DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation give ₱37M aid to families of Typhoon Kristine casualties in largest relief effort to date

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In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Kristine, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, formally distributed ₱37 million in financial aid to families affected by Typhoon Kristine. In the wake of 148 confirmed casualties nationwide, at least ₱250,000 was committed to each bereaved family, as a symbol of compassion and support for their journey to recovery. The initiative started with 39 bereaved families during a turnover ceremony on November 10, at Talisay New Municipal Grounds in Batangas and will continue in several parts of the country. This pledge will continue to support affected families in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, alongside DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco and DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez, personally handover financial aid to families affected by Typhoon Kristine in Batangas. This forms part of the Php37 Million pledged by DigiPlus Interactive in support, especially for the recovery of bereaved families of 148 casualties nationwide.

First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez and DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco were joined by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Talisay Mayor Nestor Natanauan, Bacolod Mayor Albie, BingoPlus Foundation COO Celeste Jovenir and local leaders and community members to personally hand over the financial aid. The event highlighted the Foundation’s mission to multiply the good by extending meaningful support to Filipinos in their time of greatest need.

Typhoon Kristine, one of the year’s most devastating storms, left a trail of destruction across South Luzon, with severe flooding and landslides resulting in significant loss of life and damage to property. Talisay, particularly impacted by landslides in Batangas, is one of the focus areas of the Foundation’s relief efforts as the entire province was declared in a state of calamity.

DigiPlus extends its largest relief effort to date, underscoring its dedication to resilience and meaningful impact. Through BingoPlus Foundation, the company’s commitment stands as a beacon of resilience and compassion in times of crisis.

“The BingoPlus Foundation exists to provide more than financial aid; it is about creating hope, resilience, and real change,” said DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco. “The work of the BingoPlus Foundation is a true reflection of our belief in giving back without holding back, of reaching out to lift up those in need, and of multiplying the good in every way possible.”

The provision of financial assistance builds on BingoPlus Foundation’s prior support initiatives for Typhoon Kristine victims. In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s National Resource Operations Center (DSWD NROC), the Foundation provided cavans of rice, benefiting at least 750 families, and mobilized volunteers to help repack and distribute critical supplies for affected provinces.

With a mission to “multiply the good” in the heart of communities, BingoPlus Foundation joins hands with the DSWD in delivering financial aid and livelihood assistance to families affected by Typhoon Kristine, starting with nearly 40 families bereaved due to a landslide in Talisay, Batangas.

In partnership with the National Resource Operations Center of the DSWD and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, BingoPlus Foundation provides essential relief to families affected by Typhoon Kristine in Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte and other provinces.

Together with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, BingoPlus Foundation also extended support to 1,000 families impacted by Typhoon Kristine in Isabela, Aurora, Pangasinan and Quezon. These immediate actions underscore the Foundation’s dedication to its resilience pillar, showcasing its commitment to making a difference when communities need it most.

“The BingoPlus Foundation stands by our communities not only with aid but with resilience, unity, and hope,” said Tanco. “In moments like these, our commitment to making a difference is stronger than ever.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over ₱100 million across projects nationwide, addressing urgent community needs through healthcare, livelihood programs, and educational grants. Through partnerships with local and national organizations, the Foundation has established PLUS Centers in Negros, Cebu, and General Santos, creating resource hubs designed to empower communities by offering critical resources such as health programs, livelihood support, and skills training. Each center is a lasting symbol of the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable community development.

World Immunization Week Health Connect Forum highlights multi-sectoral best practices for vaccination

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The Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Pasay City Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Senior Citizens’ Partylist came together to showcase how every sector is able to contribute to improving vaccination coverage during this year’s World Immunization Week Health Connect Forum.

Health Connect Forum- Each Sector's Role in the Big Catch-up

The forum, organized by the the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association (PHAP), and  Sanofi Pasteur Inc., focused on “Each Sector’s Role in the Big Catch-up” to ensure the protection of people of all ages against vaccine preventable diseases.

 “The time is now to build everything to give vaccines to those who need it most. The children and the elderly who are still unaware of vaccines, are at highest risk of dying.” said PFV Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo. PMA President Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag added, “Vulnerable populations also include the 14-17M indigenous peoples whose health concerns we should also address. Physicians at the PMA will join hands with the government to address gaps in implementation.”

 The DOH noted that the Philippines ranked fourth in the world with the highest number of zero-dose children, which is why their priority is catch-up immunization for children who missed out on their schedules the past few years. They emphasized that this would only be successful through collaborative efforts. “Vaccination is a whole-of-nation approach. That is why we need everyone's help in order for us to catch-up and improve our vaccine coverage." said DOH National Immunization Program Manager Dr. Janis Macazo.

Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez noted that learnings from the COVID vaccination program can be used for all vaccination programs. “We developed the LGU guide for rehabilitation and recovery for COVID-19 to serve as an operational manual for similar situations,” she said.

This was echoed by Pasay City Health Officer Dr. Mercedes Noble, who coordinates the city’s National Immunization Program. “Our partners are very supportive in using their venues for mass vaccination programs. Our very dedicated barangay health center staff go beyond their office hours and even weekends, so no child will be left behind.”

DSWD Director for Policy Development and Planning Bureau Rhodora Alday further shared how their programs are designed to address all of the social economic dimension which includes access to health services.

Director Alday said that the 4P’s program (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) helped incentivize beneficiaries for vaccination. “We are targeting around 700,000 households that have children below 18 years old to be enrolled in the program. Hopefully DSWD will help increase the immunization campaign through this program. Moreover, with a strong partnership that we have at the LGU we can design convergence programs to help free immunization available to people,” said Dir. Alday.

The forum also highlighted that catch-up immunization should not be limited to routine childhood vaccines. Atty. Charles de Belen from the Senior Citizens’ Partylist talked about ensuring our elderly loved ones are also fully protected from infectious diseases such as the flu. “Through our legislative agenda and initiatives, we try to expand the availability of immunizations that are inaccessible to senior citizens,” he said. Partylist Representative Congressman Ordanes’ HB 2097 recently passed the first reading in Congress.

“We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases for people of all ages. In this age and time, no one should die from vaccine preventable diseases,” said Mr. Teodoro B. Padilla, PHAP Executive Director Mr. Teodoro Padilla. With PHAP bringing together these stakeholders, both public and private sectors have shown strong support for continued vaccination efforts this World Immunization Week.

The media forum, moderated by journalist and health advocate Jing Castañeda, can be viewed on the Facebook pages of PMA, PFV and PHAP.

GCash Nagbabala Laban sa SAP Social Media Scam: “Wag Ibigay ang MPIN sa Kahit Kanino”

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Nag-abiso ang GCash laban sa panibagong modus na tumatarget sa mga kostumer nito na nakatanggap ng ayuda mula sa DSWD.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga pekeng Facebook pages at text messages, ang mga scammer ay nagpapanggap na mga empleyado ng DSWD at hihingin sa biktima ang mga detalye ng kanilang GCash account, tulad ng MPIN (Mobile Personal Idenfication Number) at OTP (One-Time Password), at gagamitin ang account ng mga ito para kuhanin ang perang laman.

Ang MPIN ay ang apat (4) na numero na nagsisilbing password ng isang GCash account, samantalang ang OTP naman ay ang anim (6) na numero na nagsisilbing password na magkukumpirma na inootorisa ng isang kostumer ang isang transaksyon.

Maaaring maiwasan ang mga scam na ito sa pamamagitan lamang ng hindi pagbibigay ng MPIN o OTP ng GCash account ng isang user, sa kahit kaninong tao.

Babala ng GCash President and CEO na si Martha Sazon, “Ang GCash at DSWD ay kailanman, hinding-hindi hihingin ang detalye po ng inyong GCash account, tulad ng inyong MPIN o OTP. Huwag na huwag po ninyong ibibigay ito kahit kanino, kahit sa mga taong di umano’y empleyado namin o ng DSWD. Dapat po ay kayo lamang ang nakaka-alam nyan.”

“Kami sa GCash ay patuloy po na nakikipagtulungan sa DSWD para sa mabilis, segurado, at maayos na distribusyon ng ayuda para sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino. Nananawagan po kami sa mga kwalipikadong makatanggap ng ayuda mula sa DSWD na gumawa na ng GCash account at ipa-KYC verify ang mga account na ito para sa mas madaling pagkuha,” dagdag pa ni Sazon.

Maaari ding i-report ng mga kostumer ng GCash o mga recipient ng DSWD ang mga makikita nilang pekeng Facebook page na kanilang matatagpuan sa pamamagitan ng pagpunta sa help.gcash.com, o sa pagtawag sa hotline ng DSWD landline 16545 at Globe mobile number 0916-247-1194.

