Pangasinan police shootfest raises funds for ill colleagues

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office held a two-day shoot fest recently to raise funds for 21 ill officers

    In an interview, provincial police office director Col. Jeff Fanged said parts of the proceeds of the invitational fundraising activity will go to the medication and other needs of their members, some of whom are bedridden, undergoing dialysis or are cancer patients.
    Participants paid P600 (police) and P700 (for guests) as registration fees.
    “Kailangan din alagaan ang mga tumulong sa pagganap sa serbisyo. In our own little way, ito yong hinahandog para makatulong kahit papano sa kanila (We also need to take care of those who have rendered service. This is our little way to ease their plights),” Fanged said.
    PPPO recently raised P855,000 from a June shoot-for-a-cause event to help sick officers and for the construction of a day care center for the children of employees.
    He said presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos also chipped in P100,000. -- PNA
 

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Expanded voucher system to decongest public schools

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

The measure that includes kindergarten and elementary school students in the coverage of government assistance and subsidies to private schools would help decongest public schools, a House leader said on Tuesday.
    During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing over PTV4, House committee on basic education and culture chair Rep. Roman Romulo of Pasig City's Lone District, said the proposal that would expand the application of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) will also complement the Dept. of Education’s public and private education complementarity framework in its goal to decongest public schools.
    "Sa kasalukuyan po kasi, ang ating mga DepEd schools ay punong-puno na po ng estudyante, pero ang voucher system natin ay para sa Grades 7 to 10 at dahil sa K to 12 program nagkaroon din po voucher system sa 11 and 12 (Currently, our DepEd schools are completely packed with students. However, our voucher system is only for Grades 7 to 10 and since we have the K to 12 program, we also have a voucher system for [Grades] 11 to 12," he said.
    Romulo, however, pointed out that the bulk of the entire student population in the Philippines is in elementary schools.
    The complementarity approach between public and private schools would help address overcrowding in public schools and classroom backlog, he added.
    "So, hopefully po, with the passage po of this E-GASTPE law, expanded E-GASTPE law ay magkakaroon talaga ng complimentary partnership po talaga ang public and private schools natin (there would be a complimentary partnership between our public and private schools)," he said.
    Under the proposed measure, the government will provide vouchers to recognized private basic education schools for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary students.
    “At pag napasa po itong bill na ito ay puwede po nating mahingan ng tulong, magkaroon ng tunay na partnership. Para iyong mga hindi na talaga kakasya po sa DepEd schools natin ay makapag-enroll rin dito sa ating mga private schools (If this bill is enacted into law, we could ask [private schools] for help and establish a real partnership. So that those who can't be accommodated by our DepEd schools can be enrolled in private schools)," he said.
    The voucher assistance for students would be based on tuition and other fees charged by the schools, and the socio-economic needs of each student, according to the proposal approved by the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture.
    Most vulnerable and underprivileged students, or those belonging to the bottom first to fifth income deciles, as determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), shall be prioritized for the program. The priority students would receive a higher voucher amount.
    The participating private basic education schools, meanwhile, shall receive assistance based on the percentage of priority students in the school, the overall performance of the schools based on the rankings of its students in national and international assessments, and the geographic spread and size of student enrollment.
    Meanwhile, the Public and Private Education Complementarity Framework shall serve as the foundation to guide and support DepEd towards addressing the gaps in the public and private sectors of education.
    Last week, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, in her message read by DepEd Assistant Secretary Revsee Escobedo, cited the launch of the framework as "another step forward" in transforming basic education in the Philippines.
    "By working together, we can decongest public schools and expand access to quality education for students from low income families," Duterte said.
    "Clearly, our public schools cannot address the education crisis alone. Private schools have a pivotal role in addressing the challenges we face today. Our private schools' expertise, innovation, and commitment to provide quality education for our students have helped shape Filipino society," she added. -- PNA
 

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PhilHealth increases stroke patients’ benefits to P76-K

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

State insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased the benefits for people suffering from stroke.
    In a public advisory, the PhilHealth said stroke patients spend a high cost for treatment expenses and recovery.
    The state insurer increased the benefit package for ischemic stroke from P28,000 to P76,000.
Ischemic stroke is characterized by the presence of blood clots or clogged nerves leading to the brain.
    It also increased the benefit package for hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain due to nerve rupture from PHP38,000 to PHP80,000.
    Stroke is second among the most common causes of death among Filipinos with a 0.9 percent prevalence rate.
    About 70 percent of these stroke-related deaths are classified under ischemic stroke while the remaining 30 percent is under hemorrhagic stroke. -- PNA
 

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27 indigent families in Pangasinan get P500-K grant for organic farm

