Rich in cultural, economic, and social development, the town of Trento, which is a 1st class municipality in Agusan del Sur province and situated in the southern border of the region, has embedded by leaps and bounds milestones through its good governance.
With its mission of pursuing the improvement of all Trentohanons’ quality of life, the municipality has been showing its utmost commitment to supporting the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) programs and services.
In 2011, the local government unit (LGU) of Trento embraced the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and enhanced its social services for the 4Ps beneficiaries by conducting and supporting activities, initiated by the 4Ps Municipal Operations Office (MOO) and the LGU itself.
Last year, in 2022, despite the time and budget constraints, the municipality was able to allocate Php75,000 for the conduct of Katumanan, a graduation/exit ceremony to 257 household beneficiaries who now attained a self-sufficient level of well-being.
The momentous event was graced and witnessed by Trento Municipal Mayor William E. Calvez, Sangguniang Bayan members, DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-flor A. Dollaga, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Atty. Faizal A. Padate, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul S. Parajes, 4Ps Regional Program Coordinator Crislea D. Celeste and other Regional Program Management Office staff.
From the preparation of the venue and securing the logistical support to implementing the event, the LGU has stood with the 4Ps MOO with great commitment.
Moreover, it is a tradition of the municipality that during the celebration of Women’s Month, Children’s month, Linggo ng Kabataan, and other annual advocacy celebrations, the LGU ensures that the 4Ps beneficiaries were one the primary participants in their advocacy activities.
The LGU made the annual event possible by providing the budget, security, venue, and other logistical support needed. Moreover, as part of the event and in active coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the solo parents of the municipality of Trento were organized.
From 2017 to 2019, the LGU of Trento has always been an active partner of the program in organizing “Convergence Day”.
The 4Ps beneficiaries and recipients of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and KALAHI-CIDSS were gathered in one place to participate in various competitions, pageants, recognition ceremonies, and SLP product expo, where SLP’s own-made products were being showcased and sold in the event.
In addition, the LGU prioritizes the 4Ps beneficiaries in the cash-for-work program for them to earn an extra income on their daily expenses.
At present, the Trento’s planning unit is actively coordinating with the 4Ps MOO in identifying areas and households that do not have a proper lavatory. The LGU will be spearheading the construction to elevate their health and sanitary status.
Furthermore, the LGU has been progressively assessing its existing policies, programs, and services to preserve its Seal of Good Local Governance Award.
As demonstrated by looking at the proactive support of the LGU in the implementation of the 4Ps, good governance and empathy for its constituents became its primary tools in elevating the well-being of all the poor and marginalized sectors in the municipality. (4Ps MOO)