Pinag-iingat din ng GCash ang mga kostumer nito sa pagkausap sa mga pekeng Twitter account na nagpapanggap na GCash, o sa pagbubukas ng mga pekeng website na natatanggap nila galing sa mga text messages. Ang opisyal na customer support lamang ng GCash ay matatagpuan sa help.gcash.com at wala nang iba pa. Ang opisyal na website naman ng GCash ay matatagpuan sa www.gcash.com.

Nirerekomenda ng GCash ang regular na pagpapalit ng MPIN ng mga kostumer nito para sa kanilang seguridad. #SecurePH #IwasScam

PLDT-Smart Foundation partners with DSWD, UP Diliman to support communities in Quezon City

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MANILA, Philippines, June 29, 2020 – PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) recently turned over food pack donations to 300 families from the Yakan Tribe, a Muslim community located in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The foundation also provided relief assistance to 600 displaced construction workers located in the University of the Philippines Diliman.

The donations were from PLDT and Smart’s Kapit Kapatid which is an employee-initiated fundraising campaign for frontliners as well as communities severely impacted by the pandemic.

This was done in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), University of the Philippines Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and Your 200 Pesos which is a project that aims to feed families affected by the pandemic. The Your 200 Pesos is led by TV personality and beauty queen Michele Gumabao who also joined the recent relief efforts.

“During these uncertain times, the PLDT-Smart Foundation aims to provide assurance that help and support are given to underprivileged families and communities affected by the pandemic. We hope that these simple donations will sustain them, especially during this difficult time,” said PSF President Esther Santos.

“Through this joint effort of DSWD, the PLDT-Smart Foundation, the Office of the UP Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and Your 200 Pesos project by Ms. Michele Gumabao, we were able to reach out to those who are affected by this pandemic. DSWD is fervent in engaging public-private sector partnerships to ensure that relief goods are delivered to the affected people during this health crisis,” said Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Jam Karess Banzon.

The PSF has been a certified agency of the DSWD for the foundation’s regular programs, especially for disaster response and has been a registered Social Welfare Development Agency since 2014. 

To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit http://beta.pldt.com/covid19/.

GCash helps disburse close to 2B gov’t financial aid to 335,000 Filipinos

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GCash, the undisputed leading and preferred mobile wallet in the Philippines, has helped both the national and local governments to disburse close to 2 billion in financial aid to more than 335,000 Filipinos who were adversely affected by the national health situation.

Since the start of the community quarantine periods in March, government agencies both local and national have tapped GCash for the quick, safe, secure, and transparent distribution of their own financial support to intended beneficiaries.

For local governments -- including central business districts Makati City, Quezon City, and Pasig City -- GCash has so far disbursed a more than P1.5 billion to over 310,000 beneficiaries. It has also disbursed more than P300 million to over 25,000 beneficiaries of the social amelioration program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“The government has realized that financial technology is no longer just a means for convenience, but it is now a necessity. The disbursement of financial aid close to 2B to over 335,000 beneficiaries and still growing through the GCash platform is just the tip of the iceberg. We continue to facilitate the distribution of financial aid to more Filipinos nationwide,” GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon said.

As the pioneering mobile wallet in the Philippines, GCash saw its platform as an effective means of distributing financial aid to those who were most affected by the national health situation.

Government agencies and local government units saw the value of using GCash as an effective, efficient, and transparent means of disbursing the financial assistance to their constituents.

National government agencies that have tapped GCash, through its partnership with the DSWD, for the distribution of financial aid include the Department of Transportation-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (DOTr-LTFRB), and the Social Security System (SSS).

Just recently, GCash was mentioned by no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his report to Congress, saying that GCash has powered the government’s efforts in providing relief to drivers who were affected by the community quarantine. GCash allowed the government to use its platform for free.

“As a strong government partner, GCash supports the government in its efforts to curb the spread of the virus. Through our safe, secure, transparent, and convenient platform, we have lessened the need for physical distribution centers, reducing the risk of transmission,” Sazon said.

Likewise, beneficiaries of the financial aid programs were able to use their mobile wallets for a variety of financial services. GCash empowers users to pay for physical and online transactions to over 75,000 merchants, transact with over 400 billers, and transfer funds to over 40 banks in the Philippines. GCash users may also use their GCash wallets to buy airtime load, save money, invest in money market funds, and purchase insurance products.

Beneficiaries also have the option of cashing out their financial assistance from partner establishments such as Puregold, Villarica Pawnshops, as well as ATMs through their GCash MasterCard.

“We can only beat this virus through collective efforts. We look forward to serving more Filipinos through these partnerships with the government,” Sazon said.

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc.

