DSWD brings aid, services to Antique’s remote villages

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Around 200 underprivileged households in San Remigio, Antique received government assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6’s (DSWD-6) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The beneficiaries came from Barangay San Rafael and nearby villages, including 40 members of the Iraynon Bukidnon Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Barangay General Fullon.

They received various services through the “Bayanihan Para sa Kalusugan” medical and dental mission held during an Indigenous Peoples Information and Service Caravan.

The caravan, conducted last week, was organized to deliver essential health and social services directly to residents of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), aligning with the national government’s push for inclusive service delivery.

DSWD-6 said the activity reflected the spirit of convergence among the 4Ps Division, the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), the 4Ps Antique Provincial Operations Office (POO), and the San Remigio Municipal Operations Office (MOO).

The initiative succeeded through the strong collaboration between national program implementers and partner agencies.

Among DSWD-6’s partners were the provincial and municipal governments of Antique, which provided food and logistical support.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Education conducted orientation sessions on skills training, development programs, and non-formal education for 4Ps and IP beneficiaries.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) offered information sessions to ensure programs were culturally sensitive and accessible to the Iraynon Bukidnon tribe.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) conducted orientations and assisted residents with membership and state health insurance benefits.

The Department of Health (DOH)–Antique led a dental mission and community health orientation, while the Antique Medical Society offered free medical consultations, medicines, and vitamins focused on family and child health.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Municipal Civil Registrar helped process National ID and birth certificate registrations.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also provided support and services during the caravan.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) donated 50 school supply kits to local children.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), in partnership with the Provincial Agriculturist Office, distributed seedlings to promote food security and support agriculture-based livelihoods.

Antique Rep. Antonio Agapito “AA” Legarda Jr., in coordination with the local government unit, distributed water pumps and hoses to 13 barangays.

The SM Foundation and Advocates Inc. donated new clothes and shoes, while RiteMed Pharmaceuticals provided medicines.

Other agencies and organizations that delivered services or conducted information sessions included the Department of Science and Technology, the National Nutrition Council, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Department of Trade and Industry–Antique.

Also participating were the Commission on Population and Development, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines–Antique Chapter, the Antique Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, the Provincial Disability Affairs Office, the Provincial Public Employment Service Office, and the Provincial Population Office.

Additional contributors included the Antique Police Provincial Office, San Jose Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Department of the Interior and Local Government–San Remigio, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Labor and Employment–Antique, and the Provincial Health Office.

The Drugstore Association of the Philippines–Antique Chapter, Philippine Pediatric Society Western Visayas Chapter, Philippine Dental Association–Antique, and Barbaza Multi-Purpose Cooperative also extended support.

The service caravan formed part of a four-day joint field visit by the Regional Convergence Committee and the Regional Independent Monitoring Committee of the 4Ps.