City renews MOA with DSWD

CEBU, Philippines - More than a hundred beneficiaries from 13 barangays in Cebu City, partner agencies from the Department of Education, Department of Health, Cebu City Planning Office and media witness the renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Cebu and the Department of Social Welfare and Development DSWD relative to the implementation of the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program”.

The beneficiaries were from Lorega, Carreta, Mabolo, Bo. Luz, Ermita, Suba, Pasil, Busay, Cambinocot, Basak San Nicolas, Basak Pardo, Bulacao and Sambag 2,

A National Government program, the Pantawid is a five-year poverty alleviation strategy that provides conditional cash grants. Its objectives include social development as a means to break the generational cycle of poverty.

For the beneficiaries, certain conditions on health and education has to be complied with to determine the amount of grant they are going to receive such as pre and post natal care for pregnant women, immunization, weighing and de-worming for children.

Parents have to attend family development session at least once a month to learn about good parenting, responsible parenthood and rights awareness, among others.

       As for education, 85 percent attendance in school per month is required from each child. 

Agencies such as DepEd, Department of Health (DOH) and the local government unit and other partner agencies have a claim on their share of responsibilities especially on the availability of schools, health centers and workers and if possible, opportunities for sustainable livelihood.

Cebu City through its DSWS office, has put up 20 home-based day care facilities, assigned a doctor, dentist and an ALS teacher for the Badjaos, conducted capability trainings on gender and development, provided a steady replenishment of supplies in the health centers and ensured the monthly compliance by the beneficiaries.

Now, with 13 more barangays in 2011 for a new set of beneficiaries in the implementation of the program, Cebu City’s new set of officials renews its agreement which will expand the number of beneficiaries. PR/JPM (FREEMAN)