KABACAN, Cotabato Province (PIA) – The KALAHI-CIDSS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has for a long time aided individuals secure employment through cash-for-work.
The KALAHI-CIDSS, which means Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, has not only provided financial assistance to newly graduated students but also professional work experience to help them secure employment.
Crisver Hinayon, one of 469 program beneficiaries from the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Cotabato Province, viewed the program as an opportunity to enhance his professional skills.
“Bilang isang fresh graduate, malaki po ang naitulong ng cash-for-work program ng DSWD dahil nagkaroon ako ng work experience na magagamit ko sa susunod na trabahong mapapasulan ko,” he said.
(As a fresh graduate, the cash-for-work program of DSWD has significantly benefited me, as it has provided me with valuable work experience that I can utilize in my future career.)
The program offers three-month temporary employment to beneficiaries, enabling them to meet their basic needs and alleviate the economic difficulties of entering the workforce.
At present, Hinayon works as a reporter at a radio station, where he practices what he has learned as a Development Communication graduate.
Recently, the DSWD 12, in partnership with the provincial government of Cotabato, conducted the second payout, with each beneficiary allotted P12,000.
“Napagaan nito ang aking problema sa pinansiyal na aspeto. Naging daan din ito upang ako ay lubos na makapag-ipon bilang parte ng aking paghanda sa kinabukasan,” Hinayon stated.
(This has eased my financial problem. This has also enabled me to fully save up as part of my future preparation.)
Aside from the financial assistance, the program also helped him become more responsible and disciplined as a person and an employee.
In an earlier statement, DSWD Regional Director Loreto Cabaya Jr. said that one of the program goals is to unleash the potential of young graduates who will become the next generation of leaders.
“Alam ko, kayo ang pag-asa ng ating bayan, at balang araw, malay natin, isa sa inyo ang magiging lider,” he told beneficiaries.
(I know you are the hope of our nation, and someday, who knows, one of you might become a leader.) (With reports from DSWD Region 12 and provincial government of Cotabato)