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

DSWD taps GCash for digital distribution of SAP

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GCash, the leading mobile wallet in the Philippines, has been tapped by the Department of Social Works and Development (DSWD) for the disbursement of its digital financial aid in a bid to hasten the distribution of the cash assistance to its beneficiaries. 

Now, beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) may choose to receive their cash aid safely, securely, and conveniently via GCash. By simply registering in the newly-launched online platform called ReliefAgad, beneficiaries may apply for the cash aid without the need to line up at government centers, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

“The government’s decision to tap financial technology (fintech) players to disburse financial assistance to those who are severely affected by the pandemic is very commendable. Using the GCash platform for the program ensures that the distribution of cash aid is not only secure and convenient, but also reduces the risk of spreading the virus,” GCash President Martha Sazon said. 

The DSWD has decided to digitalize the second tranche of the SAP through a partnership with the tech organization Developers Connect Philippines (DevCon) and the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID), both of which helped develop the ReliefAgad platform. 

Through the platform, beneficiaries of the program may register and choose their preferred payout option. This not only ensures that the monies will be delivered straight to the recipients, but also ensures the safety of the beneficiaries and government employees, as it limits human interaction. 

Aside from a higher risk of spreading COVID-19 brought about by the lack of physical distancing in distribution centers, using bank notes is also a possible way of transmitting the virus. Health experts found that paper money increases the risk of coronavirus transmission since harmful bacteria and viruses can survive on its surface for several days. 

GCash provides a safer and better alternative to cash as it reduces costs and increases efficiency of transactions, better transparency and security, offers greater convenience, and promotes financial inclusion. 

So far, more than 2 million users have registered themselves in the ReliefAgad platform, recognizing the advantages of the digital solution. 

“In the face of a pandemic, mobile wallets have become a necessity. We at GCash are glad that the government has decided to tap us as a payout gateway for the SAP, and we are ready to implement this initiative through our best-in-class platform,” Sazon said. 

Aside from cashing out the financial aid from tens of thousands of partner establishments, beneficiaries who opted to receive the government assistance via GCash may use their mobile wallets for a variety of services. 

GCash empowers users to pay for physical and online transactions to over 75,000 merchants, transact with over 400 billers, and transfer funds to over 40 banks in the Philippines. GCash users may also use their GCash wallets to buy airtime load, save money, invest in money market funds, and purchase insurance products. 

“As a strong government partner, GCash will always be open to provide help to the government for the welfare of our countrymen,” Sazon said. 

Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. (Mynt), which operates GCash, is part of the portfolio companies of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines wholly-owned by Globe Telecom Inc. 

GCash is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. For more information, kindly visit https://www.gcash.com/.

DSWD taps PayMaya for distribution of AICS assistance

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In continuation of the efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to improve its delivery of public service, the agency has partnered with e-wallet application, PayMaya, to provide cashless distribution of financial aid to clients of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Under the AICS program, qualified indigent, marginalized, poor, or disadvantaged individuals or families may avail of any medical, educational, burial, or transportation assistance as immediate aid or safety net to help them recover from any crisis situation.

Through the partnership, clients availing of AICS can easily encash their cash aid from any of the 30,000 Smart Padala branches nationwide through their PayMaya accounts. They may also use the funds in their accounts to pay for bills, groceries, or other daily essentials, purchase airtime load, or send money to other PayMaya users through the PayMaya app.

Last month, DSWD also tapped PayMaya as one of the featured payment methods in the ReliefAgad app. Beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) may choose to receive their cash aid through their respective PayMaya accounts.

The Department will continue to find innovative, safer, and convenient ways to improve its cash disbursement mechanisms to provide immediate assistance to Filipinos during the public health crisis. 

(DSWD)

World Vision celebrates 60 years, launches advocacy campaign to stop sexual abuse of children in the Philippines

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World Vision Ambassador for Disaster Risk and Reduction Marc Nelson and new World Vision Ambassador for Child Sponsorship Joyce Pring

World Vision celebrated its 60th year in the Philippines last March 23 with the theme “Caring for Children, Building Sustainable Communities,” at the press launch hosted by World Vision Ambassador for Disaster Risk and Reduction Marc Nelson and new World Vision Ambassador for Child Sponsorship Joyce Pring, held at Max’s Restaurant, Scout Tuason, Quezon City.

Led by acting National Director Rommel V. Fuerte and Board of Trustees Chairperson Atty. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, World Vision paid tribute to its partners and supporters, including key government agencies, like-minded organizations, individual sponsors and corporate donors who have faithfully journeyed with World Vision in the last few decades.

