On 14 March 2025, key representatives from the DSWD, various national government agencies, and other groups attended the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee for the Social Protection, Inclusion, and Gender Equality (SPRING) program. DSWD Academy Bureau Director Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe and ASEC. Juan Carlo V. Marquez, of the External Assistance and Development under PPG and Project Manager of the Beneficiary Fast, Innovative, Responsive, Service Transformation (BFIRST) Social Protection Project, were among the DSWD representatives. USEC Adonis P. Sulit of Policy and Plans Group, DSWD, led the meeting.
The SPRING program is a collaborative partnership between Australia and the Philippine Government. Its goal is to improve systems and structures to reduce poverty and inequality, promote gender equality, and uphold the rights of marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples.
The Australian Embassy delegation was headed by Mr. Peter Adams, Development Counsellor, Ms. Abigail Bakker, Second Secretary, and Ms. Shirin Gul, SPRING Program Team Leader.
Following this meeting, a series of activities will be conducted to ensure that the SPRING Project achieves its intended outcomes for those in need of social protection.