After three (3) years of being placed on hold, the launching of two (2) livelihood projects under the MCCT-IP of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has finally been piloted in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

The Poblacion General Merchandise and San Andreas Agrivet Supply have been funded through the Support Services and Intervention (SSI) modality of the 4Ps Program. The process for the project realization, according to one of the association presidents, has given them difficulty, but they consider it a blessing.

“Naagian namo ang kalibog, kabalaka, ug panagbangi sa usag-usa apan kining tanan nahimong worth it sa dihang nakita na namo ang produkto sa among paghago. Tungod niana, among kinasing-kasing nga dawaton ang responsibilidad sa pag-atiman sa maong proyekto (We have experienced confusion, worry, and conflict with each other, but these are all worth it when we finally witnessed the fruits of our labor. With this, we heartily accept the responsibility in handling this project thoroughly),” Roxanne Cubilla, association president of Poblacion General Merchandise, mentioned.

The turn-over ceremony was graced by DSWD Field Office Caraga’s OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, Municipal Administrator Marvin Mique, MSWD Officer Susan Morala, Regional Program Coordinator Crislea Celeste, Tribal Leader Roberto Cullantes, Punong Barangay Antonio Barrios, MCCT-IP beneficiaries, and regional/municipal staff of 4Ps Caraga.

In his inspirational speech, ARDO Parajes assured that all the challenges posed by the new normal setting shall be highly noted in uplifting the lives of the beneficiaries.

“Kitang tanan nangandoy na mulambo kini nga proyekto, kay sinugdanan pa lamang kini. Binulan nato kining i-monitor ug lantawon ang progress and problems, ug sulbaron pinaagi sa tabang sa Local Government Unit, DSWD, ug kamong mga benepisyaryo (We all hope for this project to prosper because this is just the start. We will monitor its progress and problems, and solve it with the help of the Local Government Unit, DSWD, and the beneficiaries),” ARDO Parajes said.

The Agrivet Supply was allotted with P517,669.10 and the General Merchandise with P771,579.08 project cost.

The SSI modality aims to prepare the MCCT beneficiaries in their eventual mainstreaming to the regular conditional cash transfer (RCCT). Moreover, it shall strengthen their participation in the identification of appropriate services based on their needs, and maximize their contributions to their development process in the community endeavors. #