Wearing a complete set of uniform, beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) wait for their names to be called to receive their Certificates of Completion after successfully finishing a security servicing course.

Some 54 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Field Office (FO) in Region XI obtained their Certificates of Completion in a commencement exercise held on April 26 at Bansalan, Davao del Sur after successfully finishing the Security Servicing National Competency (NC) 1 course.

The course was provided by the field office’s partner institution, the Digos Security Training Institute (DSTI), a security training provider located in Digos City. DSTI offers Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – accredited courses, including Security Servicing NC I and II.  It is also accredited by the Philippine National Police – Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation (PNP SOSIA).

Security Servicing NC I trained the beneficiaries in performing the basic duties of a security guard, including receiving and responding to workplace communication, performing defensive techniques and control system, responding to emergency situations, and demonstrating marksmanship skills.

In March, a total of 124 beneficiaries in Davao City completed their security training under another partner institution of FO XI, Davao City-based Bagwis Security Training Academy (BSTA). Following their graduation, the beneficiaries took the General Knowledge Examination and Firing Examination conducted by the Regional Civil Security Unit of the National Police Commission and are currently preparing for the NC 1 Assessment of TESDA.

The skills trainings were provided to the beneficiaries through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, a community-based capacity-building program which aims to facilitate employment opportunities among its beneficiaries and help them develop microenterprises.

Under the SLP, the Department has partnered with different TESDA-accredited institutions to provide a number of skills training to its Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, identified as those who belong in the poorest sectors. The goal of which is to help the beneficiaries gain new skills, which they can use to have other sources of living.

Apart from security courses, other livelihood trainings that the DSWD provides to its beneficiaries include food processing, housekeeping, massage services, beauty care services, and automotive services.

“I congratulate our program beneficiaries who successfully finished their security training course. This is a great step towards making you all self-reliant.  Like what we always say, we at DSWD envision our 4Ps beneficiaries to someday be able to stand on their own, providing the needs of their families using their own skills and abilities,” DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said. ###