by Dr. Jaime G. Latoza
 |
Together We Enjoy. Beneficiaries from different Barangays in Municipality of Lambunao having an enjoyable time together. This is a yearly activity of 4Ps beneficiaries together with the different agencies and civil society organizations. (Photo by Dr. Jaime G. Latoza)
LAMBUNAO, Iloilo – The Department of Social Welfare and Development of Municipality of Lambunao conducts a yearly Convergence Day in partnership with West Visayas State University-Lambunao Campus. The activity gathers all the beneficiaries of 4Ps program coming from the 73 Barangays to further strengthen the coordination and maintain the strong partnership among the CSOs, program implementers and the beneficiaries.
The 4th Annual Convergence Day was conducted in December 11, 2018 at the Lambunao Municipal Plaza and the gathering aimed to strengthen partnership of program implementers, CSOs and beneficiaries; showcase the products of Sustainable Development Program; sustain the camaraderie of all beneficiaries; showcase their talents and creativity and update them with the latest programs and projects of the Department.
The Convergence day was attended by 3,600 beneficiaries of 4Ps, policemen, WVSU-LC personnel, DSWD officials, firemen, spiritual workers, and barangay officials.
The program started with a Special Mass at San Nicholas De Tolentino Parish Church followed by Zumba sa Plaza and the Laro ng Lahi which were participated by different groups under the different Municipal Links of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
Mrs. Imelda L. Lopez, Head of Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office delivered an inspiring message during the opening program. In addition, Mrs. Erly Garcia delivered her words of encouragement and greetings. The activity was graced by Hon. Jason R. Gonzales, Municipal Mayor of Lambunao and Sanguniang Bayan members.
The program also included the awarding of certificates for the NC II passers, certificate of recognition and appreciation of the different partners and CSOs that helped in the implementation of DSWD programs. WVSU-Lambunao Campus was one of the recipients of this award.
“The activity was very exciting and full of enjoyment. You can see in the eyes of our beneficiaries that they were all satisfied with what was happening. This activity will be conducted every year, ” said Genelyn L. Nobles, Municipal Link.
Included in the activity were Daigon Contest (Ambahanon sa Paskwa), Mr. and Mrs. Pantawid Got Talent and the Parol Making Contest (Made of recyclable and indigenous materials). Beneficiaries from different groups showcased their talents in the contest. Municipal Links in different zone facilitated their entry to the contest.
Mrs Erly Garcia said, “This is the most significant convergence I attended and all the beneficiaries were able to attend. I hope that this activity will not stop because it gives a lot in the implementation of 4Ps here at Lambunao.”
The Convergence Day ended with the awarding of prizes to the contest winners. Smiles and enjoyable moment could be seen in the faces of the participants.
“Baw nalipay gid ako sa subong nga adlaw kay nakaintra ako sa convergence, kabay nga sa sunod nga tuig mahimo duman daya. Kag ang mga partners nga ari subong indi magkataka sa pagbuligsa amon (I am so happy this day because I join in convergence, I hope next year we can do it again. I hope that partners who are here today will not tired of helping us),” said Joemalyn Catipunan, one of the Parent Leaders.
The Convergence Team of DSWD in the Municipality of Lambunao and the West Visayas State University-Lambunao Campus are looking forward for more significant results of good collaboration. With the partnership of Civil Society Organization the aim of DSWD of strengthening Filipino family will be achieved.
 |
| Dance and have Fun. The 4Ps beneficiaries enjoy the zumba dance after the early morning mass. The participants wear different colors for easy identification and checking of their attendance. More or less 3, 600 beneficiaries were able to join in the convergence day. (Photo by Jaime G. Latoza) |
 |
Dance and have Fun. The 4Ps beneficiaries enjoy the zumba dance after the early morning mass. The participants wear different colors for easy identification and checking of their attendance. More or less 3600 beneficiaries were able to join in the convergence day. (Photo by Jaime G. Latoza)
JAIME G. LATOZA who has a Doctor of Education (Educational Management) degree from West Visayas State University-Lambunao Campus, joined the WVSU-Lambunao Campus in 2011. He is presently the designated Planning and Development Officer and Project Leader of Campus Extension Program. He also teaches students in the Division of Professional Education Subjects in the College of Education. He is also the proponent of WVSU-LC HELPs Lambunao, an extension program which was implemented last 2015. Jaime’s desire is to make a difference in the lives of his students, reach out to beneficiaries of 4Ps and indigenous peoples through extension activities in the Municipality of Lambunao.
Posts
