The third batch of the Laguna State Polytechnic University-Los Baños Campus (LSPU-LBC) beneficiaries of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services Office (KALAHI-CIDSS) Cash-for-Work Program received their payout for rendering work from June to July 2024, at the LSPU-LBC Board Room, Sept. 23. 

The KALAHI-CIDSS Cash-for-Work Program, initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provides temporary employment for financial assistance to LSPU graduates, especially those who are new in professional work.

Atty. Rushid Jay S. Sancon, LSPU-LBC Campus Director, highlighted the importance of the program in helping first-time job seekers. “To our KALAHI beneficiaries, you are lucky to be part of this program… I hope you will look at this as a blessing. With this program, aside from earning, you now have a work experience to add to your resume.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dir. Rolando D. Villacorta, Jr., Deputy National Program Manager for Operations of KALAHI-CIDSS, emphasized the financial and practical benefits of the program. “Ang talagang naging objective natin dito ay makatulong para sa inyong paghahanap ng regular na trabaho o kaya naman ay makatulong sa gastusin ninyo sa pamilya at sa bahay.” 

He added that the experience participants gain goes beyond monetary value. “You didn’t just earn money, you made a difference in your community, and of course, you gained life lessons along the way,” he said.

As of May 2024, the program has benefited 498 graduates across LSPU, with over 10 beneficiaries already absorbed as job order employees by the university. In the Los Baños Campus alone, four KALAHI beneficiaries have secured job placement. 

Dir. Villacorta also praised the resilience of the beneficiaries, describing them as resourceful and hardworking individuals. “You Learn, Succeed, Progress, and become Unbreakable. Andon pa lang tayo sa learning stage ng LSPU, so I hope you grasp the opportunity to learn the values and virtues in what you are doing now kasi ‘yon ‘yong mga magiging tools ninyo sa pagharap sa tunay na buhay,” he said.

Dr. Chester Alexis Buama, Federated President of the LSPU Alumni Association, emphasized the broader impact of the KALAHI program on the community saying, “Today is a significant milestone in our commitment to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos through the DSWD KALAHI Program. This initiative is not just a financial transaction; it represents hope, empowerment, and a pathway to a better future for our communities…This is not merely a payout but rather it is an investment in human potential.” He further credited Sen. Imee Marcos and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for their leadership in ensuring that the aid reaches the most vulnerable sectors of society.

On the other hand, Ms. Jennelyn E. Espinueva, Director of the Alumni Affairs and Placement Services (AAPS), expressed her gratitude to the DSWD and the National Program Management Office for their continued support. “Hindi lahat po ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na maging beneficiary… Sa ngalan po ng aming president, Dr. Mario R. Briones, nagpapasalamat po kami sa pagpili sa LSPU bilang taga-implement ng programa na ito.”

The said activity was facilitated by the LSPU-LBC AAPS Chairperson Ms. Christy Liane R. Niem. Also present during the activity were representatives from the DSWD Central Office, Rose Ann Catipunan and Lea L. Nieva; DSWD Region IV-A representatives, Nelson P. Robles Jr. and Nilda D. Tabi; and LSPU-LBC Human Resources Officer Dr. Imee Priscilla P. Sanchez.

Through the KALAHI-CIDSS Cash-for-Work Program, LSPU graduates gain not only financial assistance but also valuable work experience, preparing them for future opportunities and enabling them to make a positive impact in their communities.

KALAHI beneficiaries are expected to render services until the end of September.###