Orphaned children from Cotabato City received their cash subsidies from the BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD-BARMM) through its Kupkop Program. Each of the beneficiaries received P5,000 as financial assistance to support their needs. (Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY (PIA) -- A total of 4,040 orphaned children from different areas in Muslim Mindanao have benefited from the Bangsamoro government’s “Kupkop Program,” which is implemented by the Ministry of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM).
The Kupkop Program provides financial assistance for poor and vulnerable orphans, which is the first of its kind in the entire country, according to MSSD-BARMM.
Arbaine Guiabar, MSSD’s Child and Youth Welfare Program focal person, explained that the term Kupkop is a Tagalog term, which means putting someone under one’s care.
“It is the act of putting orphans in the loving arms of the ministry. Kasi po ang ministry is mandated to provide social protection and social services to vulnerable and marginalized sectors, at kasali po doon ‘yung mga orphans po [Because the ministry is mandated to provide social protection and social services to vulnerable and marginalized sectors, and that includes orphans],” Guiabar said.
Through the program, indigent and qualified beneficiaries are given financial assistance worth P5,000 every month to help them access balanced nutrition, education, a healthy lifestyle, and a secure and caring alternative care arrangement.
Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD-BARMM) Child and Youth Welfare Program focal officer Arbaine Guiabar explained the benefits of the 'Kupkop Program' for the orphaned children in the Bangsamoro region in a recent radio interview. She also shared that the ministry will continue to strengthen its programs that cater to the needs of the children in BARMM. (Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM)
Guiabar said the beneficiaries of the Kupkop Program are foundlings, abandoned children, and surrendered children, particularly those who were left orphaned by victims of war.
“Sa Kupkop Program, ang ating beneficiaries po ay under their guardians. Maaaring isang parent po ng bata yung namatay o di kaya yung both parents ay wala na po [In the Kupkop Program, our beneficiaries are under their guardians. Maybe one of the child's parents died, or maybe both parents are gone],” she further explained.
Guiabar also shared that the program is case-managed by MSSD’s municipal social welfare officers to make sure that the assistance given to the indigent orphaned children is being used for their food, education, and other important needs.
“Sa Kupkop meron po contract of agreement. Napapaloob po dito ang roles and responsibilities ng isang legal guardian or ‘yung social worker para masiguro na ‘yung binibigay po natin na tulong pinansyal ay mapupunta po sa pangangailangan ng mga batang ulila [In Kupkop there is a contract of agreement. This includes the roles and responsibilities of a legal guardian or social worker to ensure that the financial assistance we provide goes to the needs of the orphaned children],” she pointed out.
At present, the program has a total of 24,583 beneficiaries since it was established in 2020, including the 4,040 orphaned children who received financial assistance last year. (LTB – PIA Cotabato City)
