After the super typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas, devastated its land and left its people helpless, many individuals from other places wanted to help. However, at times they just do not know where to go or how to channel out their support and assistance.
English teachers from Japan
Just recently a group of Japanese English teachers across Japan also known as the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Christian Fellowship visited the Philippines, particularly to help the areas affected by the said super typhoon.
Perlan Alatiit, a Filipina member of JET, expressed how grateful they are to the staff of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a national project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), “Thank you for helping us take the first step in identifying the area and school to which we can offer our assistance.”
Eventually, the San Vicente Elementary School in Tolosa, Leyte, has been identified to be visited by JET, with more than 200 students, and around 150 of whom are beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya.
JET conducted stress debriefing sessions through play therapies, English classes, and other recreational activities in the said school. They also organized a mini concert and distributed food packs, sandals, school bags, and other supplies.
The teachers in San Vicente were so delighted with the said affairs.
“The activities were very educational. The children have a lot to learn. They enjoyed the language classes, singing, and games. We are thankful to the Pantawid Pamilya staff for coordinating and facilitating this event,” said Crescencia Delleva, Grade III teacher.
The mini concert which was actively participated by the JET members, some faculty members, and the children, created an exuberant atmosphere which even the parents enjoyed.
Justina Longaza, a Pantawid Pamilya grantee, said that, “Maupay nga nagkamay-ada sugad hini na aktibidad ha eskwelahan kay nag-enjoy an mga kabataan, pati gihapon kami nga mga kag-anak. Nakakawara hin stress (It’s a good thing that such an activity has been conducted here in school. We are all enjoying it, not just the children. It relieves our stress).”
While Sydney Nuevas, 11, Grade V Pantawid Pamilya student conveyed, “Marisyu. Damo la an amon ginhimo ngan nabaruan. Gintutduan nira kami hin mga English, Japanese, ngan Spanish words. Nakikigsangkay hira ha amon ngan ginpipiktyuran nira kami (It was fun. We had many activities and we learned a lot. They taught us English, Japanese, and Spanish words. They made friends with us and they took photos of us.”
Nuevas afterwards thanked Pantawid Pamilya and said, “Pinaagi han suporta han Pantawid Pamilya, kaya ko gihap mabuligan tanan na kabataan na nanginahanglan hin akon bulig (Through the support of Pantawid Pamilya, I can also help the other children who are in need).”
Alatiit then shared how surprised and happy they were after they met the students, “The children were very active and responsive. They were a lot more cheerful and participative compared with the other children we interacted with through our other mission trips. We are very happy to see them smile. We hope that our donations will help them rebuild their lives. Thank you to DSWD, the Pantawid Pamilya staff, the school, and the students for giving us this opportunity to help the children survivors of typhoon Yolanda.”
MOA Signing with
Furthermore, DSWD through Pantawid Pamilya signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the International Holistic Engagement for Life and Progress Inc. (iHELP) in Dulag, Leyte, which aims to establish positive and strong partnership with the latter.
iHELP President Bishop Efraim Tendero said, “We are very glad to be in partnership with various programs of DSWD, especially the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Our part will be to mobilize partners and volunteers in the implementation of the program.”
iHELP will collaborate with DSWD in implementing and monitoring the above program implementation by serving as Bantay, Gabay, Kaagapay, and Tulay. In particular, they will help in the conduct of Family Development Sessions which are monthly gatherings wherein household beneficiaries are educated and capacitated to become responsible and productive members of the family and the community as a whole.
Building and strengthening partnerships
Pantawid Pamilya, a conditional cash transfer program of the national government which invests on human capital, continues to explore various avenues to support its partner beneficiaries, especially those that have been affected by disasters, as well as those who greatly need help.
DSWD Field Office VIII Assistant Regional Director Virginia Idano reviewed on the scope of engagement with iHELP and expressed the department’s aspiration of continuously helping the people rebuild their lives into a better one, by providing them numerous valuable social services, with the essential support from partners like the Civil Society Organizations
(CSO).