THE PROVINCIAL government of Benguet through the Provincial Social Welfare Development highlighted the importance of child development workers (CDW).
During the Child Development Workers Congress on June 13, Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Juana Banawe said the CDW serves as the frontline of the development of children.
"CDWs serve as model of effective service enriching the parent's knowledge to take care of their children," said Banawe.
Banawe added as day care children remain vulnerable to abuses, the CDWs remind parents of their role in taking care of their children.
Data provided by PSWDO showed 49 cases of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, acts of lasciviousness, and incest rape. These were recorded from January to April this year.
However, the compensation of the CDW vary according to the budget approved by the different villages in the municipalities while the local government unit and the provincial government serve to give augmentation to the services given by the CDWs.
Banawe added the provincial government allocates P1 million as compensation of the CDWs in the province.
In the latest data provided by the office, a total of 408 CDWs are catering to children 3 to 4 – years – old within the 13 municipality of the province teaching the children, honing their cognitive skills and conducting several activities based on the standard curriculum set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office.
Board Member Jim Botiwey, chairman of the committee on social services, said the provincial government is seeking to add budget for the CDWs next year.
The Benguet official added the province will not require CWDs to be college graduates because the demarcation of the development workers is not more on the degree.
