Second Quarter, 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments DSWD Field Office 01, City of San Fernando, La Union A. INTRODUCTION The Field Office continued to work with rigor and vigor this second quarter of 2013. In all its programs, activities and projects, the FO staff and officials ensure that constant communication with partners, intermediaries and other stakeholders. Coordination and collaboration with these partners in all levels has made possible the attainment of the accomplishments for this period. Challenges are opportunities for the FO staff and officials to innovate and work out of the box in order to serve better the beneficiaries, in smarter and faster ways. B. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS Major Final Outputs (MFOs) I. MFO 1 – Services Relating to Formulation and Advocacy of Policies, Plans and Programs The Field Office (FO) is actively involved in regional activities in line with the regional development. As chairperson of the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC), Director Marcelo Nicomedes “Jun) J. Castillo facilitated the conduct inter-agency activities. One of which was the RSDC meeting last June 21, 2013 at the ORT Training Center, San Fernando City, La Union. During this meeting the RSDC resolved to request the RDC to issue resolutions enjoining LGUs to ensure quality higher education programs, enjoining the LGUs to immediately conduct the registration of all Kasambahay, enjoining the LGUs to strengthen their Local AIDS Councils, and enjoining the LGUs and other stakeholders to implement convergence strategy by targeting the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries for their poverty reduction programs. In addition, the FO also participated in the updating of the Philippine Development Plan. Series of workshops were attended and inputs from the DSWD were provided. The RSDC Chairman also attended if not sent representatives to the RDC Ex-Com Meetings. Bottom-up Planning and Budgeting (BUB) With the implementation of the BUB, the FO has conducted the social preparation activities and came-up with a regional BUB Plan. This includes 19 sub-projects amounting to Php11,500,500.00 which will be implemented in 6 municipalities and 1 city of the Province of La Union. Training of volunteers was currently being conducted in the BUB areas with the assistance of the NCDDP technical staff from the Central Office. Sectoral Plans Implementation For this quarter, the 2014 sectoral plans of children, youth, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and Filipino family were submitted to the PDPB. The 2014 GAD Plan has already been submitted in the previous quarter. Updated 2013 sectoral plans were also submitted with minor revisions. Below are accomplishments of the sectors based on the sectoral plans submitted. FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 1 Children Sector The Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) conducted a meeting last June 11, 2013 at the DSWD Field Office 1Conference Room to ensure integration of efforts in addressing children’s concerns at the regional level. One of the agreements during the conduct of the said meeting is for the member agencies, local government units and non- government organizations catering to children to submit the name of its permanent and alternate focal persons for the RCWC who will regularly attend as representatives of their agencies. The RCWC Chairman, Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo informed the body that focal persons should be the head of the agency and alternate focal persons should not be lower than the Division Chief level who can right away decide important matters tackled every meeting. During the meeting, a brief overview of the 2013 Thrust and Directions for Children were provided by CWC staff, Mr. Froilan Flores. The 2014 Regional Plan of Action (RPAC) was also reviewed and assessed. The Field Office implemented strategies that address children’s issues. These crosscutting strategies encourage the promotion of a protective environment for children and advocate for a child-friendly governance. Among these strategies is advocacy and social mobilization, which involves effective engagement of various stakeholders in dealing with issues and concerns confronting children. These include the Orientation on the Republic Act 10165 otherwise known as “The Foster Care Act of 2012” for LSWDOs last June 21, 2013; the Juvenile Justice Administration Dialogue last June 7, 2013; and the Roll out Training on the Psycho Social Recovery, Social and Economic Reintegration for Traffic Persons last June 17-19, 2013. ECCD Information System The ECCD Information System was advocated for utilization by the LGUs, through the Re-Orientation/Workshop on ECCD-Information System and Orientation on WHO- Child Growth Standards which was conducted in two batches last April 2-5, 2013 and April 16-19, 2013. This was done to address the issue on low and non-utilization of the system. As a result, the data in the system is now regularly increasing. As of June 24, 2013 there were 2,355 Child Profile entries, 1,759 DCC Profile entries, and 1,596 DCW Profile entries. Youth Sector This quarter, 10 members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) Region 1 Chapter were deployed at the different LGUs in Region I. They were deployed in San Fernando City (2), Urdaneta City (2), Candon City (2), Laoag City (2), Burgos, Ilocos Norte (1) and Paoay, Ilocos Norte (1) Through the Immersion Outreach Program (IOP). They were given 200 pesos a day for 22 days of work. Another 10 youth were assigned at the different Units/Section of the