Dingras, Ilocos Norte – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman lauded the bayanihan spirit of villagers in this town as they joined hands to construct safer homes for eight family-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
Led by the Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) composed of representatives of the local government unit (LGU) and other government agencies, the villagers of Dingras helped raise the needed budget for the construction of the houses. The MAC is a group that oversees the overall implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya at the municipal level.
Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).
According to DSWD-Field Office I Director Nicomedes Castillo, the MAC carefully planned income-generating activities that supported their Pabahay Project.
The group organized a Raffle Draw and a Run-for-a-Cause project where the participants contributed a certain amount of money.
With the approval of the Chairperson, Budget Officer Marianita Allado, the MAC agreed to build houses for 20 households who were identified to be most in need of safer homes.
Aside from providing better homes, the project also aimed to strengthen the collaboration and camaraderie of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries by tapping them to build the houses.
Dir. Castillo added that they also provided Emergency Shelter Assistance to augment the implementation of the project.
Bayanihan
The MAC members, public and private partners, barangay officials, and the beneficiaries themselves shared their resources and their technical expertise.
The Pabahay Project became a big collaboration of minds and resources by the community.
The Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), for instance, designed the houses and provided the estimated overall cost.
The school principals and other MAC members, on the other hand, distributed raffle tickets and encouraged others to join in the Fun Run. The Municipal Operations Office (MOO) encouraged interested groups to join and participate in their endeavors.
The DSWD Provincial Action Team (PAT) and its municipal counterpart also provided technical assistance in the liquidation process, proper documentation, records keeping, and proper disbursement of funds.
Proceeds
The Raffle Draw generated total proceeds of P154,960 of which P22,900 was utilized to buy the raffle prizes.
The remaining amount was deposited in the Community Rural Bank and was used to initially build the houses of three families.
Likewise, the Run-for-a-Cause raised a total amount of P218,711 which was used to construct another five houses.
Thankful
Today, the families can say goodbye to their old houses made of corroding materials, old bamboo poles, recycled sacks, tarpaulins, and posters. They can now rest easy in their safe and sturdy homes.
The family of Generoso and Merlita Bayeta of Barangay Parado is among the eight beneficiaries of the Pabahay Project. They used to live near the riverbank.
“Agyaman kami kadagiti timmulong a nangipatakder iti balay. Safe kamin, haanen a mai tip tippang. Sapay ta adu pay iti matulungan yo (Thank you to all those who helped us build our new home. We are now safe and free from the dangers of being washed away when the river swells. We hope that you will help more people like us),” the couple said.
To support the Pabahay Project, the municipal LGU passed an Executive Order that will allow for the continuity of the project to ensure that all needy families will be served.
“I hope that other LGUs will replicate this initiative to complement government efforts. This initiative indicates empowerment of our partner beneficiaries to attain positive changes in their lives,” Sec. Soliman said. ###