The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7 is hosting the solo parents summit of the Visayas cluster on November 15-16, 2019 at Hotel Elizabeth in Cebu City.

Recognizing the need to further enhance the awareness of solo parents on RA 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act and also on the proposed amendments, the DSWD organized a series of summits in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao through its Program Management Bureau.

Federation of Solo Parents Luzvimin (FSPL) National President Carina A. Javier orients the participants on Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act and its proposed amendments.

The following are the objectives of the summit: 1) Provide a venue for local implementers, solo parents organizations, advocates and stakeholders to engage in interactive discussion on the issues affecting the sector; 2) Push for the amendments to RA 8972 currently pending in Congress and Senate; and 3) Provide programs and services from various government agencies to the participants.

The Luzon Summit was held earlier in Angeles City, Pampanga.  For the NCR, it will be held at DSWD Central Office on November 30 (Saturday), and Mindanao on December 9-10 in Davao City.

The Federation of Solo Parents Luzvimin (FSPL), the umbrella organization of 26 solo parents-associations nationwide including DSWD CO-SPEO and solo parent –employees’ organizations of Field Offices NCR, Region 3, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Regions 6, 8 and 11, shall mobilize its member organizations in said areas to push for the passage of the amendment to RA 8972.

More than 18 years ago, the Republic Act 8972 or the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000 “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES TO SOLO PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” was enacted to assist solo parents to cope with their situation.

It was signed by Former President Joseph Estrada on November 7, 2000, while the Implementing Rules and Regulations was approved on April 10, 2002.

However, the provisions of this law are not being widely implemented because majority of local government units are either not aware that RA 8972 exists or they lack the necessary manpower and resources to conduct a massive advocacy/information campaign, or they simply lack the political will to implement concrete programs and services for their solo parent constituents.

Meanwhile, today’s solo parents face several challenges ranging from financial/economic, mental, emotional, physical to psychosocial. Hence, the role of LGUs is crucial since the full implementation of the law’s provisions rest on their shoulders, specifically with the Local Social Welfare Development Offices (LSWDOs), which most often lack the trained personnel to address the numerous concerns of solo parents in their jurisdictions.

“As the lead agency in the monitoring of RA 8972, the DSWD continuously advocates for the law’s amendment, as one of the Department’s priority legislative measures. DSWD chairs the Special Review Committee on Solo Parents (SRC-SP), an inter-agency body comprising national government agencies tasked with implementing the Comprehensive Psycho-Social Programs and Services for Solo Parents and their Children,” said DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca P. Geamala.

Since RD Geamala took over the leadership of DSWD-7 in January this year, she has been supportive of organizing the solo parents. She envisions an umbrella organization of solo parents and members of the Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities associations in region 7. ###

The Home for Girls (HFG) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – 7 recently marked its 25^th year of providing shelter and nurturing environment to girls who are survivors of violence and exploitation.

Children of DSWD-7’s Home for Girls present a contemporary dance in the center’s recent celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The anniversary celebration of the HFG served as a venue for the department to recognize its partner stakeholders through giving of certificates of appreciation for their active and continued partnership with the department in helping the center put forward its mission and goals which is to support the center’s clients while they are healing inside the facility and as they reintegrate back to their families and to the society.

As of November 2019, the HFG in Labangon, Cebu City houses 93 girls who are victims and survivors of different forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation who undergo holistic restoration and recovery from their varied experiences and trauma with the help of the registered social workers and staff in the center.

In her speech as the event keynote speaker, Paglaum Training International (PTI) Director Jonna P. Eleccion shared how the Home for Girls also helped them in many ways in planning and crafting the services of their organization.

“With the technical staff of the Home for Girls we were able to operationalize a reintegration support program that offers economic empowerment services to girls and women who are reintegrated back to their communities after a period of time in shelters,” Ms. Eleccion expressed.

She also happily expressed about the continued support of PTI in doing its part to help the children and girls in their journey towards freedom from their dire past.

“We partake in the shared dream of contributing to the recovery process of the children that the HFG serves,” PTI Director Eleccion added.

She also said that it is not just the role of the government to affect change and help the girls and children in the center achieve their hopes for the future but also of all sectors in the community.

In the short program held during the anniversary celebration, Mary (not her real name), a former resident of the HFG also shared an inspirational message to the attendees of the event. She was a victim and survivor of a cybercrime and was rescued in her school in 2018. In April 2019 she reintegrated back to the community and is now a regular employee of Data Motivate.

“E-treasure inyohang pag-stay diri. Pagtarong mo sa inyohang pagpuyo diri ug paminaw mo sa mga ate nato diri kay dili na makadaot ilahang mga advices. Mao nay makapalambo nato ug motabang nato nga ma-achieve nato atoang mga goals,” advised Mary, to the center residents.

