The casualties it brings include destruction of properties, crippling of the local economy, displacement of families, and even death. Rido arises when there is a problem between two or more groups of individuals which are not immediately settled, and will later result to the inclusion of other family members in the arising conflict. 

When the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program started its operation in the municipality in 2009, the elders were hopeful that it will help in tempering clan wars. One of the parent groups in Barangay Paigoay comprise of feuding families. The monthly family development sessions (FDS) paved the way for the families to open up their issues and diplomatically discuss resolutions. The regular sessions brought the families closer and they gradually set aside their conflict and brought their feud to a closure. Instead of harboring anger, they channel their attention and energy to community activities. Their parent group started a community vegetable garden where they can get nutritious vegetables. They also wish to inspire the community to follow their example.

“Ang maganda sa programang ito ay may matututunan din tayong aral mula sa kanilang (benepisaryo) mga diskusyon. Noon ay madalas nating naoobserbahan na hindi nagpapansinan yaong mga kasamahan natin sa barangay dahil sa conflict na nagaganap. Subalit nang dahil sa programang ito, lalo na ang FDS, napakalaking tulong talaga upang mapagbuklod ang bawat isa,” Tubaran Municipal Link Samaona Macatoon expressed gratefully. 

In an article published in Business Mirror last March 13, 2012, Social Watch Philippines lead Convener Leonor Briones commented that the “program breeds divisions among communities” because of jealousy and resentment. The program prides itself in promoting community mobilization and strengthening camaraderie through active involvement of beneficiaries in community development. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) does not tolerate violent encounters and expresses gratitude to Social Watch for reporting such incidents. Secretary Corazon J. Soliman urges Mr. Briones to provide details of his comment so that DSWD can verify and investigate.

"Please give the exact barangay and better if there are names so we can investigate. We need details so we can investigate more quickly. But I will have it investigated,” said the Secretary. “Similar incidents and other observations that affect the irregularities in the implementation of the program can be reported to the Grievance Redress System Text Hotline 0918-912-2813.”

Although there may be some rifts reported, it is important to continue to recognize and not judge the rest of Pantawid communities nationwide that maximize the assistance being extended by the government. One good example is Barangay Binatog in San Mariano, Isabela.

According to Mrs. Leilani Gammad, the Municipal Link, the parent-groups in the barangay actively participate in school and community endeavors. They worked together in planting cassava in the Binatog Elementary School’s garden. During the opening of the school year, they initiated the clean-drive to ensure that all classrooms are clean and ready for the use of their children. They also worked together to resolve shortage in classrooms and teacher.

 

“Nung malaman nila na may kakulangan sa classroom dahil sa pagtaas ng enrolment, nag-ambagan sila at nagtayo ng maliit na kubo. Nakipag-ugnayan din sila sa barangay officials ng Binatog upang humingi sa Lokal na Pamahalaan ng San Mariano na pondohan ang isa pang guro. Hindi nagdalawang-isip ang LGU na pagbigyan sila,” Mrs. Gammad shared. 

The beneficiaries’ active participation in the community evidently manifests a gaining of social responsibility among parent-beneficiaries. “Ang FDS ay isa sa pangunahing dahilan sa pagbabagong nakikita sa mga magulang,” Melanio Pascua, Barangay Councilor, PTA President and a parent leader said. 

The good practices shown by some communities are truly worthy of being highlighted for other communities to emulate. Some communities may have rifts but we must not fail to acknowledge other communities that strive to have a peaceful community that shall lay the foundation for development and progress.