Frontline-1stQTR-2016

Frontline
Department of Social Welfare and Development - Field Office Caraga
The Official Publication ||1st Quarter 2016

ABOUT THE COVER
65 years
… of putting smile to those who are weary
… of giving light to families living in the shadow of poverty
…of uplifting the socio-economic life of millions of Filipinos
All of these have been passionately done by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development.
(Excerpt from the winning composition of
Ms. Mary Carmelle C. Jumawan, Project Development Officer II,
during the On-the-Spot Essay Writing Competition of the Fun and Frolics Day)
For 65 years of public service, DSWD, as the frontline agency in social protection, remains true to
its commitment to be and with the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors
in their walk en route sustainable development.
This issue contains the colorful and meaningful activities done by the Field Office Caraga in
celebration of the 65th anniversary of DSWD. This also features the highlights of the
1st quarter CY 2016 as the Department is gearing up and intensifying efforts
towards sustainable positive change.
#TuloyAngPagbabago
Cover Photo:
1st place winner for the Poster Making Contest during the Fun and Frolics Day. This is a craft of Mr. Archie Turtur, Project Development Officer III.
CONTENTS
DSWD turns
65
highlights
partners’
contribution
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli awards the Plaque of Recognition
to Mayor Clarita Limbaro of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, for being one
of the National Nominees for Child-Friendly LGUs. Brigoli
is assisted by no less than Undersecretary Camilo G. Gudmalin.
In the regional celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) which happened on February 19, 2016 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City, Field Office
Caraga highlighted the significant contributions of its partners and stakeholders in the implementation of
various social protection programs and services.
DSWD turns 65
Regional Offices visit Caraga’s RLC
4th SLP Congress
Tuloy ang Pagbabago
Kalahi CIDSS Caraga Awards
World Social Work Month, Day
01
03
04
06
07
08
12
13
14
16
17
18
MSU-Marawi students to be
exposed in CDD
Legal Adoption
Her way out of Poverty
Making Social Welfare a Top Priority
DSWD Caraga employees receive
National Accolades
Sustaining the Positive Change
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli, together with Undersecretary Camilo G. Gudmalin, personally handed
the plaques and certificates of recognitions to the honorees of the Department in Caraga.
Awards that were given are categorized into four (4)- PANATA Ko sa Bayan, PRESTIGE, bayanI Ka, and
Child-Friendly Local Government Units (LGUs).
PaNata Ko (Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon) sa Bayan Awards are given to individuals, groups,
and organizations whose “panata” or vow is to share their successes, time, and selves in providing for a
better opportunity for the disadvantaged sectors. This award is categorized into four (4) as well, namely:
Salamat Po, Gawad sa Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS), Gawad Ulat, and Gawad Listahanan.
The following are the list of winners for the said award:
Official Hotlines for Adoption
198 classrooms for IP communities
09
10
20
21
A Foster Parent’s Love Language
Age is Just a Number
Salamat Po Award
GAPAS Award
CONSULTANTS : Minda B. Brigoli, CESO III - Regional Director o Mita G. Lim - Assistant Regional Director for
Operations o Nerisa T. Murih - Assistant Regional Director for Administration o Angelita B. Amista - Chief,
Institutional Development Division o Ramel F. Jamen - Chief, General Administration and Support Services
Division o EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Eunice G. Montaos - Regional Information Officer o WRITERS : Ryan M.
Tapayan - Pantawid Pamilya Information Officer o Marko Davey D. Reyes - Kalahi-CIDSS Social Marketing
Officer o Mary Carmelle C. Jumawan - SLP Information Officer o CONTRIBUTORS : Dante S. Rosales o
Jefferson B. Gonzales o Clark Aries Ingles o LAY-OUT ARTIST : Lynde T. Calipes
Best Non- Government Organization:
Gesu Eucaristico Children’s Incorporated
Best Volunteer : Mr. Jimmy Dejolde
Valuable Support to MCCT Pay-out :
New Tribe Missionary (Mr. Albert Castelijn)
Support to Home for Girls :
Philippine National Police;
Dental Health Service 13
Support to DSWD Regional Activities:
Robinsons Place, Butuan City
Support to Disaster Operations :
Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH)
Support to SLP Implementation :
Mindanao R & D Consultants, Incorporated
Best Pag-asa Youth Association :
PYAP Cabadbaran City
Best PWD Organization :
San Miguel Association of Persons with Disability
Best Federation of Senior Citizens Association in
the Philippines : FSCAP Surigao City
Model Sustainable Livelihood Association :
Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte SLPA Federation
Model LGU Implementing DSWD Programs :
LGU Bayabas, Surigao del Sur
Model LGU Implementing Kalahi-CIDSS :
LGU Veruela, Agusan del Sur
Model LGU Implementing Supplementary
Feeding Program :
LGU Taganaan, Surigao Sur
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 01

Gawad Ulat
Most Supportive TV Station :
TV Patrol ABS-CBN Caraga
Most Supportive National Media :
Manila Bulletin
Most Supportive Local Print Media :
Mindanao Centro Daily
Most Supportive Private Radio Station :
Bombo Radyo
Most Supportive Radio Station :
Radyo Trumpeta
Most Supportive Public Radio Station :
Radyo ng Bayan
Most Supportive Online Media :
Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
Gawad Listahanan
LGU Bislig City
Another award is the PRESTIGE
or Promoting Resurgence and
Excellence of Social Welfare
Officers as Transformation Agents
for Inclusive Growth and People
Empowerment. This award is given
to the most functional Local Social
Welfare and Development Offices.
This is considered a Best Practice of
Caraga designed to bolster existing
competencies and increase the
morale of LSWD Officers along
full functionality. This award has
three (3) categories: Bronze, Silver,
and Gold. The following are the
awardees:
PreSTIGE City (Silver)
LGU Bislig City
PreSTIGE
Province (Bronze)
LGU Province of Dinagat Islands
PreSTIGE City (Bronze)
LGU Cabadbaran City
PreSTIGE
Municipality (Bronze)
LGU Jabonga, Agusan del Norte
LGU Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte
LGU Buenavista, Agusan del Norte
LGU Tubay, Agusan del Norte
LGU Magallanes, Agusan del Norte
LGU San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
LGU Marihatag, Surigao del Sur
LGU Tagbina, Surigao del Sur
The next award is the
Child-Friendly Municipalities
and Cities Award. This is
established through Executive
Order No.184 issued on
December 13, 1999 and is
conferred to deserving LGUs
in recognition of their vital
roles in sustained promotion
of children’s rights as well
as in ensuring Child-Friendly
Governance.