The Home for Girls staff and its recovering children also showed off varied presentations like the jazz, hiphop, and contemporary dances during the anniversary celebration. The celebration was concluded with a community dance spearheaded by the HFG staff and children. ###

As Jhon Rhod starts to play the keyboard for the worship song entitled “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” his mother Jonalyn candidly sings the lyrics of the song.

Bless the Lord oh my soul

Oh my soul

Worship His Holy name

Sing like never before

Oh my soul

I’ll worship Your Holy name

“Matag adlaw ginadayeg nako ang ngalan sa Ginoo pinaagi sa talent nga gihatag niya kanako (Every day I praise the name of God through the talent that he gave me),” Jhon Rhod explained as he continued playing the musical notes.

Jhon Rhod (right) bonds with her Mother and younger brother while playing musical instruments.

Who is Jhon Rhod?

Jhon Rhod Amodia, a 12 years old lad who hails from Barangay Gabi, Cordova, Cebu, is the eldest son of Teodulfo and Jonalyn Amodia. His younger and only sibling is Jose Rodulfo, 8 years old.

Teodulfo is a construction worker. He only works when there is a project. When there is no available work, he drives a “trisikad”.

Jonalyn helps her husband put food on the table by managing her own “sari-sari” store. She also occasionally sells food in their neighborhood.

“Nakita namo ang kalisud busa among nadesisyonan nga magplano sa pamilya mao nga duha ra among anak (We saw how hard life is and so we decided to have a family planning and that is why we only have two children),” said Teodulfo.

“Maka-income man sad ko sa pagpaninda diri ug makabantay sad ko sa akong mga anak labi na sa ilang pag eskwela (I can also earn from selling at the same time I can watch over my children especially in their studies),” said Jonalyn.

Jhon Rhod is currently a grade 7 student at Marigondon National High School while his brother Jose Rodulfo is a grade 3 pupil of Subabasbas Elementary School.

Both Jhon Rhod and Jose Rodulfo are monitored children under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Jhon Rhod has all praises for his parents whom he described as hardworking despite the hardships they have been through as a family.

“My parents are my role models. They supported me in my studies and taught us the right values like kindness, determination, patience and faith in God,” said Jhon Rhod in dialect.

Jhon Rhod also builds a healthy relationship with his brother. He helps him do his school assignments and projects.

Pantawid Pamilya Partner-Beneficiary

As a compliant Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, the family regularly received cash grant of Php 3,400.00 every two months for health and education. For the next payout, the cash grant will increase to Php 3,800.00 because Jhon Rhod is already in high school. They also receive a rice subsidy worth Php 600.00 per month and for 2019 they have availed a one-time Php 3,600.00 cash grant under the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT).

“Nakatabang ang cash grant nga nadawat namo gikan sa Pantawid kay nakapuno kini sa among budget para sa among pag eskwela ug sa bugas (The Pantawid cash grants augments the budget for our education and in buying the rice),” claimed Jhon Rhod.

“Ma-compare jud nako nga lahi ang among kahimtang sa una ug sa karon nga apil nami sa Pantawid (I can compare the different between our life before and now that we are part of the program),” added Jhon Rhod added.

Jonalyn ensures that the cash grants are used in its intended purpose – for children’s education, health and food.

“Sa una maka-utang pa aron makapalit sa mga school requirements sa mga bata ug mag kalisud jud. Busa nagpasalamat ako sa tabang sa DSWD kay masiguro na namo ang pag eskwela sa mga bata. Apan wala mi nagsalig ani ug naningkamot gihapon kami kay ang Pantawid abag lamang sa gobyerno alang sa mga kabos sama namo (We incurred debts before just to secure the school requirements for the children. Life was really difficult. That is why we are grateful for the help from DSWD because we are now assured of the education of our children. But, we do not just rely on Pantawid. We also work hard considering that this is just an assistance from the government to poor families like us),” explained Jonalyn.

Jonalyn emphasized that even in their poor situation, they continue to seek God.

“Seeing them finish their studies would mean so much to us. Education is the only treasure we can give to them,” added Jonalyn.

Hence, both Teodulfo and Jonalyn strive to find means to support their family.

With all their experiences, they know the importance of saving. Jonalyn opens a savings account for her two children in a local cooperative. She regularly saves some amount from their cash grants and deposit them. Jhon Rhod also saves money from his “baon” and currently has Php 12,000.00 in his savings account.

The Amodia couple are regular attendees of the Family Development Session (FDS), where they learned insights on responsible parenthood, disaster preparedness, values and spiritual formation and other relevant topics.

