by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, 08 March. (PIA 9) - - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 recently launched a book called "paglaom" (hope) , a compilation of success stories of its poverty-alleviation program- beneficiaries.
The book shares inspirational and heartwarming stories of the beneficiaries that sends message that they are not just passive recipients of the program but are active partners as well in the development of their community.
DSWD, being the lead agency in the fight against poverty, is continuously implementing programs and services that provide assistance to empower and alleviate the condition of the poor families.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program that provides conditional cash transfer, KALAHI-CIDSS a community driven development project and SEA-K a sustainable livelihood project are three major programs aimed at helping the beneficiaries cross the line of poverty.
DSWD in a press statement said “ the book (Paglaom) clearly depicts that the beneficiaries serve as tangible proof of the program’s positive benefits and impacts, as they share from a first-person perspective that Pantawid Pamilya, KALAHI-CIDSS and SEA-K has indeed helped improved the quality of their lives. They are good channels or medium to bring out to the public the positive effects of the program since they are credible advocates because their stories are based from their own experience.”
“Their stories in “Paglaom” mirror the reality in the lives of the poor and how the different programs of the DSWD became instrument in uplifting their lives,” the press statement further said.
The recent launching of Paglaom was held in one of the local hotels here where some beneficiaries were invited and were given the opportunity to tell their stories straight from their heart. It was evident in the eyes of the listeners how they were greatly touched from the beneficiaries’ stories .
The launching was witnessed by guests from the media and other partners in the implementation of the programs. (JPA/ DSWD/PIA- ZBST)