A Nurturing Endeavor

Probably one of the most important during the month of March. In addition, the closure of classes, which means a long holiday for students and for some it is a good time away from family gatherings and adventures. But for most women around the world, to celebrate the femininity in March when the whole world recognizes the important role of women in nation building.

Over the years the role of women is fully developed. From an ordinary housewife, have become career-oriented. Way back in previous years, women have a lot of participation in society. In fact, in some countries, have no rights.


But through the changing times, where women are increasingly becoming more aggressive in fighting for their rights and establish their role as vital members of society, women have become more visible in roles that used to be dominated by male species.

This transformation did not program beneficiaries Pantawid Pamilyang Filipino. To be plain housewives to active members of society, these women engaged in activities that could benefit not only as individuals but also others who turn to them.

The Pantawid Pamilya is a program to combat poverty in the government established by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (Social Welfare Department). Its aim is to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty through investments in human capital through cash grants to extremely poor households in exchange for complying with the terms of the programs focus on health and education.

In poor communities, it is always a struggle for survival. The mother is not only taking care of the needs of children in order to extend the auto-income home, eat and have something to feed their hungry families.

The program Pantawid Pamilyang filipino, not only to encourage community participation, but the most important development in the mothers play a key role in implementing the program.

Despite the many battles and on top of that responsibility as a mother, there were recipients who accepted the challenge of being leaders in their respective communities.

leaders, who are mostly mothers who have a connection to the beneficiaries of the program. They serve as a partner and point people in the city / town link to ensure that activities are carried out properly in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the program. In addition, to hold regular meetings, they also ensure that their members comply with the terms and conditions. Older managers, they also serve as a communication channel, ensures that relevant information be circulated to all members. The organization of each community is to encourage families to support each other.

Bulan Eliza, 52, of Barangay Lizada of Toril, Davao del Sur, a normal day for her starts with the needs of their children. The widow of almost 8 years, only raised their children and provides their daily needs. She gets up early to make sure their eight children have something to eat for the day. She moves into the area to provide native food meals to students and teachers during lunch. If it's a tough job, hanging Eliza, for the sake of their children. When she became a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilya, his life has become more important. Little is expected to become a parent leader, a person your co-receptor is looking up. She admitted that being a mother is already a difficult task, and to give more responsibilities is another challenge. Besides attending to the needs of their children, which now controls the welfare of its members.

Sometimes, ran to her for advice, while others run to her for help. Although it is sometimes difficult to meet the needs of your family and its members, while, for her, the additional responsibility is a reminder of his ability to help others despite their economic life.

Realizing she receives from her role as parents and as a leader is priceless.

In Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, Elsie dela Cruz also shared how she feels happy not only be a beneficiary of the program, but also a partner in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya. She said it is not enough to be happy, because they receive cash subsidies from the government, but also be useful for the community. Despite his responsibilities as a mother, she makes a point to meet with members not only to discuss, but also a place to cultivate friendships that have developed through the program. Outside of its regular session, but also ensures that he and his members also joined in community activities and volunteers can work.

Described as an honest worker and its members, Ms. Dela Cruz is not only a capable leader, but also a good model for its members to be a kind and responsible mother of his six children.

His faith in the fatherhood reflects its efforts to make the monthly family sessions interesting developments in the preparation of fun games. His efforts and enthusiasm has inspired the members to participate actively participate in all community efforts.

Do more than was expected, they proved that they not only have become better parents by completing program requirements, but they also dared to keep their families and communities stronger and stable, not only when the program is currently implemented, but even outside.

Stories of mothers to accept the role of being the leaders are not unique to the majority. In fact, indigenous peoples (IP), which is the recipient of the Pantawid Pamilya organized community began to respond to the challenges of being part of the program. It is known that IP addresses known as minority members, have built their lives away from the normal place of a regular community. They are known for their cultures, customs, as evidenced by the way they dress and live. In fact, most IP based their homes in mountainous areas.

E 'rather sad to realize that most of the services offered by the government not reach them or have some use. Pantawid Pamilya wanted to make sure that government programs and services to maximize all those who need it. It paved the way for the inclusion of the beneficiaries of the program IP. There are already 276, 049 IP families in the program.

As shared by Isin Yap, 36, leader of the parents to a community site Badjao Luuk, initially some members of the community are afraid to visit the health center for fear that they may be ignored. Just to encourage them to access the services offered by the health center and encourage them to send their children to school, Isen find time to accompany some mothers to visit the centers and even accompanying children to school. Sometimes though, Helen is very exhausting work, which still continue to do so because he believes it is the only way to help your community to maximize the benefits of the program.

Isenea admitted that this is his first time to become a leader, and he considers to be one of his greatest successes, in particular, that has to change some of the practices regularly. Even if he knows that it takes time before it could fully encouraged him and other members of the faith in its efforts, at least for now is happy to have started to inject change, change that would benefit not only the family but the entire community .

Accept new tasks and responsibilities on other liability is really a difficult task. But Eliza, Elsie, Isen and other leaders of the parents, the challenge is a way to give back what the government gave them. For them, knowledge and inspiration that can give its members can help them throughout their lives. Can not promise an easy life, but it could be the beginning of a new life and education ...