Jonalyn, as a parent, gives due attention to the roles of parents and the rights of children. She understands the important role of parents in molding a child.

Jhon Rhod helps Jose Rodulfo do his school assignments and projects.

Academic Excellence

Jhon Rhod believes in the value of education. He understands that being diligent in studies is already a preparation for his future job.

“Para sa mga bata nga nawad-an og gana sa pageskwela, gusto nako nga mahuna-huna nila ang sakripisyo sa ilang mga ginikanan. Daghan mga kakulian nga maagian pero kini gamitun nila aron mahimong silang mas maayong tawo (For my fellow children who lose interest in going to school, I want them to realize the sacrifices of their parents. There will be challenges along the way but they can use this as an experience to make them better persons),” Jhon Rhod said with conviction as he wants to advocate education.

Jhon Rhod’s diligence paid off as he received various awards and recognitions in his school. He is a consistent honor student from kindergarten to grade 6.

He said that all these he offers to his parents for their sacrifices. “Gusto nako ma-proud akong pamilya nako ug gusto nako mahimong modelo sa ubang bata nga magkugi sa ilang pagtuon (I want my family to be proud of me and set a good role model to other children to be diligent in their studies),” shared Jhon Rhod.

He added that to excel in class, one has to attend school always. Listening, taking down notes and actively participating in the discussion are few of his ways in having good grades.

Known for his good leadership, he was elected as the President of the Supreme Pupil Government during elementary.

He attended seminars and takes a strong standpoint against drugs, cyber pornography, child abuse and bullying and he shares these learnings to his fellow pupils and friends in their community.

He shared that he wants to be a doctor someday and dreams to open a clinic near their house in order to serve the people especially the poor.

His Musical inclination

Growing up in a Christian home, Jhon Rhod always goes to their church with his parents. At two years old, he was already exposed to the musical instruments in his church. One Sunday, after the worship, the little boy gathered their cookware such as pots and plates and used it as drums.

Their church pastor discovered his potential and bought him toy drum set, which started Jhon Rhod’s passion for music. He has developed a bond with drums and the relationship has grown and evolved over the years. He eventually fell in love with music.

Currently, he plays various musical instruments like piano, guitar, drum and ukulele owned by their church.

He is also a member of his school DLBC (Drum, Lyre and Bugle Corps) where he plays the snare drum.

His Advocacy

“My talent is a gift from God and I must use it to serve him. This talent of mine is to express my love to Jesus not just to impress people,” he said in dialect.

He believes in the power of prayer and said that through God, his father Teodulfo became a Christian.  Upon knowing God, his father stopped his vices and has turned into a responsible provider to his family.

Musically inclined Jhon Rhod plays various instruments like piano, guitar, drum and ukulele.

There are times that Jhon Rhod would share to his classmates what he learned in the church and that earned him the moniker the “Little Pastor”. He also never forgets to pray every morning after waking up and before sleeping at night. He prays when he eats, goes to school and feels uncertain of things around him.

“Ang pag ampo mao ang paagi nga maka communicate ta sa Ginoo para daygon nato siya, mangayo og pasaylo ug magpasalamat sa mga grasya nga nadawat (Prayer is our way to communicate with God to praise Him, ask forgiveness and give thanks for all the graces received),” he added.

Jhon Rhod encourages other children to read the bible because it contains many inspirational stories.

His favorite bible verse is John 13:34 “Higugmaa ang isig katawo sama sa pag higugma sa Ginoo kanimo (Love everyone the way God loves you),” he said. ###

The National Household Targeting Section (NHTS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 has started its house to house interview for the Listahanan 3 household assessment on October 28, 2019 simultaneously in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

NHTS-7 Head Hillton John V. Edrial discussed the rationale of the meeting to the group of Area Coordinators during the 2nd weekly meeting of ACs at DSWD-7 region office.

Within the period of assessment, a weekly meeting of the NHTS staff and Area Coordinators is conducted to give venue for issues in the field to be raised and to come up with resolutions.

“The purpose of this weekly team meeting is to encourage unity, cohesiveness and commitment to improve the Listahanan 3 implementation,” said NHTS-7 Head Hillton John V. Edrial.

Through this meeting, the ACs are monitored on the progress of their team’s conduct of the household assessment especially on the correctness of information in the Household Assessment Form (HAF) and timely submission of the same to the field office. The ACs are also mentored on the areas that need improvement for them to become better leaders to their staff.

In this meeting, review of guidance notes which contain specific instructions for the field staff such as the reports submission and preparation of Daily Time Record (DTR) is done for them to be guided in their daily, weekly and monthly routine. HAF and other tools are also reviewed to check if everyone has the same level of understanding when it comes to filling out of the forms.