The following are the awardees
per province:
Agusan del Norte
Cabadbaran City, Magallanes,
Tubay, Las Nieves,
Remedios T. Romualdez,
Nasipit, Jabonga, Santiago,
Kitcharao, Butuan City,
Buenavista, Carmen
Agusan del SUR
Veruela, Talacogon, Bayugan City,
Prosperidad, Santa Josefa,
Esperanza, San Francisco, Rosario
PROVINCE OF
DINAGAT ISLANDS
Cagdianao, San Jose,
Basilisa (Rizal), Dinagat, Loreto
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Burgos, San Isidro,
Socorro, Bacuag,
Tubod, Malimono,
Santa Monica, Claver
Surigao City
SURIGAO DEL SUR
Lingig, Barobo, Bislig City,
Cagwait, San Miguel,
Cantilan, Carrascal,
Tagbina, Carmen,
Marihatag, Cortes, Lianga
The LGU of Bayabas, Surigao
del Sur had a special award
on this since the LGU is one on
the shortlisted nominees at the
National level.
Another accolade is the
bayanI Ka. This award is
given to partner LGUs and
community volunteers to
recognize their support to
Kalahi-CIDSS Implementation.
The awardees are considered
champions and advocates
of the Community-Driven
Development (CDD) strategy.
The following are the
modern-day heroes in Caraga:
bayanI Ka
PLGU Local Chief Executive:
Surigao del Sur
(Hon. Johnny T. Pimentel)
MLGU Local Chief Executive:
Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
(Hon. Candelario J. Viola Jr.)
BLGU Local Chief Executive:
San Isidro, Las Nieves, Agusan Norte
(Hon. Domingo S. Mulig)
Best BSPMC Chair:
Mr. Samuel Ampahan
(Brgy. Kinamaybay, Esperanza,
Agusan Sur)
Best Community Volunteer:
Ms. Juvy Monteclaro
(Brgy. Bunga, Jabonga,
Agusan Norte)
Best Youth Volunteer :
Ms. Christ Janine D. Navarro
(Brgy.Caigangan, Veruela,
Agusan Sur)
Best Senior Citizen Volunteer:
Mr. Lorenzo Lao
(Brgy.Amoslog, Placer, Surigao Norte)
Best PWD Volunteer:
Ms. Marife Lerio (Brgy.Amoslog,
Placer, Surigao Norte)
Best IP Volunteer:
Ms. Vivian Plaza (Brgy. Mabahin,
Cortes, Surigao del Sur)
Best MIAC:
MLGU Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte
Best CSO Partner:
Sibog Katawhan Alang
sa Paglambo (SIKAP)
Best Municipal Coordinating Team:
MCT Pilar, Surigao del Norte
Aside from awards given to external partners, the
Field Office also recognized, through the Program on
Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE),
its outstanding workers. This award is given to DSWD
employees or workers to encourage, recognize,
and reward for their suggestions, innovative ideas,
inventions, discoveries, superior accomplishments,
heroic deeds, exemplary behaviour, extraordinary acts
or services in the public interest and other personal
efforts which contribute to the efficiency, economy,
and improvement in government operations, which
leads to DSWD productivity. The award is divided into
two (2) categories: Individual and Group.
For the Individual category, the nominees are SLP Coordinator Roy R. Serdeña and Administrative Officer
V/Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Coordinator Ramil M. Taculod. The regional winner, and one of the national
winners, is Standards and Social Technology Unit head Golda V. Pocon.
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli welcomes
the participants who are having their learning visit at
DSWD-Caraga Regional Learning Commons
As the Field Office Caraga of the Department
of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) hosted the national training dubbed
as Learning Development Intervention on
Learning System Design held on March 6-11,
2016 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan
City, participants from the different regional
offices of DSWD visited the Regional Learning
Commons (RLC).
The activity aims to enhance competencies
of the Capacity Building Bureau/Units (CBB/U)
personnel and Knowledge Management (KM)
focal persons along designing, implementing,
and evaluating learning development
interventions.
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli welcomed
the participants and said that the training is an
opportune time for them to visit the RLC which
RD Minda Brigoli (leftmost) and Undersecretary Camilo G. Gudmalin
(rightmost) award the outstanding DSWD Workers as Public Servants,
namely, (from left to right) Roy R. Serdeña and Ramil M. Taculod.
To page 11
won as the National Best Regional Learning Resource
Center (RLRC) in 2015.
“Our RLC is in parallel with DSWD’s efforts to establish
knowledge and resource learning center. We are
proud that this facility is first in Caraga, and 2nd in
Mindanao.” said Brigoli.
Aside from the learning visit to RLC which happened
on March 8, 2016, the participants also witnessed the
unveiling of the Best RLC Award.
DSWD-Caraga’s RLC is a complementary facility of
the DSWD Knowledge Exchange Center (KEC) with a
capability of housing information and communications
technology (ICT)-based operations and processes
to effectively and efficiently carry-out activities and
services that will embody the goals and strategies to
make DSWD a learning organization. ###
02 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 03

The “product walk” models along with SLP NPMO Dir. Gil Dennis Raposa, SLP NPMO Project Development Officers
Mitzi Tamayo and Vianca Habli, Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli and Regional Program Coordinator Roy R. Serdeña
The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) Caraga extravagantly showcased the products
and crafts of its program participants during its 4th Annual
SLP Congress on February 12, 2016 in Butuan City.
The event was conducted with the theme “Karon ug
sa umaabot, kalambuan atong makab-ot (Now and
beyond, we will achieve development)”.
Attended by 200 partner-beneficiaries from the five (5)
provinces of the region, the activity aims to celebrate the
extraordinary efforts toward self-sufficiency and positive
change of these people.
The event was also graced by Regional Director Minda B.
Brigoli who officially opened the event and delivered an
inspirational message to the participants.
Brigoli highly praised the 200 program participants who
attended the said event.
“Sila ang ating inspirasyon na
ngayon ay resource partners
na ng ating ahensya (They are
our inspiration and now have
become our agency’s resource
partners),” she said.
Brigoli also applauded the
stakeholders, public and
private partners who have
contributed a lot in the program
implementation.
“Because you are special,
we made this event special.
We will assure everyone that
we will celebrate this kind of
achievement every year,” she
added.
Participants from SLP National Program Management headed by Director Gil Dennis Raposa along with
Vianca Habli and Mitzi Tamayo, Project Development Officer III also came. Raposa was the event’s
keynote speaker. In his speech, he shared SLP’s thrust and priorities.
