Batangas City, Philippines — With the aim of reinforcing organizational alignment, boosting team synergy, and defining clear pathways for innovation and service excellence, the DSWD Academy successfully held its Strategic Planning and Team Building 2025 last May 13-16, 2025 at Hotel Pontefino, Batangas City.
Dir. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe opened the activity and highlighted that the DSWD Academy plays a vital role in shaping the future of social welfare and development in the country. “This session is not the usual workshop we had in the past, but more on renewing our commitment to our core values – mahusay, may malasakit at mapagkalinga. We hold a unique position; we are not only called to serve, but to prepare others to serve with excellence and integrity. As such, I encourage each of you to participate actively, collaborate openly, and bring your unique perspectives to the table.”, he said. ARDO Mylah Gatchalian of DSWD Field Office CALABARZON also graced the said activity and gave a welcoming speech.
The four-day activity gathered all staff for a series of workshops, planning sessions, and capacity-building exercises designed to chart the future direction of the Academy. The strategic planning process focused on reviewing the current organizational landscape, identifying emerging trends and challenges in the social welfare and development sector, and aligning divisional objectives with the overarching goals of the DSWD. Participants engaged in tools such as the PESTLE Analysis, Appreciative Inquiry, SOAR Framework, and Open Space Technology to refine the Academy’s vision and translate it into measurable, actionable strategies.
During her virtual message, Undersecretary Denise Florence FB Bernos-Bragas said that the Regulatory Services and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG) recognizes the individuals who have contributed to the work as well as the work that has been done. “You all here stand for more than just your title. You are visionaries who believe that education has the ability to improve, empower, and change people's lives. You are mentors, changemakers, and capacity-builders. And for that reason, the DSWD Academy is more than just an organization. It is a dynamic, living force behind social change.”
Meanwhile, the team building component provided a fun and meaningful opportunity for staff to strengthen relationships and foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and mutual support. Through games, reflective sessions, and group challenges, participants embraced the importance of unity, resilience, and shared leadership in achieving the Academy’s mission.
In her closing remarks, Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas, delivered the closing message, lauding the staff for their unwavering dedication: “Let’s continue to build the DSWD Academy into a dynamic force capacity-building - one that upskills our workforce, uplifts our communities and strengthens our institutions.”
The activity also featured the launch of the Gawad Linang, an internal awards program recognizing excellence, innovation, and dedication among Academy personnel.
As the DSWD Academy continues to evolve as the capacity-building arm of the Department, the outcomes of the strategic planning and team-building activity are expected to guide its transformation into a more agile, responsive, and empowered institution—committed to nurturing the Department’s workforce and partners across the country.