Having done several field work for the department myself, I have come to wonder how the Listahanan fieldworkers are doing.
“I walked kilometers, crossed a river, searched and waited long for a vehicle to take me back to the poblacion”, says Gey Quero, enumerator, Leyte cluster. These are just among the difficulties experienced by DSWD field workers, I have learned recently.
Currently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) better known as the Listahanan, is conducting a special validation to verify the poverty status of unregistered social pensioners and beneficiaries of Modified Conditional Cash Transfer-Families in Need of Special Protection (MCCT-FNSP).The validation is not just a challenge to a fieldworkers physical health, endurance to walk long distances, and the ability to withstand harsh weather in the performance of duty. Often, the job requires a handful of personal qualities, including courage, patience and initiative.
Challenges
Getting tons of DSWD-related complaints. Upon arriving in the community, the fieldworker begins by introducing him/herself as a DSWD staff. Often surprised, the newly hired and trained data collector becomes an instant grievance officer. The worker finds him/herself in-search for answers to questions on DSWD services that s/he as a newbie is trying to familiarize. S/He becomes a recipient to people’s grievances and doubts on the sincerity of the Department’s social protection programs, including data credibility.
“I always get inquiries and complaints on long delays of their social pensions. People also show some distrust and ask why we interview only those in the list”, Daisy Dineros, Area supervisor, Northern Samar cluster.
Unexpected Circumstance. “One of my respondents suddenly had an epilepsy attack. I had no idea what to do. I sought help from her neighbors. When she regained back her consciousness, I proceeded to interview her”, Catherine de Guia, Enumerator, Northern Samar cluster.
Locating the respondent. “Visiting a remote village can become a more tedious task if respondents are not home; however, persistence always works, according to Catherine de Guia, enumerator, Northern Samar cluster.
“I would search for my next respondent within the barangay or ask the neighbours. Sometimes, they are just in the next alley or in their neighbour’s house”, Catherine adds.
“We would, normally, ask around for the respondent’s whereabouts or the person’s availability for an interview. If another family member is home and is 18 years old or above and is knowledgeable of the information we need, we interview them instead”, Daisybelle says.
Strategies
“I know it is not going to be easy and has tons of challenges but I have determination and perseverance. Also, enjoying your work will help”, shares Gey.
“Seek assistance and coordinate with barangay officials. In this kind of job, you need to be patient to overcome the difficulties. You also need to understand and love your work”, says Daisybelle.
“I focus on the interview; quickly and accurately fill out the forms. I entertain respondent’s questions but make sure that I don’t lose my focus”, shares Catherine.
Lessons Learned
The series of interviews has made our enumerators understand the nature of our people. According to these frontliners, people respond differently and often can be based on the education and economic status.
They shared that problems in the field taught them lessons and that patience can help workers get by. However, having personal confidence can convince people to cooperate and respond to interview questions.
“Even though it takes so much effort to locate the beneficiary, it always is satisfying when you’re able to accomplish your tasks for the day”, says Nestle Rizza Atencio, Area Supervisor, Northern Samar Cluster.
The best thing about their fieldwork is that they have encountered people who are more than willing to help. On a personal note, I find that it can be beneficial to gather enumerators’ experiences in improving field methods and workers’ morale. (Desarina Alessandra Payo)