BUTUAN CITY – A total of 2,112 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries received their cash cards in January 2012. Recipients are the1,000 beneficiaries from Surigao City and 1,112 from Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

The cash cards distribution was participated by the local chief executives of both LGUs, barangay captains, Local Government Unit (LGU) officials and some Pantawid Pamilya staff.

With the cash card, Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary can now draw their cash grnats from the bank hassle-free.

DSWD Regional Director, Mercedita P. Jabagat in her message in Surigao City told the beneficiaries to spend the money on its intended purposes, especially in health, nutrition and their children’s education, while Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas thanked the Department and the present administration for adopting the program. Mayor Matugas also urged the beneficiaries to comply with the program conditions because it is a way of showing gratitude to the program. He also reminded the beneficiaries that Pantawid Pamilya is only a five-year program and they should judiciously manage the grants and make the most of it for them to get out from their present situation. Kitcharao Mayor Hon. Jenry E. Montante exhorted the beneficiaries to continuously provide their children’s needs especially in health and education even if the program has ended.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is one of the poverty reduction strategies of the government that provides cash grants to its beneficiaries as long as they will comply with the conditions set by the program. ### (Social Marketing Unit)