BAUKO, Mountain Province – In a show of unwavering commitment to inclusive social service delivery, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) rolled out its flagship outreach initiative, Project M.A.R.T.H.A. (Mobilizing Advocates to Reach, Transform, and Help All in need), in the underserved barangay of Monamon Sur in Bauko, Mountain Province on 27 May 2025.
Spearheaded by Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD, the outreach took place at Ambacbac Elementary School, Sitio Lukib. Identified through the Listahanan system as previously underserved, Monamon Sur became the latest beneficiary of the DSWD’s ongoing mission to extend essential services where they are most needed.
During the activity, the community was able to receive educational supplies, hygiene kits, food packs, mosquito nets, and free medical consultations. It also featured information sessions for various age groups, to empower residents with knowledge on government programs and long-term community resilience.
Distaster Response and Management Division (DRMD) Chief Novelia Pocding provided orientation on the Food-for-Work Program (FFW); Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Regional Program Coordinator Hedeliza Fernandez discussed Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Regional Program Coordinator Hedeliza Fernandez discussed how the community can avail of the program, including the eligibility requirements and application process, and Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood and other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) focal Kris Alya highlighted how the program reinforces local initiatives through the establishment of community-based helpdesks, the development of a localized child labor registry, and the delivery of targeted interventions to support child laborers and their families.
On the other hand, Rotary District 3790, Rotaract Club of Baguio Angels, and Team Villanueva conducted a medical mission which served nearly 180 individuals and provided advocacy sessions on child health, environmental responsibility, and financial literacy.
Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company offered free haircut services, benefiting over 20 male children and adults.
Pink Women on Fire Corp. donated 100 learning kits, while the Baguio Benguet Community Credit Cooperative provided basketball and volleyball gear, along with other educational and sports supplies.
STEP Learning Academy donated academic books to support Pre-school to Grade 6 learners.
Additionally, 105 families in the barangay received food packs and mosquito nets in response to ongoing climate irregularities, such as unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells. These conditions have disrupted agricultural production, the primary source of livelihood for many residents, leading to reduced food supply and limited income. The assistance, sourced from the pre-positioned stockpile in the warehouse, was provided to support affected households, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and low-income families who are most at risk of food insecurity.
A total of 165 senior citizens received their cash grants under the Social Pension Program for the months of April to June, amounting to ₱3,000 each. The Social Pension Program provides a stipend to indigent senior citizens to support their basic needs, such as food, medicine, and other essentials. This initiative aims to improve the well-being of vulnerable older persons who have no regular income, pension, or support from family.
“Project M.A.R.T.H.A. is more than just an outreach,” said RD Aplaten. “It’s our commitment to equity and compassion. We go where we are most needed, no matter the distance or difficulty. Our communities deserve nothing less than our full presence and sincere service,” she added.
The outreach activity served a total of 246 beneficiaries in Bauko.
Project M.A.R.T.H.A. is the flagship mobile outreach program of DSWD FO CAR, which started in 2024 to bring government services closer to far-flung and underserved communities. It is implemented in partnership with government agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. By Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado
