LUNA, Apayao – Fifty-two child development workers (CDWs) of Apayao received Certificates of Recognition and monetary reward for rendering at least 15 years of service during the celebration of the 1st Provincial Child Development Workers Month on June 29 at ECBJR Evacuation Center here.
Apayao Board Member Tolentino Mangalao and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Jocelyn Loyon spearheaded the awarding of the certificates of the CDWs who also actively participated in the got talent, cheering and hip-hop competitions prepared for the one-day event.
Loyon initiated and pushed for this celebration which coincided with the inauguration and blessing of the Apayao Child Development Center. She appreciated the dedication of these CDWs in their selfless rendition of their service in line with the mandate from the memorandum circular of the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Hon. Mangalao called the CDWs as most religious persons due to their total devotion to their work even if the services they render do not match the monetary reward they receive.
According to the PSWD Office, the highest so far a child worker receives like to that of the Municipality of Sta. Marcela is P5,050 while the lowest honorarium one can have in a month is just more than P1000 pesos.
Meanwhile, Board Member Alison Betat encouraged all CDWs to show love and concern to their children. He cited the story of John Lenon’s assassin who had been deprived of love and literal hug from his parents. “Say I love you my son, my daughter and hug them if possible,” he emboldened the participants.
Along with the contested events, a minister was invited to give spiritual enhancement to all the participants. Ptr. Raniel Esteban of Shield of Victory challenged the CDWs to teach godliness among children and honor God above all else.
“Napakahalaga ang inyong katungkulan bilang tagahubog ng mga bata. Kaya ang unang kalidad na dapat ituro sa mga bata ay ang pagiging Maka-Dios. Upang maturuan sila ng maayos, dapat marunong silang magbasa ng Bibliya at marunong mag-pray. Ilapit natin sila sa Dios,” Ptr. Esteban stressed.
The Municipality of Kabugao listed the most number of awardees with a total of 23 followed by the municipalities of Sta. Marcela and Luna with seven awardees each. Next is Calanasan with six, Pudtol with four, Flora with three and Conner with two awardees. The longest serving CDW is Pilar D. Navarro who has been in the service for 34 years now. Navarro received P1500 as monetary award.
BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
