The DSWD Field Office X conducted a Social Welfare and Development (SWD) Forum on December 13-14, 2021 which was attended by 60 representatives from the Local Social Welfare and Development Offices in the region. The SWD Forum provided a platform to discuss the updates on operations of SWD programs, raise the concerns and challenges on service delivery, and formulate strategies in the implementation of the devolution.
DSWD provided updates on the implementing guidelines of SWD programs. The LSWDOs discussed the status of implementation of SWD programs to their constituents which included the concerns and challenges being encountered.
The DSWD FO X and the LGUs are preparing to implement the full devolution of the identified social protection programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Sustainable Livelihood Program, and Supplementary Feeding Program in 2022. Hence, the participants in the SWD Forum initially formulated some measures and strategies that will contribute to the ease of devolution transition.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) also joined the event to further discuss the assistance and support needed from the LGUs to strengthen the vaccination advocacy of the government.
Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga-Libang acknowledges the support of the LGUs through the LSWDOs which is vital in providing DSWD's Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo.
The SWD Forum is one of the Knowledge Sharing Session (KSS) platforms that the DSWD Field Office X makes available for its partners to ensure transparency and open communication between and among social welfare implementers. Moreover, the semestral activity helps address gaps and issues that arise during the implementation and delivery of social services to communities.