The house to house interview will run for 45 days or until December 2019, thus we urge everyone to join us and be interviewed in the Listahanan 3rd round of Household assessment. ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 initially signified its support in the launching of the 27th National Children’s Month (NCM) Celebration through the recitation of the “Panatang Makabata” of its staff in the field office.

Participants of the kick-off activity of the National Children’s Month Celebration recite the Panatang Makabata at the convocation area of the DSWD Field Office 7.

This year’s NCM celebration carries that theme “Karapatang Pambata: Patuloy na Pahalagahan at Gampanan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan (Children’s Rights: Uphold, Respect, and Fulfill to a Better Future.” This is anchored on the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Children (UN CRC) and the 3rd National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC) Goals which are to progressively realize the rights of the children: (1) Children have a better quality and improved way of life; Children are well nourished, have healthy lives and are active learners with good quality education; Children are safe and free from violence, abuse and exploitation; and children are actively participating in decision-making processes affecting their lives according to their evolving capacities.

The Council for the Welfare of Children has prepared activities for the month-long celebration of the NCM which include the conduct of the NCM Kick-off Activity; Holding of Advocacy/Media Fora and/or Children’s Summit; Hanging of NCM Streamers; Recitation of the “Panatang Makabata”; Conduct of Children’s Contest; Installation of Children’s Art Corner; Holding of Interactive Science Exhibit for Kids; Conduct of Traditional Games for Filipino Children; Conduct of Puppet/Film Showing; Installation of Photo Booth for Children; and the Installation of Kids Freedom Wall.

In full support to the activities spearheaded by the CWC, the DSWD-7 through its Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) is holding its kick-off activity of the 2019 NCM today, November 9, 2019 which includes the discussion on Inclusive Education and Online/Digital Safety for Children that will be participated in by the selected children from the Department of Education (DepEd), Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP), Forge Inc., Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB), World Vision, RCWC council members and the Child Development Workers . Apart from that, the field office will also be doing various TV and Radio appearance to intensify public awareness on the rights of children and remind all sectors of the community to be responsible in protecting the Filipino children at all cost.

On November 28, 2019, to culminate the 2019 NCM celebration, a Regional Children’s Contest will be held, showcasing the talents of children from different cities and municipalities of the Central Visayas region. ###

The coast guard vessel MRRV 4406 containing the relief goods arrived in Cagayan Port from Cebu City.  The delivery from Cagayan de Oro City via coast guard vehicles and DSWD-10 wing vans started on November 3, 2019 and was completed on November 6, 2019. All relief goods from the DSWD Field Office VII were received by DSWD FO XI and DSWD FO XII.

Mr. Edmundo Corder, warehouse supervisor of DSWD Region 12 receives the Requisition and Issue Slip from Ed Sherwin Patalinghug.

“It is DSWD’s responsibility to help the victims of calamities regardless of belief, political color, and creed. We, the DSWD field staff, are committed to help not for any reason but because those affected by this disaster are our brothers and sisters in need,” said Director Rebecca Geamala of DSWD-7.

She also wishes that God will strengthen survivors’ faith in Him and that people in Mindanao must not lost hope.

The DSWD region 11 received the goods from DSWD-7 comprising 21,500 tins of sardines; 15,000 pcs. malong and 7 rolls of laminated sack worth P3.9 million while DSWD region 12 received 48,500 tins of sardines; 15 pcs. malong and 43 rolls of laminated sack worth P4.4 million. The DSWD region 12 also received the 1,000 sleeping kits from the Visayas Disaster Response Center worth P2.3 million.

Relief goods from DSWD-7 arrives in Davao region. Mr. Renato Florentino, warehouse supervisor of DSWD 11 receives the goods.

On November 2, 2019, the team of DSWD-7 left Cebu for Cagayan de Oro City via the MRRV 4406 of Philippine Coast Guard District Central Visayas.

Director Cezario Joel Espejo of DSWD FO XII and OIC-Director Grace Subong of DSWD FO XI have recognized the support given by DSWD 7 and other DSWD regional offices. ###

To strengthen partnership with different stakeholders, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII recognized its beneficiaries, volunteers and communities during the 5th Panaghiusa Festival held recently at the Ayala Center Cebu.

District Representatives Peter John Calderon of the 7th Congressional District of Cebu and Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong of the 1st Congressional District of Negros Oriental were recognized for their significant contribution in sponsoring the 2020 budget of the Department and for their unwavering support to the implementation of its programs and services.

