Zorahayda Taha, DSWD 12 director said, “we must continue to expand our network of partners because DSWD cannot simply do it alone.”
“Other agencies also have resources, funds and manpower that will help in improving the lives of economically poor families,” Taha emphasized.
During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held recently, TESDA 12 director Zeus Ampuyas along with BFAR director Ambuntong Pautong, DTI director Ibrahim Guiamadel and UTODCO manager Nestor Lumawig agreed to cooperate in reducing poverty in the region.
Director Ampuyas said, “we have the Cash for Training Program (C4TP) that will benefit Pantawid Pamilya families particularly those in Maasim and Malapatan, which we consider poorest areas. We are soon to consider also prioritizing Lake Sebu and Tboli in South Cotabato and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat.”
He added, “the training program will include allowances and training services to be offered to them. These services will cater employable skills and will be based on the existing needs of the families.”
Director Pautong of BFAR responded to participate with DSWD’s campaign against poverty. He said that BFAR also has livelihood opportunities to be offered to Pantawid families in order to augment their income. Meanwhile, director Guiamadel of DTI also committed to support poor families by providing training services for micro enterprises that will help them improve their business particularly in marketing, labeling and packaging their products.
Mr. Lumawig of UTODCO also committed to provide advocacy – training on road safety and providing accredited trainers on driving that will help poor families be employed soon. He said, “the transport industry goes with economic progress in our community. We need to equip our people with the right knowledge and appropriate skills.”