Field Office to work as interns through the government Internship Program. Most of these youth were assigned clerical works and other tasks specific to the Unit/Section they were assigned. They were given 300 pesos a day for 22 days of work. Opportunities for both out-of-school and in- school youth to earn money to augment their school needs, as well as hands-on experiences of working in the agency were provided. These experiences may be used later when they decide to be part of the government workforce. FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 2 In addition, a Regional PYAP meeting was conducted last June 19, 2013 at the DSWDFO1 Conference Room. One of the agenda for the meeting was the election of new set of officers. The newly elected RPYAP Officers for CY 2013-2014 are President Richard Dizon, Vice President Peter Jay Pascua, Secretary Jeric Estioco, Treasurer Cherry Gil Taylan, Business Manager Jonathan Cortez, and Auditor Marlon Ragandap. Orientation on the Cash for Training Program (C4TP) was also provided during the meeting. Representative from TESDA Regional Office 01, Ms. Juvy Caasi-Cahiga provided updates on the implementation of the program and responded to issues and concerns of the members and LGU focal persons. The total number of beneficiaries of the C4TP is 4,695 and breakdown per province is as follows: PROVINCE BENEFICIARIES Total 4695 Ilocos Norte 920 Ilocos Sur 1280 La Union 760 Pangasinan 1735 FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 3 In line with the implementation of the 2013 Regional Plan of Action for Youth, series of activities were undertaken by the PYAP Chapters and LGUs this quarter. The youth enhancement activities include the following: These activities were conducted to promote and advocate the rights, participation and welfare of the youth sector. FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 4 Another involvement of the youth in the program implementation was through the Cash for Work Program of the FO. Fifty-one (51) youth were mobilized to assist in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The activities were reflected in the following action pictures. Women Sector The FO1 GAD TWG Meeting was held last April 19, 2013 at the DSWD FO1 Conference Room. This was attended by 11 participants and representatives from the different units/centers/organizations of the Field Office. The agenda discussed was the 1st quarter 2013 accomplishments based on the 2013 GAD Plan and the Plan for the 2nd Quarter that needs to be implemented. The Chairwoman, ARDO Marlene Febes D. Peralta during the meeting emphasized the need to discuss further the gender needs of all units. The Secretariat was advised to provide technical assistance prioritizing all centers and institutions to ensure that all PAPs are responding to gender issues. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Sector The Field Office facilitated the meeting of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) and the Regional Association of PWD consultation meeting last April 25 & 26, 2013 at the AVRC I, Dagupan City. This was attended by the Regional Program Coordinator of the NCDA. The RCDA meeting participated by 11 NGA representatives, and the RAPWD meeting was attended by 3 provinces and 11 cities of the region and their PWD leaders. The discussion centered on preparation of plans for PWDs based on the Incheon Strategy, updates on PWD related laws, and other PWD concerns. The Self-Help Group in Candon City was provided technical assistance in planning as well as preparation of accomplishment report for PWD. Reorganization of PWD associations was also conducted. In addition, a brief orientation on the non-handicapping FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 5 environment (NHE) for PWDs and the R.A. 10524 otherwise known as “An Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with Disability”, for them to lobby to their Local Chief Executives. Senior Citizens Sector The Regional Coordinating and Monitoring Board (RCMB) and Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Senior Citizen (RIACSC) met last June 21, 2013 at the DSWD FO1 Conference Room. Updates on the social pension program and press releases showcasing stories of our social pension beneficiaries were shared for information of the body. Presentation of the 2014 Plan of Action for Senior Citizens (RPACSC) was made for the participants’ enhancement taking into consideration the priority directions/major areas of concerns such as Senior Citizens Development, Advancing Health and Well-being of the Senior Citizens, ensuring supportive and enabling environments and the mechanism for implementation and follow-up. As agreed, revised plan of the RIAC members will be submitted on or before July 15, 2013. Aside from the RCMB and RIACSC meetings, the Regional Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (RFSCAP) meeting was also conducted last April 16, 2013 and was hosted by the Municipality of Mangatarem, Pangasinan. Updates on the implementation of the Social Pension Program were provided to the participants. RFSCAP President Mr. Cesar Mina encouraged the federation to submit the list of Senior Citizens in every municipality and city for data banking purposes and to ensure issuance of the OSCA ID for the members to avail the privileges. It was also agreed that Atty. Joven Costales (retired Judge) will be acting Federation President due to health condition of Mr. Cesar Mina. The next meeting was set on August 13, 2013 which will be hosted by the Municipality of Naguilian, La Union. Filipino Family Sector No other accomplishment of the Filipino Family Sector for this