The DSWD Kilos-Unlad (KU) Framework is a client-centric and participatory approach designed to harness the strengths of individuals, families, groups, and communities to build their capacities and skills.
It aims to match people’s capacities with available opportunities and resources, both internal and external.
Targeting the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, the KU Framework focuses on leading them towards self-efficacy, restored social functioning, and creating supportive, cohesive groups and sustainable communities.
This structured approach ensures interventions and activities are effectively managed for better results and achievement of targets, guiding households (HH) through multifaceted problems to improved well-being and self-sufficiency.
Introduction to the KU Framework
The KU Framework is a client-centric and participatory approach that harnesses the strengths of individuals, families, groups, and communities to build their capacities and skills.
It aims to match people’s capacities with available opportunities and resources, both internal and external.
This approach is expected to lead to self-efficacy, restored social functioning of individuals, supportive and socially cohesive groups, and sustainable communities.
Significance of the Exit Program
Recognition of Achievement
The exit program serves as a formal recognition of the milestones and accomplishments of 4Ps beneficiaries who have worked diligently to achieve self-sufficiency.
It acknowledges their hard work, resilience, and commitment to improving their lives, providing a sense of accomplishment and validation.
Encouraging Sustainable Growth
By celebrating the success of graduating households, ‘Pugay Tagumpay’ fosters a culture of self-reliance and continuous improvement.
It motivates other beneficiaries still in the program to strive towards their own goals of economic sufficiency and social adequacy.
Strengthening Community Support
The program underscores the importance of community support in the journey towards self-sufficiency.
It highlights the collective efforts of not only the beneficiaries but also the local government units (LGUs), program implementers, and various stakeholders who have contributed to the success of these households.
Facilitating Smooth Transition
‘Pugay Tagumpay’ ensures that the transition out of the 4Ps program is smooth and well-supported.
Graduating households are endorsed to their respective LGUs for further interventions and support, ensuring they continue to thrive even after exiting the program.
This endorsement includes sustainability plans and case management reports, guiding LGUs in providing tailored support.
Promoting Accountability and Transparency
The program promotes accountability and transparency within the 4Ps.
By systematically assessing and recognizing households that have achieved self-sufficiency, it ensures that the program’s goals are being met and that the support provided is making a tangible impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
Enhancing Government Approaches
The ‘Pugay Tagumpay’ Exit Program aligns with other government efforts aimed at poverty reduction and social development.
It integrates with the broader Kilos Unlad framework and other LGU programs, fostering a whole-of-government approach to sustaining the well-being of exiting households.
Inspiring Broader Social Change
Ultimately, the ‘Pugay Tagumpay’ program is more than just a ceremonial event. It is a powerful tool for inspiring broader social change.
By showcasing the success stories of 4Ps beneficiaries, it demonstrates the potential for individuals and families to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future, thereby inspiring communities across the country to pursue similar paths of development and growth.
The Phases of Kilos-Unlad
The KU Framework operates over a seven-year period, divided into three phases: phase-in, mid-phase, and phase-out.
Each phase is guided by behavioral and social change output indicators that signify the readiness of HH beneficiaries to progress to the next phase.
The framework’s components are spread throughout the major phases within a given timeline.
Enrollment
In the initial phase, beneficiaries are enrolled into the program.
This involves registering households and determining their level of well-being using standardized assessment tools.
Assessment and Analysis
This phase focuses on assessing the conditions, needs, risks, and vulnerabilities of the beneficiaries.
The analysis helps in planning interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of each household.
Agreement Setting
During this phase, agreements are set with the households regarding their participation in various program activities and compliance with set conditionalities.
Building and Sustaining Resilience
This involves providing support to enhance the beneficiaries’ resilience through capability-building activities, psychosocial services, and integrated delivery of social development programs and services.
Transition
In the final phase, households are prepared for graduation and exit from the program.
This includes transition planning, provision of necessary services, and ensuring that the progress made by the beneficiaries is sustainable.
