by Degs Duron

Malita, Davao Del Sur (14 March) -- "I would like to commend the DSWD for conceptualizing this kind of activity. This would help us address problems of social concern. This would guide us perform our role effectively and efficiently. I hope my office can contribute and give sufficient assistance in relation to social services."

This was the opening message of Davao del Sur second district representative Franklin P. Bautista during the DSWD Caravan Cum Program Review Tuesday at Malita Municipal Hall.

Congressman Bautista even committed to work closely with DSWD in his social development programs when he learned of the various projects DSWD has ushered in his district.

The congressman was joined by mayors Johnny Johnson of Don Marcelino, Roel Paras of Malalag, Benjamin Bautista of Malita, Sarangani Vice Mayor Jovanie Almierol, municipal social welfare officers, other local officials and 12 DSWD regional officials.

Following the presentations, Mayor Paras of Malalag relayed his appreciation to DSWD for the several programs his town has availed. "It's only now that I am able to express my gratitude to the Director and to the regional staff."

Municipal Social Welfare Officer Esther Hermosisima of Malita said her town is also a recipient of numerous DSWD programs and she looks forward to another DSWD project - the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction Program or NHTS-PRP.

Initiated by DSWD Director Ester Acebedo-Versoza, the caravan aims to directly report to legislators, chief executives and municipal social welfare officers the DSWD Performance and Accomplishments in their respective areas.

Assistant Director of DSWD Priscilla Nidea-Razon said, "Through this kind of interaction, we are able to immediately obtain the reaction, feedback and comments of the concerned officials relative to implementation of DSWD programs and services."

Simultaneous with the caravan was the screening of some 67 enumerators who will conduct the household assessment under the NHTS-PRP. Interview of enumerators are also being conducted in Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Davao City.

For this new program, DSWD Davao Region shall be hiring 231 enumerators, encoders, area coordinators and supervisors. Using the Proxy Means Test Method of determining who and where the poor are, the national assessment will run for two months.