By Hilda Austria 

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan – Twenty-seven indigent families from Barangay Nancayasan, this city, that are members of FARMaganda association are set to receive P500,000 as start-up capital for their organic farm in line with the government’s food sufficiency bid.
    The funding will come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) sustainable livelihood program.
    The beneficiaries are graduates of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) project of SM Foundation, Inc. and national government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DSWD, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Agricultural Training Institute - Ilocos Region, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
    FARMaganda president Maricel Badua said the funding will be used to rent a 6,000 square-meter land and to purchase equipment.
    "Nagpapasalamat kami sa chance na makasama sa programa at marami [kaming] natutunan patungkol sa urban gardening. Pagyayamanin namin ng mapabuti at umasenso ang aming grupo. Mag-uumpisa kami na may tulong mula sa DSWD (We are grateful for the chance to be part of the program and we learned a lot about urban gardening. We will do our best to enrich and develop our group. We are going to start with the help of the DSWD)," she said.
    The group members are currently selling their produce at the weekend market of SM City Urdaneta Central and in their business proposal, they stated their plan to sell to government agencies near their village. 
    The excess from their produce will be processed with the help of the DOST and DTI while some will be donated to feeding programs.
    "We also plan to join trade fairs with our organic products," Badua said.
    DTI Pangasinan director Natalia Dalaten said the program is among the ways to boost food production and help the families increase their income.
    "We are also aiming to make them agripreneurs. They are not just farmers now but should also learn to do business," she said.
    SM Foundation, Inc. Assistant Vice President Cristie Angeles said the inter-agency cooperation was strengthened further to help the families.
    "We will meet quarterly with inter-agency partners to monitor them. Through this, we could easily see what interventions they need and we aim that they will help themselves primarily," she said.  (PNA)
 
 
 

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4Ps a chance to have better life, says beneficiary

 Getting ahead in life

LIVING PROOF -- Cris Reshon Guiral, 30, shares his experience during Dept. of Social Welfare and Development partner’s forum in Tabuk City, Kalinga Oct. 4 as member of a family who graduated from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). He said they waived their slot in 2018 because he and another sibling were then working already in DSWD. --Liza T. Agoot/PNA

BAGUIO CITY – At a young age, Cris Reshon Guiral, now 30 years old, has experienced poverty, which he described as eating rice paired with just salt, and going to school without supplies and allowance. 
    He said having rice with oil and soy sauce is already a treat for their family, who hailed from Calintaan town, Occidental Mindoro province, which has plenty of rice paddies and buri palms but has parts that are coastal plains and hills. 
    With the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Guiral said his family was able to have a better economic situation. 
    “I just graduated from high school when my family was enrolled in the program. I went to UP (University of the Philippines) Los Baños without assurance of completing my education but it was the 4Ps that made the difference,” he said in Filipino while sharing his family’s story to the Philippine News Agency.
    Chris’ father was a fisherman, who did not have a regular income to support his family of seven, while his mother was unemployed.
    With the help of cash aid from 4Ps, Guiral said the family’s income was augmented, even if the grant was given every two months.
    “Because we were enrolled under 4Ps, people may have trusted my mother, who committed to pay her loans as soon as she receives the cash grant,” he said. 
    Chris pointed out that without the cash aid, borrowing money was impossible since there was no assurance that her mother will be able to pay their debt. 
    4Ps beneficiaries are prioritized for any government aid but they also have to make sure that all the kids attend school, bring small kids to the health center for check-ups, and they have to attend the family development sessions. 
    Chris took up Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at UPLB and he was able to help finance his needs by working in Metro Manila as a call center agent at night.
    He said his two brothers also entered college while he was still in college, a great sacrifice for the family to pay for their needs.
    It’s a good thing that his brothers were able to secure cash grants for their allowance through the Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) program of the DSWD, the Commission of Higher Education, and the Department of Budget and Management. 
    One of Chris’ brothers graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education Major in Math degree at the Mindoro State University – Bongabong Campus while the other graduated from the Mindoro State University – Labangan Campus with a BS Social Work degree. 
    The three brothers worked as municipal link officers at the DSWD-Oriental Mindoro upon graduation to give back to the institution that gave them a chance in life. 
    “I have lots of job opportunities, even abroad, but being with family is more important to me. I will not say I am rich that’s why I refused to take other jobs but it is my moral responsibility to return and serve through the DSWD because I saw the purpose of the government helping people like us,” Guiral said. 
     “I want to be a living proof and inspiration that poverty is not forever with a government that is willing to help. We just need to realize and value of the help given to us, hone our skills and grab opportunities while the assistance is there,” he said. 
Chris is currently working at the DSWD-Cordillera as a municipal link personnel under the Socialized Livelihood Program (SLP) on a contractual basis. He went to Kalinga to be with his wife and daughter during the pandemic. 
    One of his brothers is now a jail guard at the Roxas Provincial Jail in Oriental Mindoro while the other is a jail guard at the Sablayan Penal Colony in Occidental Mindoro.
    His two other siblings are now in college and their education are being financed by pooled funds from the older siblings and their mother, who is now a village council member in their home town. Their father has been out of work when Chris was still in college after suffering from a stroke. 
Inspiration to others 
Cris said he inculcates to beneficiaries that the government’s assistance is not a grant but a seed capital for beneficiaries to improve their lives and to be self-sustaining since sustainability presents more opportunities for a person. 
    “Let us not waste the opportunity of a better life when government gives us money. The government is investing money in us as persons to be better, for our families to be better so let us make good use of it,” he said. 
    Based on their family’s experience, he said the cash grant opened the door for them to study, which they now use not just to help each other but in sharing their story to inspire other 4Ps beneficiaries.     
    “Had it not for 4Ps, life would have been the same for me – someone who had no choice but to eat rice with salt. But with the opportunity given to me, my children will have the chance to eat not just rice with oil and salt because they will have other food on the table,” he added. 
    DSWD Cordillera record shows that there are 42,226 active 4Ps beneficiaries in the region. 
    Specifically, there are 10,778 in Abra, 5,442 in Apayao, 1,069 in Baguio City, 6,767 in Benguet, 5,775 in Ifugao, 4,813 in Kalinga, and 7,592 in Mountain Province. – Liza Agoot/PNA
 

