KORONADAL CITY, June 19 – Thousands of residents covered by the government’s anti-poverty program gathered Friday here for Pantawid Pamilya Day and Convergence Caravan.

Nearly 3,000 people attended the daylong event held at Rizal Park, according to program coordinator Juliet Clavel.

“The theme of the event highlights the Department’s belief that given proper support and right opportunities, the poor will be able to improve their own lives,” Clavel said.

“As what our Secretary said before we want our beneficiaries to be proud of their efforts to surpass the challenges they face. We want them to claim that the improvements in their lives are the fruits of their own hard work, and we from the government just help them,” she added.

In the same event, the products of members of Sustainable Livelihood program were highlighted.

Gemma Rivera, DSWD assistant regional director, said Mayor Peter Miguel attended the event and officiated the mass wedding ceremony of some Pantawid Pamilya couples.

Under its conditions, the CCT allocates grants P500 to P1, 400 for each beneficiary household, depending on the number of eligible children. Each family is allowed a maximum of three children to receive the monthly benefits.

It calls children aged 3 to 18 to stay in school and maintain class attendance of at least 85 percent each month. Pregnant women are also required to avail pre- and post-natal care, and delivery must be assisted by skilled health personnel, while parents are mandatory to take “family development sessions” to enable them to become better parents. (End)