BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) invites civil society organizations (CSOs) to submit project proposals for the ADB funded DSWD-CSO pilot engagement in the Family Development Session and FDS Plus under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program also known as the Philippine conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. The invitation is open to all CSOs who are actively involved in community development work in the National Capital Region, Region I, and CARAGA.

The pilot implementation shall be conducted from July 23, 2012 to August 23, 2012 by fifteen (15) selected CSOs that will cover the three regions mentioned. Application forms, terms of reference, eligibility requirements, and related documents essential for the preparation and submission of project proposals are available at the Pantawid Pamilya – National Project Management Office. Deadline of submission is on July 16, 2012 at the concerned DSWD Regional Office.

The engagement of the DSWD, ADB and CSOs in the implementation of the FDS and FDS plus aims to strengthen promotion of family life among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya by providing basic knowledge and skills in meeting familial and parental responsibilities. By providing broad grassroots-level interventions to support households’ sustainable transition out of poverty, it aims to contribute in building community development and participation among household beneficiaries and other members of the community.

The FDS is one of the empowerment components of the Pantawid Pamilya wherein topics such as responsible parenthood, financial literacy, livelihood skills, and environmental awareness are discussed among parents of CCT beneficiary households. FDS participation is one of the conditions of the CCT program, and aims to imbibe knowledge, skills and values that would translate to behavioral changes which are expected to help improve their quality of life in the long run.

On the implementation of FDS Plus, selected CSOs shall cover at least one type which includes adult literacy and numeracy program, livelihood promotion mentoring and referral, and CSO assistance in promoting collective action towards transition to sustainable self-reliance.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human capital investment program and social development strategy of the national government which ensures the health and education of poor children ages 0-14.  By providing opportunity for the development of the young, it envisions to prevent the vicious transmission of the cycle of poverty.

Interested parties may follow this link to access necessary application documents. ### (Social Marketing Unit)