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DOH urges TB patients: Avail free treatment

TREATABLE. Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira, medical officer IV at the Department of Health in the Cordillera, said 11,389 of the 12,537 persons with tuberculosis in the region have been cured after receiving free treatment. Pira advised the public to avail of tuberculosis directly observed therapy short course (TB-DOTS) services if they have the disease, have contacts with TB patients, or are manifesting symptoms of the disease. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Health in the Cordillera Administrative Region is urging people afflicted with tuberculosis (TB) to avail of free treatment services and for their contacts to be tested for the disease.
    "We want to extend services to the public who needs or wants to be tested, especially those who need to undergo treatment. They have nothing to worry about payments. They just need to come forward,” Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira, medical officer IV of the DOH-CAR, said in a briefing here Wednesday.
    Statistics provided during the briefing show that from 2019 until the first semester of the year, 12,537 cases were recorded in the region, with 11,389 cured after completing the treatment.
    However, 464 of the patients died because of the disease, 39 failed to complete the treatment while the remaining 645 did not return for follow-up check-ups.
    Pira said rural health units in the region have tuberculosis directly observed therapy short course (TB-DOTS) clinics that provide free services like x-ray and confirmatory tests.
    She said that if a person has been confirmed to be positive for TB, he will be placed under a six-month treatment which should be heeded without any break.
    "The services and medicines are given free. The DOH purchases medicines and supplies and these are released to the TB DOTS clinics nationwide," she added.
    Pira said the stigma of being identified as TB patient is a thing of the past since there are ways to prevent transmission if suspected patients would only have themselves tested.

    Among the symptoms of the disease are prolonged cough with some patients sometimes coughing out blood, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
    "The only way to protect our loved ones from being infected is by knowing that we do not have it. But if we do, we can implement safety measures and possibly have our loved ones be tested also and undergo treatment if they are infected," she said. -- PNA
 
 
 

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Cordillera PNP cops give gifts to beneficiaries

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- The Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 conducted gift-giving as part of their “Panag-Aywan Iti Kailyan” program at regional police headquarters here Tuesday.
    They distributed gifts to 84 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) recipients, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigents, peace advocates, and daycare learners.
    Wheelchairs were given to two post-stroke patients while daycare learners received loot bags, hygiene kits, and slippers.
    Other beneficiaries received grocery items and slippers.
    Cash gifts from Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo Jr., guest of honor and speaker, were also given to beneficiaries.
    Present were Lt. Col. Ruel D. Tagel, acting commander of RFMB15; Lt. Col. Carolina F. Lacuata, chief of Regional Public Information Office and PRO Cordillera personnel.
    “Madame of Bauang,” advocate of the “Panag-Aywan Iti Kailyan” program, also attended the activity with  Arlene Olsim, president of Officers Ladies Club (OLC)- PRO Cordillera; Christine Dimas, OLC member; Rolando Leon, chairman of Barangay Alapang; Jacqueline Dagdagan, committee chair on Social Welfare and Miriam Botangen, teacher of Camp Dangwa Child Development Center.
    In his message, Peredo Jr. cited Tagel and “Madame of Bauang” for continuous conduct of outreach activities in provinces of Cordillera.
    He also thanked beneficiaries for attending and supporting the program of the government, like former rebels who are now advocates for peace in the region.
 

