DOLE Graduation Program: Building Resilience in the Philippines through Sustainable Livelihoods

Summary

The Graduation Approach is a transformative program empowering individuals in extreme poverty to achieve sustainable livelihoods. Implemented in Negros Occidental, it targets the poorest sectors, including informal workers and small farmers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted by using text messages and remote check-ins to provide health guidance and ensure cash assistance reached beneficiaries. The initiative, supported by DOLE, not only builds resilience against crises but also informs future social protection policies.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The Gradation Approach is designed to empower people in extreme poverty by building their capacity for sustainable livelihoods.
• 📅 It is a time-bound and sequenced intervention aimed at moving participants beyond poverty.
• 🌐 The program is implemented in Negros Occidental, covering five areas including two municipalities and three cities.
• 🏘️ The program targets the poorest sector, with beneficiaries mostly from the informal sector, such as workers and small farmers.
• 😷 The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant source of fear and apprehension, especially among the most vulnerable.
• 🛠️ BRAC adapted the program to meet the needs of participants during the pandemic, ensuring continuity.
• 📱 Pilot activities included the use of text messages and remote check-ins for information and health safety guidance.
• 💼 Staff tracked participants to ensure they received cash assistance and coordinated with local DSWD authorities.
• 🎵 Background music is used to emphasize the emotional impact of the program's efforts.
• 🤝 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is supportive of these projects and sees their value for future policies and programs.

Q & A

What is the Graduation Approach?

The Graduation Approach is a comprehensive, time-bound, and sequenced set of interventions designed to build participants' capacity to move beyond extreme poverty and into secure, sustainable, and resilient livelihoods.

How does the Graduation Approach help build resilience during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Graduation Approach serves as a form of social protection that helps build resilience to shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, extending benefits far beyond the individual.

In which province is the Graduation Approach being implemented?

The Graduation Approach is implemented in the province of Negros Occidental.

What areas does the Graduation Approach cover in Negros Occidental?

It covers five areas, two municipalities, and three cities: the municipalities of Mauritia and Imalagona, and the cities of Silay, Talisay, and Victorias.

Who are the primary beneficiaries of the Graduation Approach in Negros Occidental?

The primary beneficiaries are the Pantaguit families belonging to the poorest sector, with the majority being informal sector workers and small farmers.

What was one of the significant challenges faced by the beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic?

One of the significant challenges faced by the beneficiaries was the fear and apprehension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a lot of tragedy, especially among the most in need.

How did the program adapt to the needs of the participants during the pandemic?

The program adjusted to the needs of the participants by implementing pilot activities such as the use of text messages and remote check-ins, providing information and health safety guidance to continue with livelihood efforts.

What steps were taken to ensure that beneficiaries received their cash assistance during the pandemic?

Staff tracked those who did not receive their cash assistance and coordinated with the local DSWD authority to report these cases.

How did the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) support the Graduation Approach during the pandemic?

DOLE was 100% supportive of the projects, ensuring that the program continued to monitor the progress of the projects they had funded.

What is the potential impact of the Graduation Approach on future policies of DOLE?

The Graduation Approach will help in shaping future policies of DOLE, particularly regarding library programs and other initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.