The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) celebrated its 6th Panaghiusa Festival on March 31, 2022. This festival aims to showcase the positive impact of the programs on the lives of partner beneficiaries through their success stories.

This momentous event awards successful beneficiaries of the Sulong Bayanihan of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to recognize the associations or individuals who overcome challenges and celebrate small wins.

The Sulong Bayanihan, market category honorees are the KMKKS SLPA (Lapu-Lapu City), Cawayan SLPA (Inabanga, Bohol), Tipolo SLPA (Mandaue City), Bigasan sa Asturias SLPA (Asturias, Cebu), Siit Pantawid General Merchandise Association (Siaton, Negros Oriental), Tan-awan Farmers Association Ayungon (Ayungon, Negros Oriental), Pantawid Pamilya Multi-Purpose Livelihood Association (San Juan, Siquijor), and Pantawid Buanoy SLBA (Balamban, Cebu).

Four (4) individuals received recognition for the employment facilitation category. These individuals made a giant leap, used the skills they learned in their training, and now work in big companies in the region. The Sulong Bayanihan’s Sikap awards were given to the following: Ms. Narlie Ochea of Mandaue City; Oliver Abapo of Talisay City; Jacqueline Orongan of Liloan, Cebu; and Joseph Pagalilaun of Siaton, Negros Oriental.

The beneficiaries featured in the Malasakit Video Fest were also given recognition for sharing their small victories and their gratitude to the sustainable livelihood program for sharing and improving their lives.

The SLP’s Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) beneficiary, Ritchel Catulmo, is a PWD fruit vendor in Talisay who never gave up on all the challenges he faced. Despite having difficulties, Catulmo never gave up and always asked God for enlightenment. Catulmo, who was teary-eyed after seeing his video, was thankful for the recognition and would continue to strive for his family. Catulmo expressed, “Salamat kaayo ani, wa ko magtuo maabot ko diri.”

Ronnel Caminade, a member of the Sitio Tagaytay Rural Workers Association, said in a short interview that the SLP had given them hope after Typhoon Yolanda affected them. The association has built a strong camaraderie in its community.

The Sitio Tagaytay Rural Workers Association in Madridejos, which has over 100 members, has changed the lives of the people in their community. The organization fostered excellent camaraderie among its members and aided them, particularly those who were going through difficult times.

The Panaghiusa Festival was capped off with a fashion show showcasing the SLP beneficiaries’ creations. Accessories, bags made of recycled and native materials, suka, guitars, rattan chairs, and other items are available. Barili, Sogod, Carmen, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu City produce these items.

During DSWD-7’s celebration of the agency’s 71st founding anniversary, the Regional Program Management Office of the Sustainable Livelihood Program was recognized as the best operations office. Rizalina L. Patindol, the regional program coordinator, was also recognized for her 35 years of service to the department with a loyalty award. Junnel Demape, Project Development Officer III for Special Concerns, was also awarded a plaque for the best technical staff. ###

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