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Sen Lapid, DSWD give cash aid to Baguio folks

ASSISTANCE. Senator Lito Lapid (right) hands over to a recipient the cash aid to 333 heads of families (PHP3,000 each), and 200 students (PHP5,000 education assistance) from Baguio City. The grant is given through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – A total of 533 individuals here received on Monday cash aid coursed through the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
    Leo Quintilla, DSWD-Cordillera Administrative Region director, in an interview on the sidelines of the assistance distribution at the President Fidel Valdez Ramos gym, said the office of Sen. Lito Lapid funded the assistance for 333 heads of families, who received P3,000 food aid, and for 200 students, represented by their parents for the P5,000 educational assistance.
    He said an individual can apply for this aid program through referral or as a walk-in client, provided that they have not received any cash assistance for at least three months.
    “They can come anytime if they need help and we will attend to them. They just need to submit the requirement,” he said, but clarified that the applicants will be screened first.
    AICS is a continuing assistance of DSWD for those who are in need. It is funded either from the DSWD’s funds or from the office of a politician who has identified a particular group of beneficiaries.

Aside from the AICS, Lapid also extended a P1 million medical assistance grant to indigent patients of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

“This will help the poor especially since prices are getting high,” Lapid said in Filipino during the turn-over ceremony.

“I hope that this small amount can be of help to you,” he added. -- PNA

FATHER AND SON -- Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) chief operating officer Mark Lapid and his father, Sen. Lito Lapid, pose with tokens from the city government given Monday, Oct. 9, during awarding of cash aid funded by the office of Sen. Lapid for 533 individuals. The younger Lapid said TIEZA is committed to helping in rehabilitation of Burnham Park. Before the pandemic hit, TIEZA’s Board approved a P400-million for rehabilitation of one of Baguio City’s tourism spots. -- Liza T. Agoot/ PNA

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SSS to get P400-K from delinquent employers in western Pangasinan

RACE CAMPAIGN -- Social Security System Alaminos City branch head Alvin Altre (left), SSS Luzon Central legal department lawyer Einstein Eugenio (middle) and SSS Alaminos City senior analyst Gerardo Tabra speak at press conference Sept. 29. The SSS Alaminos held raids against delinquent employers as part of their Run After Contribution Evaders campaign. -- PIA Pangasinan

By Hilda Austria 

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Social Security System (SSS) Alaminos City branch is set to collect around P400,000 from 10 employers subjected to a Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) raid on Sept. 29.
    At a press conference, SSS Alaminos City branch head Jose Alvin Altre said seven of the employers were delinquents in paying the contributions of their employees, while the three other employers did not register their workers.
    He said 41 employees were affected by the delinquency among the employers.
    “These employees are affected in such a way that their employers delinquency might result in the disapproval of their application for some services of SSS,” he said.
    The orders to comply within 15 days were served to the eight employers, while the two remaining establishments were closed Friday. Nonetheless, the notices will be served to them in the coming days, Altre said, adding that their cases will be forwarded with the legal department after 15 days.
    He added that these employers have been the subject of repeated demands to comply but failed to respond, turning them into subjects of the RACE raid.
    “They were even given demand letter but they did not comply,” he said.
    He reminded the employers who are in the different industries including resorts, gasoline stations, food, retail, and merchandise, among others, that they have statutory obligation and the violation of the SSS law has consequences.
    “May kaukulang criminal aspect maliban sa pagbabayad, may kaakibat na pagkakulong penalty kapag mapatunayang guilty sila up to 12 years of imprisonment (It has criminal aspect aside from the payment to be collected from them, it has a penalty of imprisonment of up to 12 years if they are found guilty),” he said. -- PNA

 

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Kalinga rice retailers get DSWD cash

By Ruth Cupang

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Eighteen qualified micro-rice retailers in Kalinga who were affected by the imposition of the rice price cap received cash assistance of P15,000 each from the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Sept. 22.
    The cash aid from the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) was meant to make up for losses the rice retailers suffered during the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 35 which mandates a price cap of P41 for regular milled and P45 for well-milled rice.
    Maria Cecilia Baral from DTI Kalinga said that the assistance payout was given in batches, and qualified beneficiaries are those who follow the price cap upon its imposition last September 5.
    She added that even unlicensed rice retailers and sari-sari store owners selling rice can receive aid in line with the EO's directive that the list of beneficiaries should be inclusive.
    Edna Javillonar, one of the beneficiaries from Rizal, Kalinga, said the assistance is a significant relief for her as it helps cover her losses and ensures she has funds to purchase her next rice stock.
    The joint monitoring team for the rice cap imposition includes members from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, the Philippine National Police, and the local government of Tabuk City.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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SM City Baguio partners with BGH advisory board to help indigent patients

    SM City Baguio, an avid supporter of the city’s commitment to responsible growth and improving the lives of communities, has partnered with the Baguio General Hospital Advisory Board, a non-government organization that links the hospital with the community.
    Through a series of corporate social responsibility programs, SM’s donation of P100,000 is in support of the 2nd International Food Festival on October 22, 2023. This is a project to help raise funds for indigent patients either for surgery or medicines. 
    “Part of the proceeds will be used for indigent patients. We have a certain amount for indigent patients, and we have an amount for senior citizens also, as long as they make a request we give it to them. We are supporting Baguio residents or Cordillera, we have donations as far as Tarlac, that is the purpose of our organization. We are working hand in hand with Baguio General Hospital also, so I hope our relationship will last a long, long time because, without you, I don’t think any organization can survive without funding.” said BGHMC Ad Board Vice Chair and OIC Joseph Rulla. 

