They are beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya, a conditional transfer scheme which molded them to become model parents/citizens in their respective communities. When Yolanda lashed its fury on November 8, 2013, they went back to nothing. They lost their livelihood but definitely, their life – changing skills the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taught them, stayed.
Leslie de la Serna, 31, Barangay Sta. Fe, Abuyog, Leyte
“I ‘m both a Pantawid Pamilya parent – leader and the BSPMC (Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee) chairperson of KALAHI CIDSS in our community. My husband, Armelito, used to be a pedicab driver then was elevated into a motorcycle driver. I have three children – Diane Mae, 12 years old, who is now in Grade 7; Mary Joy, 10, Grade 5; and Mary Jane, 9 years old, who is in Grade 4. Our barangay captain noticed something good has changed about me – thus, I was recommended to become a Barangay Health Worker (BHW). I get extra income from being a BHW, receiving Php 500.00 monthly, plus the cash grants for the health and education of my three kids from Pantawid Pamilya. The DSWD is helping me a lot as a person that redounds to the welfare of my family and community. The demands for me are increasing. I am a mother – leader of a non-governmental organization called Samaritan Purse and I get to handle Family Development Sessions (FDS). We have a sub – project which is the rehabilitation of our barangay hall which serves as evacuation center, under the DSWD’s KALAHI CIDSS NCDDP. Such a big improvement in my life and that of my family ! Year 2010 when we became part of Pantawid Pamilya and now, we’re looking forward to another DSWD opportunity – that of its livelihood program called the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). After the social preparation activities I have undergone, together with my co – group members, me and husband are now awaiting for the non-collateral and interest – free loan of Php10,000.00. Since Barangay Sto. Nino is fishing village, the family will go into fish – vending, using the motorcycle we got from the local government unit. “
Josephine Lleve, 43, Barangay Mag – atubang
“ After Yolanda, I was even more challenged. We are ordinary people, leading simple lives. I have been into manicure and pedicure for a living. My husband, Rodolfo, 48, is a laborer who tends the farm of another. Before the catastrophe, we had our own garden planted with “okra,” “ampalaya,” “upo” and “patola.” The family used to earn money out of it. Now, we’re starting over again, but it’s not a cause for panic. Three of my seven children are recipients of the Pantawid Pamilya, and I am actively engaged with the KALAHI CIDSS NCDDP as chairperson of the Barangay Representation Team. Now, we are awaiting the fund release of the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program so twelve of us members in a group will start a mini – grocery where fellow Pantawid Pamilya members will buy their children’s school needs and food. The family is so enthusiastic ! The DSWD has never left us, even at the time after Yolanda, we kept on receiving relief goods. Our children are even more interested in schooling !
Emee Montesclaros, 38, Barangay Balocawe
As parent – leader of Pantawid Pamilya, I motivate my fellow members not to depend solely on the cash grants given by program. My family rents a farm lot and my brother-in-law, Junjun, left us a chainsaw for business. Me and husband, Clyde, 44, do everything to make both ends meet. We also have tuba or coconut wine as a source of additional income. In our community, there are two groups of six people organized for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP funding of a piggery venture. This will be a big help. I am glad two of my children are now in college – two have been Pantawid Pamilya grantees but now there’s only one included.
They are but some of the plain folks of the municipality of Abuyog, and sensing their determination, these ordinary women may rise up someday to become big.