Muntinlupa City Congressman Rodolfo Biazon meets today, August 26, the parent leaders of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in his district, to listen to their testimonies as well as discuss their issues and concerns on the program.

Pantawid Pamilya, the country’s version of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, provides assistance to poor households and invests in the future of their children to help their families rise from poverty by having them go to school regularly and providing them with proper health care and nutrition.

 

The dialogue between Congressman Biazon and the Parent Leaders is part of the second leg of Convergence Caravan in Metro Manila. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro will also be participating in the dialogue. The activity is in collaboration with the local government of Muntinlupa City and the People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR). 

The convergence caravan dubbed as “Sama-samang Pagsulong ng Sambayanan” is a concrete venue where voices of beneficiaries can be heard and their suggestions be communicated to the public as they represent the true advocates of Pantawid Pamilya. 

It is also an opportunity for the beneficiaries to seek the support of Congressman Biazon for the smooth passage of the DSWD budget especially the additional P39.8 million budget for the Pantawid Pamilya. Many beneficiaries believe that the additional budget for Pantawid Pamilya is a budget for their children’s future.

“Sobrang laki ng pasasalamat ko sa programa dahil sa nabigyan ng kaukulang pansin ang mga katulad kong mahirap. Sana pagbigyan nilang ipagpatuloy ito lalo na at para naman ito sa kalusugan at pag-aaral ng mga bata. Pangarap kong mapagtapos ang mga anak ko”, said Mary Joy Unsay, a beneficiary from Brgy. Poblacion, Muntinlupa. 

Meanwhile, a Qualitative Impact Evaluation on Pantawid Pamilya done by the Institute of Philippine Culture of the Ateneo de Manila University concluded that the program has a lot of potential in improving people’s lives. Changes in behaviors related to health and education have also been observed in beneficiaries. These short-term outcomes are motivation for enhancement and continuous implementation for the betterment of lives of the poor. 

The beneficiaries are encouraged as well to do their co-responsibilities in the program and have been actively involved in development activities in their communities. Parent beneficiaries want their children to be given the opportunity to realize their full potential, pursue their dreams and someday break free from the chains of poverty.