From DSWD beneficiary to carer
I MET her three years ago. She was then
clasping the hand of her son who was leaning on her in what looked to be a
genuine show of protection.
That time, she was listening to lectures
from the National Government Agencies (NGAs) on their different programs. She
was one of the participants of the Beneficiaries Congress organized by the
Social Marketing Unit of DSWD Field Office VI to help them access the services
of the government and find their way to uplift their living condition.
Ninfa Cape Alejandro of Jamindan, Capiz paid
attention as speakers from Philhealth, Department of Agriculture, Technical
Educations Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) and Department of Health (DOH) talked about their services. She
also scribbled some notes every now and then.
About a week ago, I met Ninfa again.
This time, Ninfa was already hired as a Community Empowerment Facilitator under
the Kalahi-NCDDP (KapitBisig Laban saKahirapan-National Community Driven
Development Project).
“I am so happy that I am now hired as a
DSWD employee. Pantawid Pamilya provided us financial support for the education
and health of my children but more than the money, it was my learnings from the
Family Development Sessions (FDS) that taught me to change our life for the
better,” Ninfa said.
Forty-three-year-old Ninfa is married to
Ronilo Alejandro, 46. They have three children namely Nifan Gee, 12 years old;
Febe , 10 years old; and Niro, six years old.
Under the Pantawid Pamilya, a
beneficiary should comply with program conditions. One of which is attendance
to the FDS.
“My attendance to FDS sessions taught me
to strive harder. It also taught me to nurture our good relationship in the
family,” she said.
Ninfa finished Bachelor of Science in
Agriculture. For three years, she has focused on being a housewife.
Years prior that, she had experienced
working as a teacher in day care.
FDS
CHANGES NINFA
Ninfa said that the FDS has taught her
to improve her personality. “I learned to improve and love myself and gain
confidence. I also knew how to deal and befriend people. Also, I was motivated to
make use of my talents and skills,” she said.
Ninfa also said that her attendance to
the meetings taught her to protect their livelihood. While she was not
employed, she was into hograising.
NINFA
ENJOYS WORK
Ninfa said that she is proud that she is
working at DSWD. “After years of being unemployed, I am now employed at DSWD. Ini pangarap lang sang una (this was
just a dream a long time ago),” she said.
She said she appreciates the government
for giving opportunities to the poor to improve their lives.
“Through DSWD, I saw that the government
is helping the poor—from babies inside the womb until they are born. I like the
way the government cares for the poor,” she said.
“I love to work for DSWD and I love
working as a social worker,” she added.
NINFA
HELPS COMMUNITIES
Far from being a beneficiary years back,
Ninfa is serving as a community facilitator now in Ivisan, Capiz Province.
She is helping organize the community
through a Community Driven Development (CDD) approach to implement
Kalahi-NCDDP.
Kalahi is a community-driven development
project where communities and their LGU counterparts are trained to assess
their situation, identify the solution, plan and implement their own
sub-projects that address their most pressing need in a participatory,
transparent and accountable manner.
CDD is an empowering process which gives
voice and opportunity for the people in the barangays to participate.
It also gives opportunity to the people
to identify their own problems, propose for solution and implement such.
Ninfa was smiling when I met her. That
time, she was about to claim her salary as a CEF. Her smile mirrored not only happiness. It also
showed a more empowered and positive Ninfa./ By May Grecia-Rago, DSWD6 Regional Information Officer
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