Some 502 beneficiaries of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) Cash-for-Work (CFW) Program received their payment during the payout at the Negros Oriental State University-Main Campus Gym in Dumaguete City on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

The beneficiaries are graduate students of the different campuses of NORSU who rendered services in July either at the DSWD offices like KALAHI-CIDSS Area Coordinating Team (ACT), the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), their respective local government units (LGUs), or state universities.

The CFW Program provides cash support in exchange for the agreed-upon community work, service, or task rendered for a maximum of 90 days at a PHP 468 daily wage. It is a short-term intervention through temporary employment or targeted cash transfers for college graduates, students, and families who are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and belong to economically poor and vulnerable communities.

The program aims to address underemployment and unemployment issues among recent graduates from NORSU while enhancing their skills and employability.

In her welcome message, DSWD Field Office 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero thanked the beneficiaries for their services and expressed hopes that they will use the amount they received for their respective families, themselves, and especially in preparation for their future work.

Also, Director Lucero hopes that the beneficiaries have realizations and lessons learned from their work and that the entire journey with the program has fully prepared them to contribute to nation-building.

She reminded the beneficiaries to follow the good practices they observed while working in the government offices, which are priority office assignments.

“If you have observed something that you expect from the government, that is for you to reflect on. And decide for yourself that if you decide to join the government, you should go for something that will truly signify the expectation of a public servant,” she said.

NORSU President Noel Marjon Yasi, Psy. D.; Dr. Pio Supat, Director for Alumni Affairs; Ms. Maricel Madamba, KALAHI-CIDSS Regional Program Coordinator; Mr. Jesselito Perez, from the office of Senator Imee Marcos; and Helen Ybañez, Officer-in-charge Deputy Regional Program Manager graced the event.

In his inspirational message, NORSU President Yasi told the beneficiaries to be grateful to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), citing that they are among those privileged individuals to be part of the program.
“We give thanks particularly to the DSWD for striving hard to lobby for a budget for this program,” he said, adding that not every school is part of the program. He also said graduate students can include their experience in the Cash-for-Work Program in their resume. ###

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