Exemplary volunteers and communities that are engaged in Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) and whose efforts significantly contributed to advancing compassionate and collective action in their respective municipalities were awarded through the Bayani Ka! Awards.

Jhon Rhod Amodia (fifth from left) together with his family receives the plaque of recognition and cash prize from Regional Director Rebecca Geamala (fourth from left), Assistant Regional Director for Operations Shalaine Marie S. Lucero (third from left) and Promotive Division Head Aileen Cuevas (second from right) as the 2019 Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children regional winner. Also in the photo is Cordova Municipal Mayor Mary Therese S. Cho (fifth from right).

The United Farmers and Fishermen Association of Brgy. Malhiao, Badian, Cebu received the Sustained Community Volunteer Group award while Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Poblacion II, Sikatuna, Bohol received the award under the Improved Local Governance category.

Mr. and Mrs. Victor Lamay of Corella Bohol, Jocelyn Fabillar of Badian, Cebu and Norma Dupit Dusal of Sierra Bullones, Bohol won the award under the Elderly, Person with Disabilities (PWD) and Gender and Development (GAD) categories, respectively.

The DSWD also recognized the invaluable support of its key partner agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) through the Search for Best Pantawid Focal Persons who have demonstrated initiatives or innovations and went beyond monitoring of enrolment, attendance and compliance to conditions of the program.

For the health category the winners are the following; Gian Carlo F. Poliquit of Ginatilan Rural Health Unit, Ginatilan, Cebu (1^st place), Leonila C. Binlod of Katipunan and La Paz Health Stations of Carmen, Bohol (2^nd place), Nancy Lee S. Orano of Siquijor Rural Health Unit, Siquijor, Siquijor (3^rd place) and Enriqueta S. Alabata of Tambojangin Barangay Health Station, Amlan, Negros Oriental (4^th place).

Under the education category the winners are the following; Elisa G. Sarabia of Patao National High School, Bantayan, Cebu (1^st place), Ferminia N. Villaruz of Batuan National High School, Batuan, Bohol (2^nd place), Rolando S. Roa of Guba National High School, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental (3^rd place) and Gene T. Gica of Cabulihan Integrated School, Larena, Siquijor (4^th place).

On its eight year of recognizing model Pantawid Pamilya partner-beneficiaries, family-beneficiaries in the region were also awarded for maintaining strong family ties, demonstrating positive Filipino values and have created a positive impact in the community.

The Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya search also disproves the misconception that program beneficiaries become too dependent on government aid and underscores the value of working together to achieve success.

The Elardo family of Brgy. Taytay, Badian, Cebu was declared the first place for the 2019 Regional Search for Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya.

The Bohol family of Brgy. Poblacion, Mabinay, Negros Oriental bagged the second place, the Batac family of Brgy. San Isidro, Balilihan, Bohol, third place, and the Taroc Family of Brgy. Liloan, Maria, Siquijor, fourth place.

Special award was also given to the Elardo Family as the AlaGAD ng Pagbabago Award for championing better gender relations in their home and community. AlaGAD means Affirmative and Laudable Advocacies on Gender and Development.

Children beneficiaries were also recognized through the Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children Search. The search aims to recognize the children beneficiaries of the program who set excellent examples at home, in school and in their community.

Jhon Rhod C. Amodia of Brgy. Gabi, Cordova, Cebu bagged the first place.

His runners-up include Cleia B. Tadena of Brgy. Taytay, Duero, Bohol.; Shame A. Lagos of Brgy. Basac, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental; and Kathleen Chen C. Pastrana of Brgy. Candaping A, Maria, Siquijor.

Two Indigenous People (IP) groups were also recognized during the awarding ceremony, namely; Eskaya Tribe of Candijay, Bohol and Sama Bajau Community in Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City as IP model communities for 2019.

Committed to provide transparency in the delivery of its various programs and services, DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca P. Geamala delivers her State of the Region Address (SORA) during the 5th Panaghiusa Festival at the Ayala Center Cebu.

Two Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) associations were also honored through the SLP Sulong Bayanihan. The competition aims to showcase the SLP’s milestones in terms of promoting and facilitating the continuous development and strengthening the efforts to solidify the convergence of families and communities towards identification and building up of program champions.

Under the Micro Enterprise Development (Market Category), the Poblacion Pantawid SLP Association of Brgy. Poblacion, Moalboal, Cebu and Poblacion Talibon Association of Brgy. Poblacion, Talibon, Bohol were recognized for their success stories.

The awarding ceremony was preceded by the State of the Region Address (SORA) delivered by Regional Director Rebecca P. Geamala. She presented the accomplishment of the various programs and services to the invited guests composed of partner national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and program beneficiaries. ###