30 May 2025 – The DSWD Academy welcomes key representatives from the Central Luzon Association of Population Officers and Workers (CLAPOW) for a courtesy visit and strategic collaboration meeting designed to explore partnership opportunities that will further strengthen the delivery of social welfare services to Filipino communities, advancing population and development initiatives across the region.
The meeting was led by DSWD Academy Director Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe, together with Division Chief Efleda Joyce Sabater-Consulta and technical staff from the Capability Building Division. The Academy team presented its Vision, Mission, and Goals, emphasizing its vital role in capacity development within the Philippines and its growing alignment with regional efforts across the Asia-Pacific.
Attending on behalf of CLAPOW were Mr. Nathaniel Vergara, President and City Population Officer of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Ms. Sandra Aguillon, Vice President and Provincial Population Officer of Zambales; Ms. Marlyn Ronquillo, Treasurer and Population Program Officer IV from the Provincial Health Office of Pampanga; Mr. Jomari Caluag, Auditor and Population Program Officer IV of the City Social Welfare and Development Office in Malolos City, Bulacan; Mr. Charlo G. Costales, Public Relations Officer and City Population, Gender and Development Officer of Mabalacat City, Pampanga; and Ms. Milagros C. Gomez represents the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Aurora.
During the discussions, Director Batocabe presented the Academy’s current Calendar of Activities and provided updates on the ongoing renovations and improvements to its facilities—an initiative geared toward creating a more modern, inclusive, and conducive environment for learning and development.
In line with the objective of fostering collaboration, CLAPOW’s proposal for collaboration on the implementation of Module 2 of the Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling (PMOC) program. The initiative is intended to benefit population officers, social workers, and other CLAPOW members by enhancing their competencies and equipping them with updated tools to support family life and population development efforts in their respective localities.
This initial meeting marks a promising beginning to a stronger partnership between the DSWD Academy and CLAPOW. Both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to building capacities, fostering innovation, and elevating the quality of social welfare programs nationwide. Through this collaboration, both institutions hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of Filipino families and communities.