The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Cash-for-Work (CFW) program under Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), in partnership with Caraga State University (CSU), successfully culminated the implementation of a short-term employment initiative that provided both financial relief and meaningful work opportunities for college students and graduates last August 29, 2025.

A total of Php5,437,500.00 was allocated for the program implementation in CarSU, benefiting 452 individuals, consisting of 80 graduates and 372 enrolled college students, who rendered service for a maximum of 50 days across CSU offices, local government units, and the different programs/sections in DSWD Field Office Caraga. More than a financial assistance program, the CFW served as a platform for young people to gain skills, contribute to their communities, and prepare for future employment.

Evidencing the program’s strong implementation, several beneficiaries achieved employment opportunities after being deployed. Six graduate beneficiaries have been hired and absorbed as Contract of Service staff by the university, while four received recommendations for employment with DSWD, and nine student beneficiaries were hired as student assistants at the offices where they were assigned.

The culmination was not just about numbers. It was about lives changed, as three beneficiaries bravely took the opportunity to share their stories. Each one a testament to endurance, loss, and renewal.

Tragedy struck when Ms. Jimarie C. Escobido ‘s home was suddenly demolished last April. Homeless and uncertain of tomorrow, she held back tears as she recalled how her first CFW pay allowed her to rent a home for three months after not receiving any relocation assistance. “Nakatulong po ang cash-for-work sa akin na makabayad po ako ng renta sa loob ng tatlong buwan at makatustos sa aming mga pangangailangan,” she said, her voice trembling.

She added that her disability never became a hindrance to her work under the program; instead, it even enhanced the lessons she gained from CSU by allowing her to apply them in a real work environment. “Dito po sa cash-for-work, na-feel ko po na hindi ako isang PWD. Natanggap po ako kahit mayroon akong kapansanan. Dito ko rin po nahasa ang aking mga natutunan sa Caraga State University. Nawala po yung takot ko na baka hindi ako matanggap sa trabaho, at nahubog ko po ang aking talento.”

With deep gratitude, she closed: “Maraming-maraming salamat po sa KALAHI-CIDSS cash-for-work program ng DSWD. Sa mga staff sa pagtanggap sa akin. Dahil po sa inyo naransan ko po’ng makapag-trabaho kahit sa limitado lamang na paraan.”

Another beneficiary spoke of a heavier grief, the sudden death of her husband. Left to provide for her family, Ms. Leizel O. Galindo shared that this year has been one of the most challenging seasons of her life which left her feeling lost and uncertain of the future. Through the CFW program, she found the means to keep moving forward.

“To the DSWD, especially the cash-for-work team, thank you for opening a door not only for employment,” she said softly. “It was more than just a source of income. For me, it was a lifeline. A chance to rebuild my life, to regain my confidence.” She further expressed that through the program she learned new skills, grew stronger, and found a new sense of purpose.

For Ms. Mae Camelle M. Canoy, the CFW program also became more than temporary relief; it was an entry way to lasting stability. She recalled believing that life after graduation would be smooth sailing. “As we hear from people over the years, after graduation hapsay na ang tanan. Mapalit na nato atong gusto, maka-adto na ta sa places that we want,” she said. But reality, she admitted, hit her hard.

“I applied to several establishments across Butuan, hoping to find a decent job. Unfortunately, I received rejection after rejection,” she recalled. Each time, she was told she lacked work experience. “How will I gain experience when no one is willing to give me experience?”

That turning point came when she was chosen as a beneficiary of the CFW program. Assigned to an office within CSU, she poured herself into the work with diligence and commitment. Her performance did not go unnoticed. By the end of her service, she was offered a job at the very institution where she rendered her CFW duties.

“For 50 days, I learned, worked, and grew. Those 50 days did not just give me allowance, they gave me confidence, skills, and exposure,” she said. When she eventually applied for a position, she discovered that her CFW experience became her edge in securing employment.“Daghang salamat for giving me and many others a chance not just to earn but to grow and be recognized,” she added.

CSU President Rolyn C. Daguil, PhD, in his pre-recorded message, expressed his appreciation for the program, describing it as “employment with a purpose and a platform for learning.” He emphasized that while the initiative provided short-term financial assistance, it left a lasting impact.

KALAHI-CIDSS Deputy National Program Manager (DNPM) Rolando D. Villacorta, Jr. commended the beneficiaries for wholeheartedly embracing the CFW initiative. With a smile, he admitted that although he had prepared a two-page inspirational speech the night before, it was the testimonies of the students that truly inspired him.

He lauded the participants, saying: “Yung ating mga beneficiaries, ang mga kabataang ito, ay hindi naghintay sa biyaya. Bagkus, kumilos para sa kaunlaran at pag-asa.” His words resonated with the audience, who responded with agreement.

DNPM Villacorta also explained why he recommended changing the activity’s title from “payout” to “payday.” “Because payout is a dole-out. The earnings that you have here are not doled out. You worked hard for it,” he emphasized.

In her closing message, DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga highlighted that the culmination was more than just a formal conclusion of the program. “This culmination is not just the end of the project; it is a celebration of what we have made together. Today, we are not just marking the completion of work, we are honoring the spirit of bayanihan and the spirit of collaboration,” she said.

Director Dollaga further stressed that above all, the program is about recognizing the students themselves. “Kayo po ang dahilan kung bakit mayroong ganitong programa at ganito na celebration,” she affirmed. She also explained that the CFW initiative under KALAHI-CIDSS serves as a cornerstone of the Department’s mandate, a direct reflection of the President’s agenda to empower communities and reduce poverty.

As the ceremony ended with the awarding of certificates and plaques, the applause lingered, not for statistics or speeches, but for the program’s lasting impact on the lives of participating youth.

DSWD Field Office Caraga and the KALAHI-CIDSS Program continue to take significant strides towards inclusive and community-driven efforts that promote empowerment, participation, and sustainable development across the region.