DIPOLOG CITY, Feb 24 (PIA) – A total of 5,872 families in Zamboanga del Norte were removed as beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program otherwise known as Pantawid Pamilya after a revalidation survey was conducted late last year. This brings to total 75,216 beneficiaries of the program in the province.

According to Mr. Nestor Ramos, DSWD Field Supervisor, the revalidation survey discovered that some beneficiaries are not qualified to avail of the program and have failed to comply with the conditions set by the program. Some beneficiary also has no more no more child under the age of 14 years old.

 

Ramos added that some, though identified to be among the poorest in their areas refused to avail of the program because of religious affiliation.

 

He further clarified that local politicians cannot and can never remove any beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilya because only of their failure to heed to the politicians demand.

The Pantawid Pamilya was first implemented in Zamboanga del Norte in 2008 with 13 municipalities. These are the municipalities of Sergio Osmeña Sr; Katipunan; Manuel Roxas; Manukan; Jose Dalman; Sindangan; Siayan; Leon Postigo; Godod; Gutalac; Kalawit; Balguian and Sibuco.

Being one of the poorest province of the country, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has decided to include the rest of the municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte as beneficiaries of the program when it expanded its coverage in 2009.

The Conditional Cash Transfer Program, an anti-poverty alleviation program popularly known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the national government implemented by the DSWD provides cash grant up to P1,400.00 to indigent families for their basic needs like food, health and education particularly for the children aging up to 14 years old.

The following conditions must be met by the beneficiaries to continue availment of the program : pregnant women must get pre- and post-natal care, and be attended during childbirth by a skilled/trained health professional; arents or guardians must attend responsible parenthood sessions, mother’s classes, and parent effectiveness seminars; Children 0-5 years old must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; Children aged 3-5 years old must attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85% of the time; and Children 6-14 years old must enroll in elementary or high school and attend at least 85% of the time.(PIA-ZN)