“The SLP is a strategy to spread prosperity among communities in the Philippines,” he shared. “The program
builds the capacities of its participants to engage in resource-based and market-driven community
micro-enterprises, and/or equips them with the required skills and attitudes to be gainfully employed,” he
added.
Raposa also encouraged the stakeholders to sustain their support to the program and its participants.
“Invest with us in our program participants who are the enforcers of the law within the society, experts in
their fields within their communities, models of the youth and major influencers,” he said.
He ended his speech with a video clip that will commemorate SLP NPMO’s provocative tagline Paano
Kung.To further enhance the entrepreneurial skills of the program participants, a technical session with
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Social Entrepreneurial Technique and Strategies was conducted
before the program proper started.
Moreover, commendation to stakeholder, both public and private
partners was carried out. Awards were given to Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), DTI, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),
Mindanao R&D Consultants, Inc. (MRDC), Butuan City Manpower
Training Center (BCMTC), Winrock International Institute for
Agricultural Development and Cantilan Bank, Inc..
Bangon Kabuhayan awarding ceremony was also cited to
applaud the outstanding and invaluable enterprise initiatives of
various SLP association or federation.
There was also a photo and product exhibit to celebrate the
incredible turnaround success stories of SLP program participants.
Also part of the program was the “product walk” where the
Field Project Development officers have modeled SLP Caraga
products.
“Dako among kalipay ug pasalamat na nagpahigayon ug
ing-ani na event (We are very happy and grateful that an event
like this was conducted),” said Evelyn Inocente, a parent leader
from Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
“Lami sa paminaw na natagaan ug pagdayeg among mga efforts
sa pagsustinar sa among mga nagkadaiyang panginabuhian (It
feels so good that our efforts toward sustaining our livelihood was
given appreciation),” she added.
Regional Program Coordinator Roy R. Serdeña assured that SLP
Caraga will continue to hold an event like this and celebrate the
program participants’ achievements.
“The program participants deserve this celebration and our
stakeholders as well, thus, we will ensure its continuity,” Serdeña.
Established in 2011, the Department of Social Welfare and
Development through the Sustainable Livelihood Program
is holding Annual SLP Congress to celebrate the successes
of our SLP program participants in achieving the goal of our
Department which is uplifting the socio-economic status of our
program participants through engaging in micro-enterprises or
employment.
It also celebrates the efforts of Pantawid Pamilya member-families
towards self-sufficiency and positive change.
Further, it aims to applaud our stakeholders, public and
private partners who have contributed a lot in the program
implementation. It is but necessary to give commendation to
recognize their efforts as we continue to strengthen partnership
with our stakeholders.
In addition, the program participants will also have an opportunity
to display or promote their products and services to the public
and find possible buyers or market. ###
04 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 05

T
he Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) Caraga continues
to banner the culture of excellence in the
implementation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa
Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated
Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) as it
bagged four (4) accolades during the Gawad
Kalahi Awards 2015 held at Hotel H2O, Manila on
February 9, 2016.
Asside from the accolades, ARDO Lim was chosen
among all the Asst. Regional Directors to give a
presentation of the best practices and innovations
of the region in implementing the program. A
great testament to the outstanding performance
of FO Caraga.
The Tuloy ang Pagbabago campaign was
launched at the regional level on February
12, 2016 during the celebration of the Sustainable
Livelihood Program (SLP) Congress at Almont Hotel’s
Inland Resort, Butuan City.
Leah Rebuta, a Pantawid Pamilya parent leader in
Butuan City, led the launching of the said campaign
along with the 200 selected participants of the said
congress.
During the launch, Rebuta presented through
a testimony the key message of the campaign
which says Pantawid Pamilya is a program of the
government that provides cash grants to registered
households to augment their needs in education
and health of children aged 0-18.
The campaign also emphasizes that it is only DSWD
and no other government offices or a person can
delist Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries from the
program if they cannot comply the conditions of the
program.
Delisting of the program participants are based
on the official variables from the Beneficiary Data
Management (BDM) guidelines and ineligibility
criteria of Grievance Redress System (GRS) which
are the following: (1) duplicate entry, (2) no to 0-18
years old dependent, (3) moved-out, (4) beneficiary
personally signed a waiver, (5) validated as financially
stable with regular income, and (6) fraudulent
activity (misrepresentation and false information),
respectively, but all are subject for validation by the
Pantawid Pamilya parent leader from Butuan City Lea Rebuta initiates the
Regional Launching of the Tuloy ang Pagbabago Campaign in Caraga Region.
city/municipal link officers (C/MLOs) assigned in
the prospected area.
To put a sound to the said campaign, Tuloy ang
Pagbabago is being advocated through the
monthly conducted family development session
(FDS).
Aside from visiting the municipal social welfare
and development offices (MSWDOs) and looking
for MLOs, partner-beneficiaries can use the
official text line for their inquiries at 0918-912-2813
and follow the text format,
The awarding ceremony, which was conducted
during the 2015 Performance Review and
Evaluation Workshop (PREW), acknowledged best
performing regional offices, and highlighted best
practices and innovations that paved the way in
meeting the goals of the program.
DSWD Caraga Director Minda B. Brigoli, together
with Asst. Regional Director for Operations Mita
G. Lim, and members of the Regional Program
Management Office (RPMO)
were on hand to receive the
awards for Best Performing
Region in Medium Category,
in Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB)
Implementation, in Government
of Australia – Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade
(GOA-DFAT) Implementation,
and an award for Innovation
and Breakthrough in CDD
Management for the “Creation
of Responsive Municipal
Inter-Agency Committee
(MIAC) and Advanced
Financing Monitoring System.
DSWD Caraga Team, together with Mindanao Island Cluster Monitor
Elise Sogo-an, pose with the 4 awards bagged during the Gawad Kalahi
Awards ceremonies held at Hotel H2O, Manila, on February 9, 2016.
The four (4) awards harvested by DSWD Caraga for
the 2015 Kalahi-CIDSS implementation are great
additions to a number of awards and recognitions
already under the belt of DSWD Caraga.
Kalahi-CIDSS National Program Manager Benilda Redaja (2nd from left) awards
DSWD Caraga the Best Performing Region – Medium Category the 4th award given to the
team in acknowledgement of the field offices’ outstanding performance in the program
Implementation. Also in the photo are USec. Camilo Gudmalin (2nd from right).
