ACTION and the Area Based Standards Network (ABSNET) of Region III recently concluded a batch of Training on Region III House Parenting Standard at the Life Church in Pampanga on May 31, 2017. Twenty (17 Female and 3 Male) house parents from 13 RCFs completed the Training Program. The Training on Region III House Parenting Standard was developed through a JICA-funded Project implemented by ACTION in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office III (DSWD FOIII) from 2012-2015. The training was implemented for Residential Care Facilities (RCF) that were unable to join and house parents who were unable to attend trainings during ACTION and DSWD’s previous project. Participating RCFs include those run by DSWD, Local Government Units and Non Government Organizations.
The Training Program, which consists of 10 modules, was implemented in 3 parts over a span of 3 months. Each part was hosted by an RCF member of ABSNET. The first part where Modules 1-4 were implemented was hosted by Bethlehem House of Bread in Bulacan from March 14 to 17, 2017. The second part (Modules 5-7) was hosted by Fresh Hope for Families Philippines in Pampanga from April 19 to 21, 2017. The last leg was implemented from May 29 to 31, 2017 at Life Church, Pampanga, through the assistance of another RCF, Ima’s Home.
The closing ceremony was held right on the last day of the last leg of training at the Life Church in Pampanga. Participants were awarded with certificates by DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA), Ms. Irene Crespo, ACTION Project Coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Drewery, ABSNET President, Mr. Salvador Ramirez and Regional Association of DSWD Licensed and Accredited GOs/NGOs Institutions (READLANI) President, Fr. Angelito Santiago.
The guests during the ceremony also left messages for the participants. Mr. Salvador highlighted the importance of love on top of technique and know-how in house parenting. Moreover, Fr. Santiago expressed that house parenting is a calling and a service to God. On the other hand, the participants shared their experiences and insights gained through the training. One of them, Mitchel Cruz, expressed her gratitude for having been included in the training. She said that the experience validated the importance of their work and that she will definitely apply what she learned through the training for the benefit of the children under her care. Lastly, ARDA Irene Crespo closed the program by acknowledging the importance of house parents in the operation of RCFs. She ended with a challenge for them to continue on and strive to provide quality service to the children.
With the training concluded, ACTION looks forward to conducting more capacity building activities for RCFs. Particularly, participants of this training and ACTION’s previous capacity building project will be qualified to participate in the JICA funded, Ensuring Children’s Potential for Development and Independence through Improved Residential Care Practices-Project, where personnel of RCFs will be trained on conducting life skills activities for children.
By:
Hubert Lemuel B. Anonat
Assistant Project Coordinator
