DSWD 12 taps partnership with NGAs, private sector in poverty reduction projects

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Saturday 10th of March 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 10 (PIA) -- A stronger partnership with other national line agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector could boost efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 12 (DSWD-12) in addressing the capacity of partner beneficiaries of its three-core poverty reduction projects, an official of the agency said.

Recently, the DSWD-12 tapped the services of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the training of 30 partner-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, which are tasked for the construction of various subprojects of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in six villages in Maasim town, Sarangani Province.

Partner-beneficiaries were trained on carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and basic electrical works to prepare them for a larger purpose.

Gemma Rivera, assistant regional director of the DSWD, said this pursuit is in line with President Aquino’s directive to expand the delivery of skills development services to the people in poor communities to boost their employability, livelihood and entrepreneurial skill through strengthened ties with other government agencies, civil society groups, and the private sector.

“Our partnership with other government agencies is important in maximizing social impact of the government poverty-reduction projects as it ensures better future to every poor family that we serve,” she said.

TESDA-Saragani Director Maisalam Macarimbang also said this activity forms part of TESDA’s new platform to benefit the greater community it serves.

“Our role has always been through sharing of resources and expertise on technical education and vocational training,” Macarimbang said.

Rivera noted that a number of the trainees are women, which she pointed out underscores the efforts of KALAHI-CIDSS to nurture the female talent for economic growth.

“In the social preparation stage, the project continuously seeks women to develop their skills in carpentry and construction,” Rivera said. “Women have equal power to contribute for the development in their communities. Since KALAHI-CIDSS was put in place in 2003, women proved their value in developing communities."

Abdullah Lilangan, the team leader of DSWD convergence strategy and area coordinator for KALAHI-CIDSS in Maasim town said that this initiative with TESDA demonstrates that partnership with other sectors can augment government resources in fighting poverty.

“We see a bright future for our partner-beneficiaries. Armed with these skills, they can easily generate income and employment somewhere, and ultimately succeed in their lives,” Lilangan said. (DSWD 12/DED-PIA 12)