The presentation, entitled
“What Works For Caraga?,”
focused on the managerial
role of the Assistant Regional
Director for Operation,
specifically how operations
in the regional, sub-regional
and field offices are handled.
Kalahi-CIDSS National
Program Manager Benilda
E. Redaja commended Lim
for her presentation, and
thanked FO Caraga for
sharing the best practices
that could be replicated by
the other regions to ensure
best possible results in the
program implementations.
Regional Director Brigoli challenged the RPMO to
continue the culture of excellence in the region,
encouraging the team to be more innovative in
2016, and continue to be the top performer in the
national level.
The Kalahi-CIDSS Year-End PREW is a regular
workshop conducted to revisit the program
implementation of the regional offices, and a
venue to give direction and updates for the
following cycle year implementation. ###
06 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 07

Social Workers of the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga
and other agencies/organizations convened
on March 15, 2016 at Luciana Convention, this
city, to celebrate the World Social Work Day and
Month.
The Department strongly supported this year’s
celebration which bears the theme “Promoting
the Dignity and the Worth of Peoples”.
The said theme underscores the significant
roles of social workers in acting against growing
inequalities and the worldwide dynamics that
perpetuate poverty and oppression.
Objectives of the observance of the international
celebration include advocating public
appreciation and recognition of the Social Work
profession, facilitating venue for strengthened
engagement with Social Workers in other settings,
and imbibing the sense of pride among Social
Workers in the profession they have chosen.
Members of the Association of DSWD Social
Workers Incorporated (ADSWI) and other
Social Workers in Caraga actively participated
the motorcade and one-day gathering in
observance of the celebration.
Golda V. Pocon, regional president of ADSWI
and head of the Social Technology/Standards
Bureau units, discussed the topic “Role of Social
Workers Towards an Undivided Humanity”.
“Like millions of others worldwide, the Social
Workers of DSWD Field Office Caraga take pride
Social workers in Caraga joyfully dance during the Ice Breaker
session in their one-day gathering on March 15, 2016 to observe
the World Social Workers’ Day.
of being part of a profession that acts decisively on
its deep understanding of human behavior,” Pocon
said.
“Social workers are at the forefront of social
consequences and social realities,” she added.
Angelita B. Amista, chief of the Protective Services Unit
and Institutional Development Division, highlighted
in her message the significant contributions of the
Social Workers in the world.
“Our contribution to the world is very significant as
we confront challenging career issues of diverse
individuals, families, and communities, and societies
and we develop methods and solutions that help
these people reach their full potential despite and in
spite complex realities,” Amista shared.
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli, also a proud
Social Worker, extended her warm greetings to all
the practitioners of the profession.
“This World Social Work Day is dedicated to all of
those whose work is more than the ordinary for the
extra special sectors of the society-our motivation,”
Brigoli quipped.
The WSWD is an annual celebration every March
which aims to influence international, regional, and
local policies, government actions and to highlight
the value and contributions that social workers make
every day throughout the world. ###
As part of this year’s National Adoption Consciousness celebration,
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Field Office Caraga launched on February 15, 2016 at Robinsons Mall,
Butuan City, the official hotlines 09173274474/09998652494 to facilitate questions about Adoption and
information about abandoned children.
These hotline numbers are printed in bumper stickers produced by the Field Office, through the Adoption
Resource and Referral Section (ARRS) and the Social Marketing Unit (SMU). These stickers will be distributed
to Public Utility Vehicles for information and popularization to the public.
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli, together with the members of the Regional Child Welfare Specialist
Group (RCWSG), initiated the ceremonial launch of the mentioned hotlines.
For inquiries or information on Adoption and abandoned children, you may text the hotlines following the
text format: ARRS [space] Name [space] Address [space] Question/Information. ###
Members of the Regional Child Welfare Specialist Group
members led the launch of the official hotlines for Adoption.
08 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 09

Community leaders from the different Indigenous Peoples
(IP) tribes of Caraga converged at Almont Hotel’s Inland
Resort on March 28-29, 2016 for the Whole of the Nations Initiative
(WNI) engagement, where a proposed 198 classroom buildings
will be constructed in IP communities all over the region.
The WNI engagement, which is being spearheaded by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive
and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS)
Program, is a convergent effort of the different stakeholders
(national agencies/national commission offices) in addressing
the different issues of poverty, especially those related to
conflict problems.
DSWD is in partnership with the Department of Education
(DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),
and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in
extending aid to IP communities in providing school classroom
buildings, especially those communities in geographically
isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) which still do not
have provisions for school classrooms.
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli, addresses the IP Summit participants
during her welcome address, thanking the leaders for their time and
effort in attending the said activity. During her speech, she promised
the participants that DSWD and the partner agencies will give a hundred
percent to ensure the success of the WNI engagement in the different IP
communities in the region.
Tanny Quillano, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory
Representatvie (IPMR) of Carmen, Surigao Del Sur, expressed
that the classroom buildings should be designed in
accordance to the different tribes’ customs and traditions.
Engineer Jovenal Bernat, Regional Community
Infrastructure Specialist for Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga
presents the specifics of the proposed classroom
building designs to the body, subject to their
comments and suggestions.
DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli, commended the IP leaders for responding
to the invitation to be part of IP Summit, which will serve as a venue for consultation between the WNI
implementers and the IP leaders.
“Malipayon kami nga ani-a kamo uban kanamo para madungog namo ang inyong opinyon, mga
pangutana, ug mga suhistyon para sa atong pagabuhaton nga partnership sa pagtukod sa mga
classrooms sa inyong mga komunidad (We are glad that everyone is here with us so that we will be able
to hear your opinions, concerns and suggestions in our engagement in building your classrooms in your
communities),” Brigoli said.
The IP Summit is part of the series of activities to be conducted in implementing the WNI engagement,
which would also include site validation of the 198 identified areas, from the 75 barangays, 17 municipalities
all over Caraga, and a community assembly, where the IP leaders will communicate the details of the
WNI engagement to their communities for consensus for the engagement.
The Summit concluded with the IP leaders coming up with their respective scheduled timelines in
implementing the sub-projects in their areas. The schedule will be a guide to the WNI implementers and
the community to ensure that the sub-projects will be completed by June, in time for the 2016 opening
of classes. ###
from page 1- DSWD turns 65...
For the Group category, the
Best Funtioning Convergence
Action Teams were recognized.