    SM ensures that its corporate social responsibility programs serve as catalyst for positive change for the community it serves.
    Today, SM City Baguio continues bolstering efforts on social good which promotes the accessibility to basic needs that are foundational in achieving long-term community development, and continues to be a leader in responsible and sustainable business practices for the benefit of all. 
 

 
SM Tech-Voc Scholarship: Steering life to new direction 

Young dreamers Mark Tesoro (left) and Jake Dela Cruz (right) in Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati 

 

The global arena continues to see high demand for skilled manpower, particularly those with trainings and a solid background in technical and vocational (Tech-Voc) courses.  
    At the center of this, the Philippines is deemed to be a key player in the labor market for having a large young population with innate talent, curiosity, and desire for a brighter tomorrow. This is coupled with millions of Filipino youth choosing to move forward in life by pursuing Tech-Voc education.  
    For those coming from low-income households, the diploma course increases their employment opportunities after finishing tertiary education. The specialized learning experience enables them to spend significantly more time practicing tangible skills that they will need and can apply to the workplace. 

    This opportunity to graduate with practical experience in their chosen field helps them hit the ground running once they begin their full-time job - laying the foundation for a successful career. 

    Two of these many aspiring youths are Mark Tesoro and Jake dela Cruz. They were able to steer their life in a new direction through their SM Technical-Vocational scholarships. 
Fueled for more 
Mark has always been fascinated by auto mechanics and has always wanted to pursue a career related to this. But, as the eldest, he felt the need to pause his dreams and work right after grade 12. He knew that he had to support his mother, who works two part-time jobs as a manicurist and laundry woman, to sustain the needs of a family of five.  

    “Mahilig po akong obserbahan ang mga jeepney driver na nag aayos ng mga sasakyan dito sa amin. Parang na a-amaze ako kung ano ang ginagawa nila at kung paano nila naa-ayos ‘yun,” Mark shared. 

Jake (center) smiles as he shows his graduation photo to his family. 

 
    “After ko po mag-graduate ng Grade 12, hindi na po talaga ako mag-aaral kasi iniisip ko, magta-trabaho na lang po ako para makatulong,” he added. 
    But Mark always had his mind set on his dreams. So upon learning from one of his teachers that SM Prime, through SM Foundation, offers Tech-Voc scholarships to deserving students from poverty-hit families, he took his shot and got in.  
 
 

With hard work and persistence, Mark hopes to build his own repair shop in the future. 

 
He persevered in his classes and was persistent during his internship at a motor company. 
“Natutuwa ako na nakapasok ako bilang scholar. Bayad na po ‘yung tuition ko, tapos may allowance pa ako. Ang sobra ay     naipon ko pambili ng service kong bike,” he said.  
    “At noong OJT time po namin, nagapply po ako sa iba’t ibang casa dahil pursigido po talaga ako maabot ang pangarap ko para sa magulang ko–na nasa bahay na lang sila at hindi na sila nahihirapan at hindi na nila iisipin ang kakainin namin sa araw-araw,” he added. 
    After earning his diploma and getting specialized automotive education from SM Foundation’s partner school Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, he was ready to put his dreams into action.  
    He was hired by the company where he interned, and little by little, he was able to help his mother with their family’s daily needs. And from saving for a bike through his SM scholarship, Mark is fueled for more and is now saving up for his dream repair shop. 

    “Masarap po sa pakiramdam na dati nanonood lang ngayon ako ng mga jeepney na nag aayos. Ngayon, ako na po ang gumagawa,” he said, adding how he lends a helping hand to the jeepney drivers in their community when he can. 
    “Ngayong nagtatrabaho na po ako, nagiipon po ako. Gusto ko po ng puhunan para sa sarili kong mga gamit at sa tamang panahon, negosyong talyer, para mas mapabuti pa ang buhay ng pamilya namin,” he said.  
Towards bigger dreams 
Much like Jake is his batchmate, Mark, who lost several breadwinners in the family. This situation urged him and his mom to work together to sustain their daily needs while saving up for their future. 
 
 

Jake (right) assists his mother in their micro business endeavor, the family’s main source of income. 

