Butuan City brings social services to communities through ‘Panday Banay’
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan, through the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD), continues to strengthen inclusive governance by bringing essential social services to communities through ‘Panday Banay’ or building community.
The initiative ensures that vulnerable sectors, particularly senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), children at risk, and indigent families, can access government assistance despite mobility and health limitations.
Under Panday Banay, CSWDD social workers conduct home visitations to personally reach individuals who are unable to walk or visit government offices, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing basic social services.
In addition, they also conduct barangay orientation on their rights, privileges, and laws for senior citizens and PWDs, violence against women and their children (VAWC), teenage pregnancy, and others.
According to CSWDD, the program allows them to assess beneficiaries’ situation, provide assistance, and referral services. Thus, beneficiaries can receive support in the comfort of their homes.
Through Panday Banay, CSWDD is empowered and freed from the four corners of their office, enabling them to perform other tasks, such as visiting the client in need.
Their services include psychosocial support, needs assessment, and linkage to appropriate city and national government programs. Also, CSWDD assisted in the transfer of a senior citizen from Panabo City to Butuan City, ensuring safe and secure transportation.
Through Panday Banay, the department also strengthens coordination with barangay officials to identify households requiring immediate attention and ensure timely intervention for vulnerable residents.
The city government emphasized that Panday Banay reflects its commitment to people-centered, inclusive service delivery, especially for those who need government support the most. By bringing services directly to communities, the city continues to uphold its mandate of promoting social protection, dignity, and care for all Butuanons. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