Key Components of the KU Framework
Social Case Management
The KU Framework employs a social case management strategy, which involves personalized and structured interventions to address the specific needs and challenges of each family.
This approach ensures that beneficiaries receive tailored support to improve their well-being.
Family Development Sessions (FDS)
FDS are requisite for strengthening the capacity of 4Ps households.
These sessions cover topics such as health, education, financial management, and social awareness.
They are designed to prepare families for their continued progress outside the program.
Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)
Qualified beneficiaries are prioritized in the SLP, which provides full employment and livelihood opportunities.
This helps households cope with stress, recover from shocks, and maintain their capacities and assets.
Educational Assistance
To further educational goals, the program provides scholarships, grants, student loans, and subsidies for school-related costs.
This ensures that children in 4Ps households can complete their education and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Skills Training
Household members receive training in specialized or technical skills relevant to their chosen field or enterprise.
This enhances their employability and supports sustainable livelihoods.
Graduation and Exit Procedures
The KU Framework outlines specific procedures and interventions for the graduation and exit of 4Ps beneficiaries.
These procedures ensure the sustainable and continuous improvement of the well-being of the households, with minimal risk of reverting to pre-program levels.
Social Preparation
Consultation meetings are held with LGUs, national government agencies, and other stakeholders to prepare for the transition.
Orientation sessions help beneficiaries understand the objectives of the KU strategy and the roles of various agencies.
Transition Planning
A household transition plan, developed collaboratively with the case manager, provides clear guidance on the steps to be taken to prepare the household for self-reliant living.
This plan typically spans six (6) months to a year.
Provision of Services
During the transition phase, households continue to receive conditional cash transfers (CCT), case management, and coaching.
These services help mitigate risks and ensure continuity in the households’ progress towards self-sufficiency.
The Role of Local Government Units (LGUs)
LGUs play a primary role in the KU Framework by providing continuous support and resources to the exiting households.
They ensure the sustainability of the progress made by beneficiaries and help integrate them into mainstream government services.
Involvement in Early Stages
LGUs are involved from the earliest stages of the program to build ownership and commitment.
This includes consultation meetings and coordination with various stakeholders.
Convergence and Partnership
The KU Framework promotes convergence and partnership with relevant institutions and agencies.
This approach ensures that beneficiaries receive comprehensive support tailored to their needs.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Periodic monitoring is conducted to guide HH beneficiaries as they work on their agreed intervention plans.
The Social Welfare Development Indicators (SWDI) are used for assessment and monitoring, ensuring that the level of improvement in well-being is accurately tracked.
Complementary Interventions
Various interventions complement the KU Framework to support HH beneficiaries in their journey towards self-sufficiency.
These include disaster risk reduction programs, reintegration support, housing assistance, disability support, senior citizens’ pension, small business support, financial inclusion, and more.
Recent Updates
Supervision Key to 4Ps Beneficiaries’ Success in ‘Kilos-Unlad’ Exit Strategy
DSWD emphasizes close supervision of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries to enhance their well-being and readiness for program exit. Director Gemma Gabuya highlights the focus on progressing households from survival to self-sufficiency through intensive oversight and support.
Following the DSWD-facilitated Kilos Unlad training, the LGU of Cuenca, Batangas, pledges continuous assistance to 1,138 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries. Through the MAC framework, services like skills training, employment facilitation, and livelihood projects are set to enhance the living conditions of beneficiaries.
Video: MODULE 1, Session 2: KU Objectives, Phases and Components and the Self in the Helping Process
This AVP is designed to delve into the Kilos-Unlad phases, components, and tasks, while focusing on utilizing the SELF model in the helping process. It aims to provide insights into the structured approach of Kilos-Unlad and the application of the SELF method for effective assistance.
Conclusion
The DSWD Kilos-Unlad (KU) Framework is a comprehensive and structured approach to transforming the lives of 4Ps beneficiaries.
By guiding them towards self-sufficiency through a client-centric and participatory approach, the framework ensures lasting positive impacts on their well-being.
The integration of various social development efforts and the active involvement of LGUs make the KU Framework a robust strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development in the Philippines.