
pay much attention to these problems as he thought that it was not his concern
at all. But after becoming a community volunteer, he saw that the youth plays a
huge role in the improvement of the community as they can offer fresh
perspectives and offer new ways on how to address problems.
He said that the youth should be
more involved in the planning, budgeting, and implementation of community
projects.
But his journey as community
volunteer was not smooth sailing at all times. Vic also struggled.
“While volunteering, I also had to
go to school. Sometimes, I struggled juggling between volunteer works and my
studies. I had to make sure that I do my responsibilities in both aspects,” Vic
shared.
He also received discouragement
from others, saying that volunteering was a waste of time. He was not
compensated for his services and it would not bring him opportunities.
But he did not let this get in his
way. He brushed off the negative remarks of other people and continued to serve
as a community volunteer. He says that his experiences as a Kalahi-CIDSS
community volunteer have helped him boost his self-esteem and honed his
leadership skills.
Through volunteerism, Vic was
given the opportunity to experience real challenges and make meaningful
contribution to the society. He was also able to widen his social capital –
meeting new people, sharing experiences with them, and learning from them. As a
matter of fact, he represented the Caraga Region in the recently concluded
Kalahi-CIDSS National Community Volunteers’ Congress in Butuan City last August
2019.
During this event, Vic was able to
exchange ideas with other community volunteers from across the country and
pitched in suggestions on how to promote the passage of the Community-Driven
Development (CDD) Institutionalization Bill.
“I believe that the youth sector
plays an important role in nation-building. We may only offer tiny efforts but
I know these small contributions can lead to a significant result,” Vic shared.
Since his volunteering experience
with Kalahi-CIDSS, Vic has been involved in other volunteering works in school.
It has become both his learning venue and comfort zone. He said that he still
sees himself in the future doing volunteer works because he had always the
heart to serve.
Currently, Vic is in his second
year in college at Caraga State University, taking Social Work as he wishes to
continue working with the community and serving the people especially those who
are in poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged areas.
“My volunteering experience in
Kalahi-CIDSS has helped me develop a sense of citizenship. Being a community
volunteer was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life,” Vic
concluded. (Social Marketing Section/DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
DSWD conducts
stakeholders media forum to strengthen partnership
BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 29 -- As the
agency recognizes the important role of media in disseminating correct
information to the general public, the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga recently concluded the conduct of
Stakeholders’ Media Forum on November 14, 2019 at Almont City Hotel, this city.
The forum which aims to update the
media on the status of the on-going 3rd round household assessment and to answer
queries related to Listahanan, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program,
Unconditional Cash Transfer, Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior
Citizens, and Disaster Response, was attended by media outfits from Agusan del
Norte and Agusan del Sur.
Assistant Regional Director for
Operation Nerisa Murih, together with the different Division Chiefs, and
Program Focal Persons comprised the panel. Also present were DSWD National
Household Targeting Office (NHTO) Director Andrew Ambubuyog and Operations
Division Chief Aljo Quintans who were more than eager to answer queries from
the media.
The Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG) also attended the forum, and was represented by Local
Government Operations Officer Ednon John Aparicio. DILG reiterated its support,
together with the LGU’s commitments to the Listahanan 3 implementation during
the forum.
DSWD Assistant Regional Director
for Administration (ARDA) Ramel Jamen, welcomed all the participants by
delivering the message on behalf of Regional Director Mita Chuchi Lim, who was
able to visit the event during the open forum after attending prior
commitments.
“Media plays an important role in
informing the public of what is happening in the region, and even outside of
the region. Media could easily bridge the communication gap that we have with
the rest of the region. This way, we can assure every Caraganon that they have
equal opportunities to the programs and services of the Department,’’ Jamen
said.
DSWD sees the impact of the
programs being aired and published news from media in the region. This is why
the field office has been partnering with national and regional tri-media to be
able to disseminate pertinent information to the public.
“We want to strengthen our
engagement with our local tri-media that is why we are conducting the
Stakeholders Media Forum as we want you to update on the implementation of our
programs, specifically, regarding on the on-going Listahanan 3rd round
household assessment, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Social Pension for
Indigent Senior Citizens, Unconditional Cash Transfer as well as our augmentation
support to the Disaster Relief Operations in Southern Mindanao,’’ he added.
During the forum, Quintans
discussed the Listahanan overview, while Regional Field Coordinator Aldie Mae
Andoy reported the updates on the implementation of Listahanan 3 in the region.
Based on the report as of November
5, 2019, a total of 160,261 households were already assessed by the enumerators
– 426 barangays have already been assessed. There are 115 barangays with
on-going household assessment, while 770 barangays are scheduled for assessment
in the following days.
“The barangays that are not yet
covered will have its schedule based on the deployment plan of the Listahanan
Area Supervisors that is why our households need not to worry as we will ensure
that all will be assessed," Andoy said.
During the forum, some of the
questions raised from the media are concerns on the conduct of the assessment,
especially on the safety concerns in the assessment of households in GIDA and
critical areas. The media also raised the issue of the timeline for the
household assessment, which is supposed to run for 45 days, covering all
possible households in the region.
There were also questions raised
regarding the Social Pension Program implementation. Participants wanted
clarification of the reassessment done to cleanse the list of beneficiaries.
Pantawid Pamilya was also a hot commodity among media partners. The pending
issue of the conversion of the cash grant allocation for rice subsidy to actual
rice rations was asked, and the MCCT implementation was also tackled.
Augmentation support for the quake
incidents in Southern Mindanao was also tackled during the open forum. The DSWD
staff present provided appropriate answers to the questions raised, leaving a
good impression among the media practitioners.
Assistant Regional Director for
Operations Nerisa T. Murih closed the activity, conveying the agency’s
appreciation to the participating media outfits.
“We thank everyone for being with
us today so that you can help the Department in disseminating accurate and
fresh data and information on what DSWD is doing for the benefit of the poor
people in Caraga. We are looking forward for another discussion like this in
the near future,’’ Murih said. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