The following are the nominees:
MAT Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte
1. Elizabeth D. Cabug-os
2. Darmina M. Jakaira
3. Giemar Lucino
4. Archerd Oraliza
5. Regiel Balagar
6. Homer Deloso
7. Joni Desi G. Lucar
8. Jennifer N. Ayuban
9. Nieva Frenzyl M. Mondalo
10. Mercy Nakila
11. Rolendo Dosol
MAT Tagbina, Surigao del Sur
1. Jireh Niel A. Felizarta
2. Emelyn O. Oliveros
3. Karin Jane C. Balayo
4. Irene C. Coralat
5. Mary Jane Gavino
6. Marilou Tan
7. Jocyglin Decamutan
8. Alfredo Havana
9. Ma.Estella Regaspi
The Best Functioning Team, and second place
at the national level, is the team of Talacogon,
Agusan del Sur with members:
1. Arnold B. Manalo
2. Reynalie Jane P. Salvacion
3. Lovely Mae B. Corpuz
4. Juniel D. Cabiling
5. Shiela Rose W. Bauson
6. Annabelle Labrador
7. Cristy A. Rocero
8. Marlon Radaza
9. Daryl P. Prado
10. Al Aguillon
11. Rienalyn Durango
12. Frietz Gerald Montejo
13. Princess Leolyn Balacuit
14. Jerr Seigfred Kalinawan
15. Engr. Wilben Narbara
16. Charme Lou S. Tero
17. Leo Tristan S Bagcat
Another award for the internal staff is the
Loyalty Award – an incentive granted to DSWD
employees who have served continuously and
satisfactorily the Department for at least ten (10)
years. Social Welfare Officer Vilma U. Bare and
Administrative Assistant Margie Rose Gundaya
were recipients to this award for serving 20 and
25 years, respectively.
In her message, Regional Director Minda B.
Brigoli expressed appreciation to the awardees
and attendees for their commitment in making
sustainable development happen.
“These Awards symbolize our sincere gratefulness
to all of you. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
The 65 years of DSWD will not be this meaningful
without your support and/or collaboration.” said
Brigoli, addressing the awardees.
Furthermore, Undersecretary Camilo G.
Gudmalin, the keynote speaker of the event,
encouraged all the awardees through voicing his
appreciation and congratulations. His message
emphasized the essence of the Convergence
strategy and its high importance in excellently
delivering the programs and services of DSWD.
He encouraged the present partners and
stakeholders to continue their support.
Gudmalin also commended Brigoli for her
leadership and cited the various awards that
were reaped by DSWD-Caraga in the previous
year, highlighting the ISO certification.
“I share with your pride of being the FIRST Field
Office of DSWD to be ISO 9001: 2008 certified,”
he said.
Other highlights of the half-day event are the
response messages of Mayor Clarita Limbaro of
Bayabas, Surigao del Sur and CSWDO Letecia
Yu of Bislig City and the launching of Larawan
2.0 compendium and Caraga Frontline 2nd
Semester CY 2015.
DSWD 65th anniversary celebration bears the
theme, “DSWD@65: Mga Kwentong Tagumpay
Tungo sa Masaganang Pagbabago”. ###
10 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 11

A
total of 30 Community Development
(CD) students from the Mindanao State
University – Main (Marawi) will be exposed
to Community-Driven Development (CDD)
implementation in communities under
the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan –
Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery
of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program
here in Caraga.
The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) Caraga welcomed
the students, together with their school
officials and clinical instructors who will be
having their five month – long practicum
here in the region.
A
s the lead
agency for the
National Adoption
Consciousness
celebration every
February,
the
Department of
Social Welfare
and Development
(DSWD)-Caraga
conducted different
activities this month in
relation to intensifying
the advocacy efforts
on legal adoption.
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli (in black) poses with the Foster
and Adoptive Families in Caraga region.
Assistant Regional Director
for Operations Mita G. Lim
expressed delight especially
that DSWD Caraga has been
chosen to be the venue for
the practicum.
“DSWD Caraga feels
proud that MSU –Marawi,
specifically the CD
Department, decided to
have their practicum here
in the region, even though
there are nearer regions in
Lanao del Sur where they
can have their practicum,”
Lim said.
Marian Myrtle G. Onod, CD
Department chairperson
expressed her gratitude
to the management for
accepting their request to
have their practicum in the
region.
“We have received a lot
of positive feedbacks,
especially from our CD
graduates, about the
performance of DSWD
Caraga in the implementation
of Kalahi-CIDSS (NCDDP).
We have checked the track
record of the office in their
implementation of CDD, and
sure enough, the information
we have received has been
very positive,” Onod said.
The MSU-Marawi Community Development students, together with their school officials and
instructors pose with Ms. Elsa Montemor (seated, 7th from left), Regional Community-Driven
Specialist (Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga) and members of the Kalahi-CIDSS field workers during the
conduct of the program orientation in DSWD Field Office Caraga, Butuan City.
The students will be deployed
to the different municipalities
in the region, where they will
be immersed to barangays/
communities with Kalahi-CIDSS
implementation. Students will
be mentored by Kalahi-CIDSS
field workers assigned in
implementing municipalities, and
will be overseen by the Regional
Program Management Office
(RPMO) of Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga.
Ondo also explained that DSWD
Caraga was highly endorsed,
even by their College Dean
because of the performance
of Kalahi-CIDSS Caraga, as per
record from the National Program
Management Office. She also added
that MSU-Marawi is trying to improve
their CD curriculum, and pattern
it closer to Kalahi-CIDSS, deviating
from the curriculum designed after
the Department of Interior and Local
Governance.
“We need to adjust our curriculum
and pattern it with Kalahi-CIDSS since
it is now the lead CDD program of
the government with the emergence
of the NCDDP,” Ondo said.
Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the lead
anti-poverty programs of the
Philippine Government being
implemented by DSWD in the various
municipalities in Caraga. ###
A kick-off program was
facilitated on February 15, 2016 at Robinsons Mall, Butuan
City and was attended by the members of the Regional
Child Welfare Specialist Group (RCWSG), Prospective
Adoptive Parents, selected Local Social Welfare and
Development Offices (LSWDOs), media partners, residents
and staff of Home for Girls, and other guests.
Other activities conducted are Launch and Distribution
of Adoption Hotline (Feb.15), Family Portrait Contest
(Feb.13-15) Installation of Information and Help Desk at
Robinsons Mall (Feb.13-14), Poster Making Contest for high
school students (Feb.17), Regional Congress for Adoptive
and Foster Parents (Feb.18-19), TV/Radio Guestings,
Deca5second Film Competition for DSWD employees
(Feb 1-15), Regional Adoption Forum (Feb.16-17), and
Special Adoption Forum for DepEd Employees (Feb.17).