quarter except that of the core social protection programs which is included in MFO 4 section of this report. Commented Guidelines The Field Office has commented two draft documents as requested by the central Office, particularly the PDPB. The draft DSWD Terms of Reference in the conduct of National Consultation with CSOs for the Annual Budget Preparation and the draft Memorandum Circular on the Operationalization of the Unified Results-Based M&E System were commented based on the set-up of the Field Office. Recommendations to include specific set-up at the FO level is one of the suggestions along with other observations. Monitoring of National Laws Implementation This quarter, the FO has monitored a total of 16 LGUs implementing SWD national laws such as the Republic Acts 9208, 8980, 7610, 9231, 9262, 7876 and the amended FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 6 versions of these laws. Among the major issues/gaps observed during the monitoring is on the functionality of the local structures such as the Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs), and non-accreditation of most of the monitored SWD facilities such as Day Care Centers (DCCs) and Senior Citizens Centers (SCCs). Recommendations to strengthen these local committees and to continuously provide needed technical assistance in the performance of their functions; as with the DCCs and SCCs, continuous provision of technical assistance and regular monitoring of compliance to standards in the implementation of their programs and services. Research Development Utilization of the Emergency Assistance Program of LGUs in 2008 The conduct of the said research is still on-going. Surveys were conducted in 15 of 17 target municipalities affected by tropical storm Cosme, Karen and Helen in 2008. About 88.24% of the interview work is already done. Consolidation of the collected data was also started. Some data is still to be collected, particularly those coming from the implementers. The research once completed will be submitted to the PDPB. Program Development Agsugpon Tayo Training on Parenting the Adolescents was conducted on April 1-2, 2013 in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur. This was participated by 73 biological parents and host parents involved in the Agsugpon Tayo project. It provided opportunities for the parents to enhance their knowledge, attitude and skills in rearing their children. This training gained positive feedback from the participants. One of the participants expressed gratefulness and said they feel blessed in having attended the said training which made them understand more of their children and learned ways to bring them up through the sharing and the inputs of the resource persons. Memorandum of Agreement between the DSWDFO1 and the LGU of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur was already crafted and will be discussed in the next meeting with the LGU. Also, the Manual of Operations was already drafted which will serve as guide in the program implementation. On the other hand, Resolution and MOA templates were prepared for the eight (8) completed social technologies for CY 2011, to facilitate its replication by the LGUs that sent letters of interest. Social marketing of additional six (6) social technologies completed in 2012 was also planned for implementation in the succeeding quarters. II. MFO 2 – Standards Setting, Licensing and Accreditation Commented Guidelines No draft guideline on Standards was received for comments of the Field Office except of the draft documents stated in MFO 1 part of this report. SWDAs/SWAs Assessed for Registration, License/Accreditation The STAC Parents Association of Dagupan City, Inc. (SPADCI) in Dagupan City was issued Certificate of Registration as Auxiliary Social Welfare Agency – People’s FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 7 Organization. They provide augmentation support to the parents and children with disabilities in their locality. Along with SPADCI, the Agape Baptist Home Ministry, Inc. in San Fabian, Pangasinan, Tahanang Carmela de Amore Inc., in Dagupan City, and the Basic Early Balance Experiences Inc. In Alaminos City were issued Certificate of Registration and License to Operate. The Agape caters to 7-12 year old children, The Tahanang Carmela also caters to girl-children, and the Basic Early Balance Experiences, Inc. is a community- based agency that provides Mobile Library, Play Center and Parents Seminar/Workshop. The Baluarte Zoo Foundation Inc. and Spirit and Life Mission House Inc. were assessed for renewal of registration and license to operate. The Baluarte still has some documents to comply while the foundation already exists to operate under the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. Pre-assessment for accreditation was also conducted for the Caritas Nueva Segovia Foundation, Inc., Saint Benedict Foundation for Children and Aging Inc., DSWDFO1 Haven for Children, Stimulation Therapeutic Activity Center in Rosales and Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Technical assistance was provided for these institutions to comply with the accreditation criteria. Assessment and validation for the existence and operation of SWDAs was also conducted. The PRM Foundation Inc. and Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. were assessed and a report was submitted to the Standards Bureau as basis for the issuance of registration and license. Assessment/Accreditation of Centers and Service Providers Day Care Centers/Day Care Workers A total of 156 Day Care Centers and Workers were assessed this 2nd quarter of the year. LGU DCC/DCWs Accredited Issued