World Vision International Ambassador Marilee Pierce-Dunker, daughter of World Vision founder Bob Pierce, graced the commemorative event and delivered an inspiring keynote message. Dunker revisited World Vision’s beginnings and her father’s vision of hope, and left the crowd with a challenge to make the world a better place.

World Vision International Ambassador Marilee Pierce-Dunker

Dunker asked, as she closed her speech.

“Every one can be a world changer, but the question is – will the change you bring be for the better or for the worse?” 

It takes a world to end sexual exploitation of children 

One of the grim realities we face today is the sexual abuse of children. In the Philippines, 1 out of 10 children encounter sexual violence at home. Our country ranks 10th worldwide when it comes to sexual exploitation of children aged 10 to 14. And with the ready accessibility of the internet and rapid technological advancement, children are becoming more vulnerable to online abuse now more than ever.

To strengthen its efforts in child protection, World Vision launched an advocacy campaign entitled “It Takes a World to End Sexual Exploitation of Children.” The 3-year campaign aims to reach three million children and to protect them from sexual exploitation and other forms of online and offline abuse that leave them vulnerable.

World Vision Board of Trustees Chairperson Atty. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo 

World Vision launched the campaign in partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Inter-agency Against Trafficking (IACAT), and other like-minded groups, in the hopes of raising more awareness and resources to bring people to action and to better address the issue of sexual exploitation of children.

Funding and volunteers for this campaign would be highly needed for prevention training, rescue operations, after-care and reintegration programs, and engagement of children survivors to be advocates of the cause.

During the press launch, World Vision also introduced its new online application “Caring for Communities,” as it strengthens its effort not just to improve children’s lives but to help communities to be self-sustaining in the long haul. The online gift program gives donors the opportunity to support other World Vision’s community-based programs which promote Economic Development, Child Protection, and Disaster Preparedness programs.

World Vision National Ambassadors Tippy dos Santos and Sam Concepcion 

Other World Vision ambassadors who showed their support and attended the launch are World Vision Ambassador for the Youth Jasmine Curtis-Smith, World Vision Ambassador for Health and Nutrition Tintin Bersola-Babao, new World Vision Youth Ambassador for Education Bianca Umali, new World Vision advocate CJ Hirro, and World Vision National Ambassadors Tippy dos Santos and Sam Concepcion among others.

“Determination and hard work, keys to success” – Luistro to Pantawid Pamilya graduates

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“Kapag tinitignan nila sa pag-aaral kung sino ang talagang nagiging tunay na successful sa buhay, sabi nila iyong mga nagpupursigi, iyong may pangmatagalan na lakas at patuloy na nangangarap at hindi sumusuko,” Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said to more than 4,000 Pantawid Pamilya high school graduates who attended the post-graduation celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on April 9, 2015.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households, primarily of children aged 0-18, has produced its first batch of high school graduates this year.

The education chief told the graduates that their lives do not stop at graduation saying, “Pwede pa kayong matulungan na mabigyan ng scholarship ng TESDA para may choice kayo. 

Pwede pa kayong mangarap at pumasok sa pamantasan. Merong mga scholarships, kung kayo'y magpupursigi at magpapatupad ng inyong mga pangarap.”

“Sa ating pagtatapos, mahaba pa ang ating lakbayin sa buhay, marami pa tayong mga paghamon, at maraming mga pagkakamali, marami tayong makalilimutan. Kung ang kasama natin ay tatawanan tayo, baka mahirapan tayong tumawid; pero kung sama-sama tayo at sabihin sa ating sarili, “Kaya natin yan, hindi tayo susuko!” At kung may mga panahon na binabatikos tayo, makipagtulungan tayo sa isa't-isa. Kayang-kaya iyan ng Pilipino,” he added.

Luistro said that 4Ps has helped DepEd to reach out to more Filipino children and deliver to them quality basic education.

“Ang enrollment sa high school sa buong Pilipinas sa public schools ngayon ay 5.9 million. Malapit na tayo sa six million. Pero noong nakalipas na panahon, ang enrollment lang natin sa high school ay 5.4 million. Dumami ang ating enrollment sa high school ng half a million. At dahil dyan, kailangan natin mag-hire ng mga panibagong teachers, magtayo ng mga panibagong classroom, at siguraduhing ang programa ay makausad,” said Luistro.

This year, DepEd will build more than 40,000 classrooms and create over 39,000 teacher items as it continues to gear up for the K to 12 full implementation in 2016.

