DSWD IV-B Regional Director Violeta Cruz said, “The MOA states the commitment and full support of the LCEs, signifies their understanding in the investment in human capital and ensures the support in the increase of the demand in educational facilities and health personnel for social development.” It is important that everyone is lending a hand because she added, “Poverty is a big challenge that needs to be faced and we need to support each other so no one gets left behind in development.” Together with the partner agencies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Pantawid Pamilya has been able to increase its coverage in the region. She also gladly reported that the new households from set 5 areas received their first cash grant last March 2012. 

In a message delivered by Poverty Reduction Program Bureau Director Honorita Bayudan, she highlighted the need to increase the compliance rate and diminish the grievances of the beneficiaries. It is only with a 100% compliance rate that the program will be able to truly cater to the extremely poor households in the region.

Regional Coordinator Vincent Dominic Obcena provided an overview and status update of the program. As of April 20 of the current year, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Region IV-B is being implemented in two cities and 68 municipalities in the five provinces where a total of  157, 351 households have been enrolled. In the covered Set 5 areas, there were 14 municipalities and one city and eight of which are new areas. There were 22,917 new households registered and the program will run until 2016. A total of Php 275,004,000 per year is allotted for the new set areas. 

  

Partner agencies also presented their commitments in ensuring the smooth implementation of the program. DOH Regional Director Gloria Balboa gave their commitments and entails to provide the following: PhilHealth enrollment of NHTS families, health facility enhancement program, manpower complement (hiring of RN Heals, Midwives, DTTBs), creation of Community Health Teams (CHTs), and among others. Regional Supervisor Manolo Perez of DepEd, on the other hand, said that they aim to have a high percentage of school attendance among the children beneficiaries and produce health consciousness among them and their parents. For the Department, according to Deputy Program Manager Purificacion Arriola, it will continue doing its supposed role while the municipal government will keep on providing assistance and accommodation on the needs of the program staff and beneficiaries. 

Two beneficiaries gave their testimonials on how the program contributed in the development of their lives while other partner agencies present were DPWH, NEDA, and NCIP. Furthermore, the CSOs present were the San Jose Senior Citizens Organization, iHelp, and Stairway Foundation. Plus, friends in the local media were present to cover the event.