DSWD Assists Locals to Source Funds for Indigents’ “Pabahay Program”

Laoag City (PIA) – – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assisted the local government unit (LGU) of Dingras in generating funds for the “Pabahay Program” for Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

The “Pabahay Program” for indigents was conceptualized when 20 poor families in Dingras town were found in – need of safe and sturdy shelters upon the conduct of the DSWD’s Social Welfare Indicators (SWI) in 2013.

The SWI is a tool of the social welfare agency that assesses the well-being of a family from levels of survival, subsistence, or self sufficiency.

The DSWD brought the concern to the Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) in Dingras town.

Through the initiative of the MAC, with the support and assistance from the social welfare agency and other local stakeholders, at least Php350, 000.00 funds for the “Pabahay Program” was generated through the conduct of raffle draw and fun run activities.

The net proceed from the fund raising activities was deposited to the rural bank in Dingras town in which this was withdrawn in staggard basis during the construction of the houses.

The members of the 4Ps in the area helped the building of the houses through the “bayanihan” spirit to lessen the labor cost.

Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo of the DSWD in the Ilocos, said the generated fund was sufficient for the construction of eight houses of poor families out of the reported 20 families in Dingras town.

The recipients of the local housing program were beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Dingras town residing in Barangays Lumbad, Parado, Baresbes, Barong, Espiritu, Suyo and Medina.

Castillo said the DSWD’s Provincial Action Team (PAT) in Ilocos Norte monitored the implementation of the Pabahay Project particularly the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who worked for the construction of houses.

The PAT and its municipal counterpart also provided technical assistance in the liquidation process, proper documentation, records keeping and monitoring of proper disbursement of funds.

To sustain activities to support the “Pabahay Project,” the LGU – Dingras drafted and passed an Executive Order. This also ensures the continuity of the project until all needy families are served. (VHS/FGL, PIA- 1 Ilocos Norte with reports from DSWD)