The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7, through the KALAHI-CIDSS Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) program, conducted the orientation of the Cash for Work Program for college students at the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Main Campus Gymnatorium on November 6, 2023.
A total of 500 beneficiaries, fresh graduates from different CTU campuses in Cebu, came for the orientation, as that day was considered their first day of work. The Cash for Work (CFW) program provides cash support in exchange for the agreed community work, service, or task rendered.
It provides short-term intervention through temporary employment for fresh graduates to prepare them for the real-work life ahead and financially support them in this transition period. The office assigned the beneficiaries to work in KALAHI-CIDSS or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program offices in their LGUs. Major work involves tasks or services related to KALAHI-CIDSS program implementation in their areas.
In her message, Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero stressed the importance of service as an effort and commitment that DSWD offers, especially when working for a government agency. In line with Community-Driven Development (CDD), Lucero encouraged the beneficiaries to participate in the identification of needs and implementation of projects that will alleviate poverty and provide solutions to the challenges in the areas where they will be assigned. Lucero congratulated the graduates and urged them to take advantage of this opportunity to be part of the program.
Jesselito H. Perez, from the office of Senator Imee Marcos; Dr. Rosein A. Ancheta, Jr., Vice President of Cebu Technological University; and Lea L. Nieva from KALAHI-CIDSS National Project Management Office are among those who graced the event and facilitated the orientation.
The graduates expressed joy and gratitude for being part of the program and considered this an opportunity to hone their skills and, at the same time, help their families financially.
“Nalipay ko nga nka-avail ko aning Cash for Work, kay murag mao ni ang akong first stepping stone nga mka explore ko ug lain nga mga experiences, lain nga mga lugar, ug mka sugat pod ug lain lain nga mga tawo. Daghan kog makat-onan ani, unya magamit pod ni nako sa umaabot, kung asa man gani ko mo trabaho sa sunod. Dakong prebilihiyo nga nka apil ko ani (I am very happy to have availed of the Cash for Work Program, because this is my first stepping stone to explore new experiences, visit different places, and meet different kinds of people. I think that I can learn much from this experience, which I can use when I apply for work in the future. I feel privileged to be a part of this),” said Jelah Marie Molit, Graduate of BS Fisheries from CTU Moalboal.
The CFW Program will run for three (3) months, starting November 2023 and ending February 2024, and the beneficiaries will receive cash every month in the form of payroll. ###
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