Messages that the DSWD wanted to convey through the
conduct of the mentioned activities are the following:
(1) There is NO distinction between an adopted and a
biological child because they have the same rights; (2)
There should be a pro-active approach to the prevention
of direct entrustment of children for adoption; and (3)
Prospective and adoptive parents are discouraged to
go through independent entrustment/placement only to
come out later on the legalization of adoption.
The advocacy on legal adoption reminds the public that
Simulation, or the tampering of the birth certificate to
make it appear that the adoptive parents are the real
parents, is a criminal offense and has a corresponding
penalty.
Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli, who graced the
lined-up events, said that DSWD bolsters its advocacy to
assure the public that the Department can deliver one of
its mandates which is to look for the welfare of
the children.
“Through our RCWSG members, we can
ensure that these surrendered, abandoned,
and neglected children are placed in suitable
families and homes through Adoption which
justifiably determines the best welfare and
interest of these children,” she said.
“With these, we are urging everyone to be
strong advocates of Legal Adoption,” Brigoli
added.
This year’s observance of the celebration has
the theme “Legal na Ampon Ako, Anak na
Totoo (A Child Finds Worth in Legal Adoption)”
###
12 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 13

Her perspective about life now widened.
She can now afford sending her children to
college. Her daughter Penkie graduated
Bachelor of Science in Commerce major
in Management at Don Jose College. Her
son Lydon is currently studying in the same
school. Benjamer, her youngest is now a
grade 10 student at Don Ruben Edera
Ecleo Sr. Memorial National High School.
The latter attends youth development
session (YDS) and was one of the
participants of the Gender and
Development (GAD) caravan in their
province.
“Ako ang usa lamang sa liboan nga mga benepesyaryo
nga nabag-o ang kinabuhi tungud sa programa.
Kinahanglan nga mapadayun gyud ang programa aron
mas daghan pa nga parehas nako nga makatawid
sa kaunlaran. Karon, makaingun na jud ko nga Kaya
Ko ang Pagbabago (I am just one of the thousand
partner-beneficiaries of the program whose lives have
changed because of the intervention of the Pantawid
Pamilya. This program should be institutionalized so it could
help more Filipino alleviate poverty condition. Now, I can
say, Kaya Ko Ang Pagbabago),” she closes.
When love, hard work, dedication, and trust to oneself are
there, Amelita’s story can also happen to everyone. ###
There have been lots of rugs to
riches stories told. However,
the story of Amelita is just one of
a kind; hers is a colourful story of
love, and how she fought for it.
In 1979, Perquera Family moved
to San Jose, Province of Dinagat
Islands for good. Amelita is married
to Romeo, a native from the
Visayas. The couple is blessed with
four (4) children- Jomar, Penkie,
Lyndon, and Benjamer.
Living in an island, Romeo does
fishing for a living. He cuts across
the wide blue Dinagat inlet to
provide food for his family.
Amelita helps him. Blessed with
skills on handicrafts, she makes
bags, wallets, bracelets, and
other souvenir items. During peak
seasons, when members of the
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries
Association (PBMA) gather,
she accepts orders from the
organization’s official.
Hardships and Realizations
Despite all efforts, the couple still
see a problem in augmenting the
needs of their children. Jomar,
their eldest was forced to help
them. This was the reason he did
not finish high school.
“Lisud kayo pamalandungun
ang mga kaagi nga nanglabay.
Panagsa, matulog mi nga walay
kan-anay (It’s so hard to think
how we have gone through with
the past. Sometimes, we go to
sleep even without food in the
stomach),” Amelita shares.
With the difficulty, she regrets
not attending classes when she
was still studying.
“Lisud diay gyud kaayo ning
wala tay gi-eskwelahan.
Kanang dili ta kabasa, dili ta
kasulat, murag imong mabati
nga ang oportunidad, sa uban
lang mahatag, ug ikaw wala
gyud tawon (It’s so hard when
we haven’t gone to school. If
you can’t read and write, it feels
like opportunities are only given
to others),” she adds.
Pesquera Family remains hopeful
that they could withstand
poverty. Their love for one
another inspires them to make
the most of the little they have.
“Tungud sa gugma sa akong
pamilya mupadayon kami. Uban
sa akong bana, mangita mi ug
pamaagi aron makahilwas kami
sa kalisud (Because of the love
of my family, we will continue.
With my husband, we will find
ways to alleviate our poverty
condition),” Amelita quips.
Obvious Changes
In 2010, Pesquera Family
became a recipient of Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
It is a conditional cash transfer
(CCT) program of the Philippine
Government under the
Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD).
It aims to eradicate extreme
poverty in the Philippines by
investing in health and education
of children particularly ages
0-18. It is patterned on programs
in other developing countries in
Brazil (Bolsa Familia) and Mexico
(Opurtunidades).
“Nalipay kaayo ko kay nakita
nako nga wala gyud diay mi
nakalimtan sa atong gobyerno.
Karon nga naa na ang Pantawid
Pamilya, wala nay rason nga dili
nako mapa-eskwela ang akong
mga anak. Ako na gayud nga
matagaan ug mapanalipdan
ang akong mga anak sa sakit
tungud kay gina-monitor man
sa maong programa ang health
sa akong mga anak (I am so
happy that Pantawid Pamilya
came and helped us. I have
proven that our Government did
not forget us. I don’t have any
reason not to send my children
to school. I can now protect my
children from sickness because
the program monitors their
health),” says Amelita.
Grateful and Inspired
Amelia is thankful to other government
agencies for the interventions her
family received. She was part of the
enhanced handicraft training of the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
and training on Philippine Traceability for
Revitalized Agricultural Competitiveness
Enhancement System. In 2010, she was
also elected as member of the barangay
council.
Seeing her potential, the Sustainable
Livelihood Program (SLP) of DSWD
included her in the Product Development
Training to fully enhance her skills in
handicraft making and help her find a
bigger market.
Amelita’s products are now displayed
in Tindahang Pinoy at Robinsons Place
Butuan. The said gallery is owned by a
private proprietor whose products are
produced by DSWD and DTI Caraga
program partner-beneficiaries.
14 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 15

In line with the 65th anniversary celebration of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), outstanding employees were given
recognition through the PRAISE and Loyalty Awards
held at AIM Conference Center, Makati City on
January 27, 2016.
Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman (in pink Filipiniana) personally hands the
certificates of recognition to the members of MAT Talacogon as 2nd place
Best Functioning Action Team (Photo Credits: Jane Pulido)
Infrastructure, commercial, and
agro-industrial sectors have
always been the top priorities
among the developing countries
such as the Philippines.
In terms of formulation of key
policies, programs, and budget
allocation, the municipality of
San Francisco, Agusan del Sur,
however, is making a different
trend. The Local Social Welfare and
Development (LSWDO) topped
the budget appropriations for
the year 2015; a scenario which
some consider a deviance to the
customary.
As to the appropriations at
the local level, some social
welfare offices lag behind
livelihood, infrastructure, and
agricultural offices. We have
been entrenched of the tangible
dogma at development which
includes building, concrete roads
and infrastructure as hallmarks
of progress. This in turn causes a
decline in interest on intangible
yet vital aspects of development
which include social services.
The relentless effort to put
emphasis in finding social services
through comprehensive reports
and statistics made a shift on the
trend. This has created a wakeup
call to put a halt on downplaying
the significance of social welfare
agenda as it is already considered
to be an important determinant of
sustainable growth and progress.
Networking and Resource
Allocation on Display
What better way to ask for
budget increase than to
show concrete evidence of
accomplishments despite
having a lower budget in
the preceding years? The
MSWDO exemplary display
a professional disposition in
times of local performance
checkpoint by showing a good
track record amidst financial
constraints.
So how it is really done and
accomplished? Having a low
budget allocation has never
been a top consideration
on one’s performance and
after all, MSWD is primarily all
about service. This created
an innovative working
environment as a response to
the challenge. Resources are
utilized and mobilized outside
the office to keep in the loop
of delivering programs and
services for the clients such
as those from the barangays
and the Non-Government
Organizations (NGOs) and
People’s Organizations (POs)
such as the Rotary Clubs.
There is this unique bond that
links the MSWD office and
the barangay that is rooted
deeper than just merely giving
and receiving relief goods in
times of disasters. This way used
merely as an advantage in the
successful implementation of
the programs and services in the
barangays. Usually, programs
with limited or no budget
allocation are scraped out in the
line-up of services, but not in this
case. In fact, this has even made
them more eager to deliver
despite the situation. Support
from the barangay officials and
private service providers within
the network played a huge
part in the implementation
of programs and projects
despite the surrounding limiting
circumstances.
Children in conflict with the law
(CICL) on top of the priorities
The office was instrumental in
maintaining a profiling activity
on the status of children every
year. They made it a point that
the barangays embrace this
survey like profiling on children
to capture children in need
of special protection (CNSP)
that is including CICL and
Children At Risk (CAR) cases. The
consolidated result showed that
right now, there are at least 20
CICL or CAR cases yearly and
it is increasing. The trend also
suggests that along with the
growing economy of the LGU,
a social problem such as CICL is
sprouting. San Francisco is more
looking like a full grown city than
the other officially anointed
Cities in Caraga just recently.
For Field Office Caraga, Social Technology and
Standards Unit Head Golda V. Pocon was awarded
as one of the Outstanding DSWD Workers as Public
Servants.
Her numerous significant and notable contributions
in the Department were recognized through the
accolade.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman and
Caraga Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli during
the PRAISE and Loyalty Awards
for the DSWD 65th Anniversary
Also an awardee is the group of the Municipal
Action Team (MAT) in Talacogon, Agusan del
Sur with members Arnold B. Manalo, Reynalie
Jane P. Salvacion, Lovely Mae B. Corpuz, Juniel
D. Cabiling, Shiela Rose W. Bauson, Annabelle
Labrador, Cristy A. Rocero, Marlon Radaza,
Daryl P. Prado, Al Aguillon, Rienalyn Durango,
Frietz Gerald Montejo, Princess Leolyn Balacuit,
Jerr Seigfred Kalinawan, Engr. Wilben Narbara,
Charme Lou S. Tero, and Leo Tristan S Bagcat.
The said team got the second place spot of the
Best Functioning Action Team award.
MAT Talacogon was assessed as a functional Convergence team
with the obvious presence of the following elements: unified
office space with sufficient, appropriate equipment and logistics,
presence of an organizational chart, identity/brand formulated
which is Mahigugmaong Talacogon, own Vision, Mission, and
Goals anchored on the VMG of the Department, regular conduct
of monthly MAT and Municipal Convergence Action Committee
meetings, and Scorecard and Action Plans.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Undersecretary
Camilo G. Gudmalin personally handed the plaques of recognition
and cash prizes to the awardees who were accompanied by
DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli.
Brigoli also received a Loyalty Award for her 40 years in public
service.
The said staff and official will again be recognized in the regional
celebration of Field Office Caraga on February 19, 2016 at Almont
Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City.
The giving of awards under the PRAISE (Program for Rewards,
Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence) awards is an annual
activity of the DSWD to encourage and recognize exemplary
performance of its employees nationwide.
This year’s 65th Anniversary Celebration of DSWD bears the theme, “DSWD@65: Mga Kwento ng Tagumpay
Tungo sa Masaganang Pagbabago”.
To page 21
16 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 17

Change starts with a simple
choice.
In December 3, 2013, the 158
members of Self-Employment
Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K)
Federation in Jabonga, Agusan del
Norte agreed to contribute Php500
each to put up a catering services
livelihood project. With a starting
capital from their own pockets
amounting to Php86, 500, the
Jabonga SEA-K Federation, Inc. was
able to put up a Catering Services
business.
Through the Technical Vocational
Skills Training on Catering Facilitation
along with starter kits provided by
the Sustainable Livelihood Program
(SLP), the business was able to
operate more efficiently.
“Nakita namu na maayo na
negosyo ang catering services,
mao ng nangita mi ug paagi na
mapatungod kini (We see catering
services as good business that is
why we find way to put it up),” says
Florence Mongaya, the federation’s
president.
“Ug tungod sa tabang sa SLP, mas
natarong amo pag operate sa
negosyo (And with SLP’s help, we
were able to operate our business
efficiently),” she adds.
A space in the heart of the municipality
was donated by the Municipal Local
Government Unit (MLGU) that served as
storage room for catering service and
display center. This is taken advantage
by engaging into general merchandise,
display center and office; and
stockroom for their catering services.
The display center provides a venue for
the products of the various associations.
“Pasalamat kami sa space na gihatag
sa munisipyo kay makatabang kini sa
hustong pagpromote namu sa amo
produkto (We are grateful of the space
provided by the municipality; this
helped us in promoting our products),”
says June Ann Dejolde, the federation’s
treasurer.