 
“Pagkatapos ni Jake mag-graduate, tinanong ko siya kung anong gusto niya. Ang sabi niya sa akin, gusto niya mag-aral. Pero sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Di ba pwedeng mag-work ka muna kasi hindi kakayanin? Pero alam ko, may pangarap talaga siya” Ligaya Dela Cruz, Jake’s mother, said. 
    When Jake learned about the SM Tech-Voc scholarship, he immediately applied. As soon as he got in, Ligaya couldn’t help but shed a tear.  
    “Napaiyak po talaga ako at nasabi kong kung wala ang SM, paano si Jake. Malaki rin po ang impact ng scholarship sa pamilya namin. Mayroong pang everyday na gastos si Jake at nakakatulong din po ito sa pang kain namin, at sa nakababata niyang kapatid na naga-aral rin,” she shared.  

    The scholarship didn’t only help Jake and his family today. As he works and applies his learnings from his Tech-Voc course, he now has the ability to set aside money for one of his dreams: earning a college diploma. 
    To complement the efforts of local governments to provide education for gainful employment, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) together with SM Foundation, Don Bosco One TVET Phils. Inc and the City of Pasay launched the SM - Pasay Tech-voc Scholarship Program to offer a full technical vocational (tech voc) scholarship to financially challenged families residing in Pasay City. Aside from free tuition fees, the program also provided monthly allowance and enrichment activities to program beneficiaries. 
     SM, through SM Foundation’s scholarship program, has been providing deserving and qualified students access to college education and technical-vocational studies since 1993. To date, SMFI has produced more than 8,000 college and tech-voc scholar-graduates nationwide. 
 
 
 
 

 

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Baguio solo parents up; benefits cited

SOLO PARENTS. Solo parents in Dagupan City receive family packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Friday (Aug. 25, 2023) at the city plaza in Dagupan City. The solo parents are also set to receive starting next year a PHP1,000 monthly cash subsidy from the city government. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Risa Hontiveros Facebook page)

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Social Welfare and Development Office reported increase of solo parents here, which it said was indication of their desire to  be recognized for them to avail of government services.
    Acting Assistant City Social Welfare and Development Officer Cynthia Langagan said for first semester of 2023, there were 548 registered solo parents in the city -- higher by 21 percent compared to 450 solo parents recorded last year.
    There were more female solo parents with 508 compared to the males who are around 40.
    There were reportedly two categories of solo parents, Class A or those who are considered to be living above the poverty line and Class B or those who are living below the poverty line.
    CSWDO data bared there were more solo parents belonging to Class B or those living below the poverty line with 369 while those living above poverty line were 179.
    Langagan said most solo parents belonged to the 40-49 age bracket numbering 228 followed by 30-39 age bracket at 146, 50-59 age bracket – 117, 18-29 age bracket – 44 and 50 years old and above age bracket – 13.

She added most solo parents numbering 230 were single or those who had not been married, followed by widows and widowers at 157, those married but separated although considered legally married at 138; those legally separated, 14 and those with annulled marriages at 6 while divorced overseas were 3.

Langagan said solo parents were closely monitored by social workers to ensure their adherence to guidelines governing implementation of Enhance Solo Parents Act, especially the annual renewal of their solo parents identification card, thus, their status as solo's parents was being monitored to ensure they were the ones raising their families.

She cited incidents where there were solo parents who got their identification cards from the said office but were discovered during the monitoring that they are living with their respective partners in violation of the law.

Langagan said Class B solo parents enjoy greater privileges, especially availability of social services from the government, pursuant to the Solo Parents Welfare law.

 

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Cops build house for poor, sick mom 5 kids in Mt Prov

PARACELIS, Mountain Province --- A house newly built by police here in Barangay Palitod was turned over August 16 to an indigent family.
    Col. Sibly Dawiguey, Mountain Province police director led the turn-over of the house, the regional police information office said.
    Force Commander of   2nd Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company Lt. Col. Daniel P. Fakat, said the MPPMFC chose Dolores Thomas Ambatali as their recipient for their Pabahay Handog program being solo parent of five children.
    Ambatali is struggling to provide for needs of his children because of her physical disability and serious medical condition.
    After knowing the situation of Ambatali and her children, the 2nd MPPMFC, stakeholders and donors, contributed to complete construction of the house.

During the program, more food packs were distributed to 30 families in said barangay.

The said project was also aligned with the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay and the Retooled Community Support Program of the PNP. 

