ILOILO – After a thorough and meticulous screening by the 2021 committee on the Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan (PaNaTa Ko sa Bayan) Awards of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Local Government Unit of Calinog and Cabatuan hailed as National Winners of their respective categories.

With their exemplary support for program implementation, Calinog is the LGU Implementing an Oustanding Sustainable Livelihood Program under the Microenterprise Development Model. The recognition is given to the LGU that has implemented the track which focuses on the establishment of micro-enterprise through the provision of a one-time financial capital, enhancement of skills, and building/re-building and developing physical and natural assets.

Calinog provided staff support to strengthen the implementation of SLP in their locality. The LGU also augment the logistical needs of program staff and provide promotional activities for SLP associations to establish their market in the municipality and nearby towns. This is their second commendation since their last win as the 2017 Oustanding LGU Implementing SLP – Employment Facilitation Model.

On the other hand, the Municipality of Cabatuan is the LGU Implementing an Oustanding SLP under the Employment Facilitation Model. The program track provides one-time assistance through the Employment Assistance Fund aimed to augment employment requirements, and Skills Training Fund providing a set of technical-vocational training to qualified participants.

Since 2014, and through the agency’s support, Cabatuan has implemented training programs for their constituents to equip them for existing employment opportunities. The local Public Employment Service Office works hand in hand with program staff to conduct special recruitment activities, job fairs, and career coaching for participants who have completed the series of skills development training.

Nominated LGUs across the country were assessed on the aspects of representation and participation, transparency and accountability, civic engagement, effectiveness and equity, and sustainability.

LGU representatives received their award during the PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awarding Ceremony last February 28, 2022 at the DSWD Central Office, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.

The Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan or PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards is an annual recognition to acknowledge the efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations whose panata or vow is to share their time, selves, and resources to ensure that the various sectors benefit from enhanced service delivery and better opportunities.