Accreditation during the 2nd Assessed for the for the 2nd Quarter but Assessed during the 2nd Quarter Quarter Previous Quarters Dingras, Ilocos Norte 31 Paoay 13 Laoag 24 Tagudin, Ilocos Sur 14 6 1 Sto. Domingo 10 9 Candon City 3 3 6 San Fernando City, La 33 20 3 Union Caba 6 Agoo 1 11 Naguilian 1 1 Bacnotan 35 Balaoan 3 1 4 Rosales, Pangasinan 15 5 4 Asingan 4 4 9 Total 156 40 84 The DCC/DCWs assessed were from the 14 LGUs stated in the table above. Of the 156 DCC/DCWs assessed for accreditation, 40 were issued accreditation certificates while FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 8 the certificates of 116 DCCs/DCWs were still held in abeyance pending completion of accreditation requirements. Aside from the 40, there were 84 DCCs/DCWs assessed in the previous quarters were already issued Certificate of Accreditation this quarter. The FO mobilized for the conduct of assessment activities, 16 volunteers which helped in the assessment of DCCs and DCWs. The hiring of accreditors that will be funded by UNICEF was also facilitated to augment in the conduct of such activities. Senior Citizens Centers The Senior Citizens Centers of Solsona, Bangui, and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte; San Fernando City in La Union; and Candon City in Ilocos Sur were pre-assessed for accreditation. The LGUs were provided with appropriate technical assistance in the preparation of the required documents. Social Workers Managing Court Related Cases and Pre-Marriage Counselors Seven (7) Social Workers applying for accreditation (1 in Alcala, 3 in Alaminos City & 3 Urdaneta City), four (4) Pre-Marriage Counselors (all from Urdaneta City) and one (1) Marriage Counselor (Alaminos City), were pre-assessed by the Field Office and their accreditation documents were endorsed to the Standards Bureau. Standards Compliance Monitoring Regarding compliance monitoring, the FO monitored and provided technical assistance to the following Social Welfare Agencies (SWA) in collaboration with the Area Based Standards Network (ABSNet) Clusters of the province of Pangasinan and La Union: Name of SWDA Status of Operation/Remarks 1. Kalinga ng Ama Shelter for The SWDA already closed its operation as Children and Aging Inc. residential center. 2. Precious Blood of Jesus and The agency’s registration is already expired His Divine Mercy Charity Inc. and they are on the process of completing documents for the renewal of registration and license. 3. Agape Baptist Home Ministry The agency was able to comply with the Inc. requirements for the renewal of their license. They were also provided technical assistance on case management. 4. CAARO Lingayen Inc. The agency is on the process of renewing their certificates of registration and license to operate. They were provided with technical assistance to facilitate submission of required documents. 5. Zeteo Missions Foundation The agency was requesting for duty free Inc. entry of foreign donation and was provided technical assistance on the requirements based on the guidelines. 6. SPADCI The agency complied with the requirements for the renewal of their registration. 7. Saint Benedict Foundation for The SWDA was provided orientation on the FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 9 Children and Aging Inc. standards for the accreditation of community- based services. They are currently preparing other needed requirements based on the recommendations for its accreditation. 8. Spirit and Life Mission House The agency was provided technical Inc. assistance in the preparation of documents for the renewal of their registration and license to operate. The completion of the requirements is on process. 9. Baluarte Zoo Foundation Inc. The SWDA will be managed by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. A board resolution will be forwarded to the FO as basis for the closure of the SWDA. 10. Tahanang Carmela De Amore The agency was able to comply with the Inc. requirements for the renewal of their license. 11. Basic Early Balance and The agency was able to comply with the Experiences Inc. requirements for the issuance of registration and license as SWDA. Issuance and Monitoring of Solicitation Permit Two (2) agencies were issued solicitation permit during the quarter. Name of Agency Projects 1. ABSNET Pangasinan Cluster To support the implementation of various programs and projects of the cluster. 2. Molte Aries International To support the conduct of Foundation Inc. medical/cataract operation to 200 poor beneficiaries of La Union. In addition, four (4) agencies previously issued with solicitation permits were monitored. These agencies are the Bacnotan Senior Citizens Association, Inc. (BSCA), Parents and Guardians Association of St. Augustine’s School Inc., Alumniana Augustiniana, Inc., and the CKC-Parents Association. They have already submitted the post requirement reports. NGOs Endorsed for Duty Free of Foreign Donation There were no new applicants for Duty Free of Foreign Donation for the quarter. Area Based Standards Network (ABSNet) The ABSNet Pangasinan Officers met last April 25, 2013 at the Caring for the Future Foundation, Sual, Pangasinan to discuss agenda for the 2nd Quarter ABSNet Pangasinan Cluster Meeting that was conducted last May 30, 2013 at the San Roque Power Foundation, Inc., San Manuel, Pangasinan. Highlights of the meeting were sharing of updates on the SWDAs monitored, finalization of the fund raising activity proposal to be undertaken by the Cluster purposely to finance their planned various projects. FO1 Second Quarter CY 2013 Narrative Report of Accomplishments Page 10
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