By Jeric Ryan T. Belargo
CALATRAVA, Negros Occidental-Beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program here have proven that changing their lives for the better is possible.
Just recently, a total of 100 of them graduated from four courses such as Food Processing, Dressmaking, Small Engine Repair and Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II.
Pantawid Pamilya, also known as the conditional cash transfer program of the national government implemented by DSWD, is a human development program that invests in health and education of the poor with children aged zero to 18 years old. Beneficiaries are given cash grants in exchange of compliance to conditions.
Along with the implementation of conditional cash transfer, every registered household of the said program is entitled for livelihood intervention to uplift their socio-economic status. Through this, Sustainable Livelihood Program, one of the programs of DSWD, is mandated to provide feasible source of living focusing on micro-enterprise development and employment facilitation.
A total of P1,906,020 was invested in form of Livelihood Skills Training for the graduates.
In the recently concluded closing ceremony, the trainees received their corresponding certificates from Sagay Computer Institute (SCI), a vocational-technical school accredited by TESDA, for having completed the number of training hours required in their courses. During that day, outstanding trainees were also awarded for showing exemplary performances during their trainings.
Livelihood starter kits were also distributed to every graduate to prepare them for livelihood opportunities.
Sewing machines were given to trainees of dressmaking while cooking equipments such as gas stoves and other kitchen tools were handed to the trainees of Food Processing.
In the same way, the graduates of Consumer Electronic Servicing and Small Engine Repair received their corresponding toolboxes.
Hon. Mayor Araceli T. Somosa of the Municipality of Calatrava, shared a message of encouragement to the graduates. She focused on the accountability of every trainee after they were trained with necessary skills and received the starter kits.
She also urged them to enhance the skills they already have and continue to progress on their own way while the government is always on their side in providing them with relevant programs.
Present during the ceremony were Mr. Fernando V.Alabado, Provincial Coordinator of Sustainable Livelihood Program in Negros; Mrs. Imelda C. Cabuguas, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer; Mrs. Melanie G. Torres, school administrator of Sagay Computer Institute; municipal staff and supportive barangay officials of Minapasuk and Marcelo.
Other guests include Municipal and LGU links, KALAHI staff and the active Project Development Officers of SLP North Negros Cluster.

POSITIVE RESULTS
The trainees of Consumer Electronic Servicing NC II garnered 100% passing rate for the National Assessment conducted by Mr .Melvin G. Jordan, TESDA Assessor and Trainer.
The said assessment was held at Sagay Computer Institute. A total of 17 trainees took the exam. This was the first batch of graduates from Pantawid Pamilya Program of DSWD in Calatrava.
According to the graduates of the mentioned course, even before taking the assessment, they were already receiving repair services for domestic appliances such as radio and DVD player.
On the other hand, MINA FOODS Livelihood Association, composed of graduates from Food Processing are now producing delicious and affordable pineapple jam, jelly and marang marmalade.
The said association is now processing the necessary documents for DOLE registration.
Currently, trainees of Dressmaking are busy preparing their orders for curtains, pillowcases, blouses and other garments being requested by customers.
All of these positive results are product of collaboration from effective National Government Program supported by responsive Local Government Unit. This is also made possible through a strong partnership between DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program and Sagay Computer Institute.
Together, winning the war against poverty may not be easy, but it is always possible./dswd6/Jeric Ryan T. Belargo