 

 

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Over 55K Ilocos households validated 4Ps beneficiaries

ORIENTATION -- Personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Ilocos regional office hold a meeting with potential new beneficiaries under Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program last week. Some 55,170 indigent households in the region were validated as potential beneficiaries of the program. (Photo courtesy of DSWD Ilocos regional office)

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan –The Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) validated around 55,170 indigent households as potential beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the Ilocos Region.
The July 21, 2023 validation status report of the DSWD Ilocos regional office showed, of the total number, 47,142 were in Pangasinan, 3,236 in Ilocos Norte, 4,031 in Ilocos Sur, and 761 in La Union.
    The current data was already 97.23 percent of the 56,750 target number of potential beneficiaries of the region.
DSWD central office provided the target number to fill in the slots of the households who graduated and delisted from the program.
    In a phone interview on Thursday, DSWD Ilocos regional office 4Ps information officer Jaesem Ryan Gaces said the number was a target given by the 4Ps National Program Management Office (NPMO) to meet the 4.4 million national target.
    “These are from the Listahanan 3 Database as a new set of potential 4Ps beneficiaries. These poor households with children below 18 years old or with a pregnant member at the time of assessment were identified based on the DSWD’s standardized targeting system (STS) as stipulated in the Republic Act No. 11310 or 4Ps Act,” he said.
    Their names will be posted in public places in their locality after the validation process.
Enrolment will commence for the potential beneficiaries after the completion of the posting process and they will also undergo orientation about the program, including their responsibility, and sign an oath of commitment.
    The validated indigent households were from the "Listahanan 3" database, which has recorded 184,716 poor households out of the 974,861 assessed households in the Ilocos Region as of 2022.
In a separate interview, DSWD Ilocos Listahanan information officer Jaymante Pearl Apilado said Pangasinan has the highest magnitude of poor with 155,529 households; followed by Ilocos Sur with 14,361 households; Ilocos Norte with 10,208; and La Union with 4,618.
    Among the four provinces in the region, Pangasinan has the highest land area and population among the provinces in the Ilocos Region.
    The poor basic sectors covered by Listahanan are children, youth, women, older persons, farmers, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, urban poor, rural poor, formal sector workers, and self-employed and unpaid family members.
DSWD said Listahanan 3 database could serve as a basis for identifying potential beneficiaries for social protection programs and services, as a mechanism for validating data on poverty produced by other sources, and as data sources and references for research and studies. -- PNA
 

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8K Baguio, Benguet households to receive gov’t power subsidy

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – Some 7,826 households in Baguio and other parts of Benguet province are expected to benefit from the government's electricity subsidy program under Republic Act 11552.
    Leo Quintilla, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region director, in a message on Thursday said beneficiaries of Benguet Electric Cooperative's (Beneco) lifeline electricity rate include 1,067 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Baguio and 6,759 4Ps in Benguet.
    RA 11552 or "An Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate" identifies the DSWD's 4Ps beneficiaries as a group that will also benefit from the lifeline rate if their consumption is below 100 kilowatt hours (kWh).
    The lifeline discount rate is applied to charges like the generation, transmission, system loss, distribution, supply and metering charges and other charges as may be approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission for a particular month.
    Other charges that customers have to pay which are minimal in amount as can be seen in the Beneco electric bill includes reinvestment for suspended capital expenditure, senior citizen subsidy, VAT and universal charges.  
    The DSWD gives its list of 4Ps grantees to the Department of Energy which downloads it to the Electric Cooperatives or Distribution Utilities.
    The same law also extends the benefit to non-4Ps whose income is below the poverty threshold set by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) at P11,793 monthly per capita income based on the latest available data in 2021.
    To qualify, the beneficiary must first get a certification from the Social Welfare and Development office of the local government unit and apply for eligibility to Beneco.
    "The new law limits the benefits to the 4Ps and those below the poverty threshold but they have to apply. It is not automatic," Laarni Ilagan of the Corporate Communications Office of Beneco said on Thursday.
    "That is why we encourage the 4Ps and non-4Ps who are qualified to apply and avail of the benefit because it is for them and it is a waste if they do not avail," she said.
    Required documents include an accomplished application form, the most recent electricity bill, and a valid government-issued identification card containing the signature and address of the consumer.
    Other supporting documents to be submitted if electric service is not registered under the name of the applicant include proof of residence through a barangay certification. If filed through a representative, a letter of authority. -- PNA

 

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Honor seniors’ discounts city bizmen told

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong ratified City Council resolution 430, series of 2023, reminding all drugstores in the Summer Capital to comply with Republic Act 9994 or "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010" on granting of senior citizen discounts.
    The Act grants senior citizens, those ages 60 years and above, privileges and benefits including a 20 percent discount on their purchases from all establishments like drugstores and also medical and dental services.
    The approved measure stated that upon presentation of documents or proof of identification as a senior citizen during purchase, all establishments should honor these valid papers for the availment of the discount or other benefits to elders.
    It also directed the management of all local drugstores to conduct orientation of their employees or personnel in addressing concerns for discounts to the city's senior citizens.

