Start anew at any given moment

Start anew at any given moment CIU has been rated Very Satisfactory by its clients through the Satisfaction Survey provided by the field office.

The AICS and AFCN contribute to the attainment of one of the five Organizational Outcomes of DSWD, which is: Rights of the poor and the DSWD Caraga hopes to continue its excellent service in 2020, especially the programs and services under the Protective Services Division, especially that these programs and services are very critical in the survival of poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities. (DSWD-13/PIA-Caraga)

Sharon Tecson Tumbaga – a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for five years in Jeddah, mother to a charming daughter, and a loving wife to Felix B. Tumbaga, who was also a former OFW in the same country for nine years, was one of the ‘Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay!’ Program beneficiaries back in 2017.

Due to an unexpected ill-fated event in her workplace, working as a ward assistant in a hospital with her husband was both a blessing and a nightmare for the couple. When her contract got terminated, she could only wish to go back home as soon as possible; then later on, her husband followed suit. Few months later since her arrival in the Philippines, she was

informed about the ‘Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay’ program of OWWA.

Having all the documentary requirements needed to qualify as a beneficiary, she decided to apply in the said program for an additional capital to continue the business operation of her Sari-Sari Store at their residential home in Bading, Butuan City, which has been existing since her childhood years. It was a sigh of relief when she finally got the cash assistance in the amount of P20,000 as a fund to start her store in full-packed operation once again.

Two years later, she ventured to a wholesale and retail business of beverage products with the support of her husband. The couple works hand in hand in managing their second venture. The success of her business venture relies on her firm policy when it comes to managing her Sari-Sari Store; the ‘Bawal ang utang’. She was firm of her policy and strictly implements it whenever a customer attempts to buy in credit at her store.

“Gamay ra baya atung ginansya aning tindahan. Kung magpa-utang ko sa tindahan wala nakoy makompra, dili nako ma-roll ang kita sa tindahan. Ma close gyud ang negosyo kung mauhon. (I only get a small portion of profit from selling goods through my store.

If I tolerated the customers to buy in credit, I wouldn’t be able to purchase new goods to sell, rolling out the profit would be close to impossible. Thus, the business would lead to total closure),” Sharon stated in an interview.

Along with her skills in successfully managing her business undertakings, she is also grateful for the cash assistance that she received from OWWA under the ‘Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay’ program. It paved the way for her to start anew in the country and redeem herself from the distressed situation she had experienced as an OFW. (OWWARWO 13/PIA-Caraga) February 8-14, 2020 Caraga Infocus 13