DSWD, partners pursue utilization of NHTS for poverty reduction

LEGAZPI CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office here has continuously worked with stakeholders, local government units and partners in identifying beneficiaries of the government’s social protection programs.

“DSWD has since utilized the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) in creating the database for the government social protection program,” explained Ciriaco B. Abejuro, regional focal person on NHTS-PR of DSWD 5.

Abejuro said series of orientations were conducted on the system, including in Donsol, Sorsogon last Nov.22, 2012, San Pascual, Masbate on Jan. 10 and in Cabusao, Camarines Sur on Feb.26, 2013 during the Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) meetings for each municipality.

He added that re-orientations of local chief executives were carried out in the municipalities of Vinzons, Capalonga, San Vicente and Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte last February 5-8, 2013.

The NHTS laid down a common understanding about the NHTS-PR and clarified numerous issues and concerns about the program. This also served as venue to encourage the stakeholders to adopt the database in the implementation of their poverty reduction projects and the execution of the convergence strategy of DSWD.

“Strengthening the advocacy implementation like orientations, meetings, radio guestings, distribution of information, education & communication (IEC) materials, press releases and consultation dialogues will be our main focus as part of the advocacy for NHTS-PR,” Abejuro said.

MAC meanwhile is an organization composed of municipal mayor as the chairman, the municipal social welfare officer (MSWDO), planning and development coordinator, school district supervisor, local government officer and school heads of covered barangays as members. Its function is to discuss matters pertaining to program implementation as well as problems to the respective areas.

At present, 5 local government units (Sorsogon, Albay, San Pascual, Mobo, Sto.Domingo) and 2 Non-Government organizations (LCC & Tzu Chi Foundation) have entered into Memorandum of Agreement while 75 LGU’s requested and was provided with statistics data. (MAL/CRBarrameda-DSWD5/PIA5)



SUPER advocates clean & green campus

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 8 (PIA) -- The Office of Student Services (OSS) of the Catanduanes State University (CSU) led the early morning clean-up drive on February 27.

The activity, also joined by the Federated College Supreme Council, Student Body Organizations, the NSTP class, and other student groups, formed part of the SUPER or Students Undertaking Projects for Environmental Regeneration.

OSA lists several student organizations whose main mission is geared towards environmental protection like the Group of Environmental Enthusiast of Catanduanes (Greencat), and other student associations whose activities never fail to include eco-friendly undertakings via media advocacy, the implementation of solid waste management, biodiversity conservation, coastal clean-up, and tree planting, among others.

Over the years, the activities of these student-run associations, in many ways, advanced the pursuit of the University as an eco-village campus.

Most, if not all central, college-wide, department-based, religious, and civic associations, including fraternities and sororities conduct year-round activities and projects in the University that promote the attainment of a clean and green environment.

The NSTP also takes the lead in the campus front in several environmentally themed activities.

The students were joined by the University Officer In-Charge, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, VP Ma. Theresa Sarmiento, VP Aida A. Dianela, Extension Director Maria S. Tugano, Student Services Director Amelia B. Armea, Scholarship Coordinator Nancy D. Magtagnob, NSTP Coordinator Judith Orsolino and other administrative officials and faculty members. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5/GSR-CSU)