 

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DHSUD sets to give cash to ‘Egay’ North Luzon victims

By Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY — The Dept. of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is set to release of cash assistance for families who lost their homes following destruction wrought by Typhoon "Egay” in North Luzon.
    Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar ordered the release.
    The DHSUD recorded a total of 1,954 residential structures totally damaged by the typhoon, mostly from Regions 1, 2 and Cordillera Administrative Region.
    Acuzar in an emergency meeting directed Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III and Undersecretary Randy Escolango to start downloading the fund to Regional Offices affected by the typhoon.
    The DHSUD Central Office is making available P23 million for the emergency assistance to residents whose houses were totally damaged.
    "We must focus our efforts now in assisting families who lost their homes. Let's expedite the delivery dahil kailangan na ito agad," Acuzar was quoted as saying.
    "Kailangan proactive lagi tayo sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng bagyo...dapat maramdaman agad ang tulong at malasakit ng gobyerno," the DHSUD chief accordingly added.
    Sec. Acuzar also instructed DHSUD attached agencies, particularly the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund to start providing assistance.
    Initially, the National Housing Authority (NHA) is also allotting P50 million from its emergency housing assistance program.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced last week the government will provide assistance to typhoon victims. 
Pag-IBIG Fund has also started offering calamity loans with lower interest rate per annum to "Egay" victims.
    "We will be working closely with local government units in the affected areas to ensure the timely and transparent delivery of our assistance," Acuzar noted. 
    The DHSUD which has already distributed 1,086 shelter-grade tarpaulins, and 600 solar lamps, has collaborated with the International Organization for Migration and the USAID for these efforts.

 

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DILG to LGUs: Distribute aid to typhoon victims fairly

BAGUIO CITY--   The Dept. of the Interior and Local Government Cordillera urged local government units in the region to distribute food, non-food, and other relief items and cash assistance fairly to the communities hit by Typhoon Egay last week.
    “In light of the recent typhoon that has caused significant damage in our communities, we urge and implore our LGUs to prioritize the fair allocation of assistance to the typhoon-affected individuals within their respective areas of responsibility,” said DILG Cordillera director Araceli San Jose Tuesday.
    “As public servants, it is our responsibility to go beyond simply offering assistance. Our duty is to guarantee that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, receives the necessary support to navigate through these challenging times. The extent of our dedication to public service is demonstrated by our response during these critical times,” she said.
    “As part of the government’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and management, the LGUs are directed to use pertinent DRRM funds to execute emergency relief operations and assistance as specified by current laws and policies.
    “We recognize the herculean task ahead of us, but together, we can make a difference. The true measure of our dedication to public service lies in our response during these critical moments. Let us rise to the occasion and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our fellow citizens. Time is of the essence. Let us act with urgency and compassion,” San Jose said.
    She added LGUs should work together, setting aside any differences, and prioritize the well-being of our people. “By acting with urgency and fairness, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that every typhoon victim receives the assistance they require to rebuild their lives,” she said.

Based on the situational report released by the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development as of 12 p.m. on July 28 a significant number of 49,442 households in the area have been affected by Super Typhoon Egay.

DSWD in collaboration with LGUs and various stakeholders, provided a total assistance worth P6.6 million.

This aid included essential relief items, including family food packs, hygiene kits, family kits, sleeping kits, bottled water, and other non-food items. These have been distributed to evacuees currently residing in evacuation centers.

 

 

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SM Foundation Operation Tulong aids Baguio families

By Jill Galario

BAGUIO SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) with SM Cares, SM Markets and SM City Baguio with support of City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), joined in helping victims of Super Typhoon Egay through its Operation Tulong Express mission last July 31.
    Heavy rains poured over the region by Super Typhoon Egay, widespread flooding and landslides has caused in some parts of North Luzon.
    As one of first responders during the flood-stricken communities through SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express gave immediate assistance to hundreds of affected families in Barangay Pacday Quinio-Asin Road, Barangay San Luis and Victoria Village.
    Baguio City Social Welfare and Development officers Ruth Bioyo and Floredeliza Dematera expressed their sincere gratitude to SM, highlighting the company's proactive approach in reaching out to the community during difficult times.
    SM’s Operation Tulong Express focused on disaster response and relief efforts, promptly mobilizing resources to assist affected communities during calamities.
    The distribution of Kalinga Packs headed by assistant Mall manager Lani Delovino and volunteer employees and agencies from SM City Baguio. SM consistently demonstrated commitment to incorporate social responsibility, engaging in numerous initiatives to support the community.

Established in 1983 by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, SM Foundation Inc. is the heart of the SM Group of Companies focused on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for the under-served communities where SM is present.

Anchored on its founding principle of “People Helping People”, the socio-civic arm of the SM Group of Companies, conducts charity projects under four areas of advocacy - education through scholarship programs and donations of school houses; health-oriented projects like medical missions, mobile clinics and hospital activity centers; religious community projects and mall-based outreach programs.

Committed to serve by supporting and empowering host communities through education, health care, shelter, disaster response, farmer’s training, environmental programs and care for person with disabilities. SMFI work hand in hand with communities to create opportunities and improve lives.

 

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