-- 

Mega family event to be held in May

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Outbox Media Production Agency, in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Philippine Pediatrics Society, will hold the 5th annual Baby Blast on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Trinoma Activity Center, Quezon City.

Baby Blast “fun-o-lympics” seeks to spread awareness of Early Head Start (EHS) education, a comprehensive infant and toddler development program, using various games and activities for the entire family.

The event will also feature EHS experts who will give talks on parenting, health, and early education. 

“Enjoyable and unforced learning is critical in laying down the foundation for holistic development. Since 2010 we’ve been using Baby Blast as a platform to promote parent-child bonding, especially to families with children below three years old,” said Outbox Media Production Agency managing director Rossel Velasco Taberna.

Registration started on Thursday, April 10. Admission is free and the first 200 families to register will get a free loot bag.

For more details, log on to outboxmedia.com.ph or facebook.com/outboxmediaprod.

DSWD launches Adoption Consciousness Week

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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently launched the observance of Adoption Consciousness Week by setting-up Help Desks in selected SM and Ayala Malls to provide information on adoption for interested individuals and families.

The Help Desks are manned by social workers from DSWD Central Office, Field Offices IV-A, IV-B, and National Capital Region, as well as accredited child-placing agencies, such as Norfil Foundation Inc. and Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF).

 Information about adoption including the processes, requirements, and its benefits and effects are discussed here.

Prospective adoptive couples may visit the following malls on February 15, 16, 22, and 23: SM City Manila, SM City Fairview, SM City Marikina, SM City Southmall, SM Megamall, Market Market Mall, Glorietta, and Greenbelt.

With this year’s theme, “Legal na Pag-aampon sa Lahat ng Pagkakataon,” the awareness week aims to highlight the importance of adhering to the legal adoption process in every situation, including during disasters.

dswd.gov.ph

DOT, DSWD, and USAID launch One-Step Project

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The convergence program, called The One-Step Project, seeks to improve the lives of the poor with more direct interventions through tourism. The One-Step Project is a step to include the poor at the start of the development process and integrate communities, including but not limited to the beneficiaries of DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid), in the tourism value chain. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has inked a partnership with the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony held last August 5, 2013.

Signatories to the One Step Project (L-R): USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. and DSWD Secretary Corazon J. Soliman.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said the project aims to alleviate poverty by improving the “reach” and “power” of our people and to be given opportunities to succeed. “The eradication of poverty begins with the restoration of trust in leadership,” the tourism chief added.

The One-Step Project taps the potential of the 13 million poor Filipinos and the 2.1 million Pantawid households in nine priority tourism clusters. It aims to identify the poor households with greater propensity for success, particularly those living in the tourism clusters that host more than 21 million domestic and foreign tourists, and enroll them in tourism enterprises either as part of a destination community or a supplier community.

Under this partnership, the DSWD, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), will help DOT translate the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) into a community-driven eco-tourism development plan to ensure inclusive economic growth. The DSWD SLP provides opportunities to its underprivileged participants to be self-reliant by engaging in income-generating activities.

“Tourism has been identified as a major economic driver to spur job creation, income, and revenue generation, and more importantly to spread the benefits to the countryside. This project provides institutional links to ensure effective implementation.  It is providing the poor employment and business opportunities with long-term benefits.  That brings much more stability in governance and raises the emotional quotient of our nation. Inclusiveness is a strategy, not a goal,” Secretary Jimenez said.

According to USAID Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, the deeper support towards inclusive growth is a major component of the bilateral agreement of the United States and Philippine governments.

DSWD Secretary Corazaon “Dinky” J. Soliman thanked the DOT and USAID for strengthening the Pantawid program, the government’s conditional cash transfer endeavor, as a vital poverty-reduction and community empowerment initiative.

Using the financial support from the USAID Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) Project, a national technical working group (TWG) will provide the general framework of the project, including the identification of the major activities to be conducted and funded. The One-Step Project will be implemented with support from an organizational structure composed of national and regional TWGs.

The national TWG is composed of the Champions, DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin and DSWD Undersecretary Parisaya Taradji; and Chairperson, DOT Assistant Secretary Rolando Canizal. TWG members include Director Honorita Bayudan, Director Georgina Ann Hernandez, and Angela Mari Ferrer from DSWD; Director Rica Bueno, Phoebe Areño, and Alex Macatuno from DOT. The REID Foundation serves as its technical secretariat, while the regional TWG is composed of the regional directors of the DSWD and DOT, in coordination with other regional offices and their respective local government units (LGUs).