The federation accepts catering
services in all occasions and even
provides services to SLP, Kapit-Bisig
Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive
and Integrated Delivery of Social
Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), Department
of Science and Technology (DOST),
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
and even in Supplementary Feeding
Program. In line with this, an honorarium
is provided to those who have been
part during the catering such as Cook,
assistant Cook, and servers.
With a positive net profit, the
federation has expanded their business
through micro-lending and general
merchandise.
The micro-lending business offer less
interest rates. The general merchandise
has brought an easy access to basic
commodities and other wide array of
goods.
“Kay nakaya namu ang kabag-uhan,
amo kini ipadayon ug daghang salamat
SLP (Because we conquered the
change, we will continue it and thank
you SLP),” June Ann concludes. ###
Members of the Jabonga SEA-K Federation show their bliss inside
their general merchandise space located beside the municipal hall
of the town. The space was a local counterpart contribution of the
local government of Jabonga to them.
18 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 19

One adoptee once shared, “My birth mother
brought me into this world, but it is my adoptive
parents who gave life to me”.
Louie (not his real name), has been under the
custody of his foster family since he was two (2)
days old. Couple Ronnel and Daisy (not their real
names) are very delighted with Louie’s presence in
their family. They introduced him to their three (3)
biological children as their youngest brother.
Sickly and physically weak, the couple did not
consider Louie as a burden to the family rather a
great blessing for them to show love at its finest and
its most genuine form. Since the child arrived in their
doorsteps through an unknown old lady (said to be
the biological grandmother), Louie is observed to
be pale, thin, and yellowish.
“When the old lady knocked in our door and asked
our help to take care of Louie, he was wrapped
with a green baby cloth,” shares Daisy.
“He (Louie) wore white gloves, white socks, and
white cap. Weighing 2.6 kilos only, his ribs were very
noticeable and he has few rashes on his body.” she
adds.
Since then, the couple have always brought
Louie to the pediatrician for constant medication.
According to the doctor, the baby has a weak
immune system and he needs to take vitamins
and other medication to boost his system.
Complete immunization was then provided to
the child.
Two months after, Louie was admitted to
their town hospital, and was diagnosed with
congenital heart disease. He has Atrial Septal
Defect (ASD) measuring 6.9mm-9.00mm with
left to right shunting. He was recommended to
undergo a Two-Dimensional Echocardiogram
(2d Echo) every six months to monitor his septum
defect. According to the doctor, the septum
may possibly close but there is also a possibility
that it will not. If Louie would turn 1 year old and
the septum will not close, he is advised to undergo
heart surgery for the closure of Ventricular Septal
defect tetralogy of Fallot when he is between 1
to 5 years old.
Like their own, the couple ensured the good
health of Louie and followed the prescriptions
of the doctor. Both Ronnel and Daisy did not
hesitate to spend money to guarantee that
Louie will be treated from his sickness and he will
be of sound health.
Gladly, when Louie turned 1 year and 11 months,
the doctor found out that he no longer has the
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD).
Louie is now 2 years old. He stands 34 inches and
weighs 9 kilos. The child can now utter words like
Tay-tay, Tetet, and Nanay. He says “nam-nam”
to express when he is hungry or wants to drink
milk. Louie smiles and giggles when played by
the biological children of her foster parents. He
dances when he hears music, learns gesture by
bowing his head to touch the hand of the elders
as a sign of respect. He now can walk on his own
and roam around the house unassisted.
Until now, the couple has no idea on the names
and address of Louie’s biological family. They
tried various means such as broadcast and print
media to ask the public regarding the identity of
the child’s parents. However, there were no responses to the said
announcements and none of his biological family appeared to
the proper authorities. When Louie’s grandmother brought him to
the couple last September 2013 in their house in Surigao City, she
begged them to take care of her grandson because they could
not afford to raise the child and provide his basic needs. The only
information provided to them was that the mother of the child was
still underage.
It has been two years since the child’s parents and relatives did
not come back to claim his custody. Nonetheless couple Ronnel
and Daisy are responsibly and compassionately taking good care
of Louie. They are now facilitating their legal adoption of Louie, to
formalize and legalize their already performed role to him as his
parents. ###
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
Cresencia C. Tiseo of Brgy. San Pablo, Tubod, Surigao del
Norte still has it at 64. She is one of the many women
of Kalahi-CIDSS who are paid laborers working on
their community sub-project. Cresencia is very active in
building their river slope protection sub-project; seen here
providing information to the project foreman regarding the
utilized materials for the day. Kalahi-CIDSS ensures equal
opportunities for men and women in paid labor, and age
is never a problem, as long as they are capable of getting
the job done.
© Photo Credit – Michael Joseph Mongaya
(Community Empowerment Facilitator – Tubod, SDN)
from page 16- Making Social Welfare
a Top Priority...
During the Annual Prioritization of
the Local Poverty Reduction Action
Team (LPRAT), the office is pushing
hard that the increasing number
of CICL cases in the municipality
should be included among the top
ten priorities of the LGU. As a result,
the problem has indeed landed
a spot in the list – at the third (3rd)
spot. As the LPRAT is the anointed
body to determine appropriations
for poverty alleviation programs,
the office proposed to construct
a center or youth care facility for
CICLs. This we dubbed as “The
Community-Based Detention and
Rehabilitation Center (CBDRC)
for Children in Need of Special
Protection”. Today, the center is
now 80% complete and the budget
for Operation and Maintenance of
the facility is already approved.
The decade old Comprehensive
Programs for Children and Youth
has been in existence almost a
year when the Juvenile Justice
and Welfare Act or Republic Act
(RA) 9344 was approved in 2006.
The programs and services for
same have seen its ups and lows,
but it did not vanish. Resources
were tapped to keep it afloat
until these little victories emerge.
The construction of a youth care
facility in the municipality and the
budget increase for social welfare
and just some of the bigger reasons
to celebrate in recent years and in
2016.
This is a high indication that the call
for more empowered, coordinated
social services are slowly being
heard. These things are important
since without the support, the
overall goal of providing quality life
to constituents would seem a long
shot for years to come. ###
20 JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline
JAN-MAR 2016 Caraga Frontline 21

visit our website:
www.caraga.dswd.gov.ph
like us on facebook :
DSWD Caraga
follow us on twitter :
@dswdcaraga
follow us on instagram :
@dswd_caraga
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
Field Office Caraga || R. Palma St., Butuan City
Telephone Nos. (085) 342-5619 to 20; (085) 815-9173
E-mail: focrg@dswd.gov.ph