The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held a successful Knowledge Fair on 21-22 November 2024, at Ciudad Christia Resort 9 Waves in San Mateo, Rizal, with over 600 participants attending both onsite and online from DSWD field offices, municipalities, national government agencies, private sector and local government units nationwide. The activity provides an opportunity to share knowledge and identify practices which they may replicate.
Day 1 Highlights
The first day was opened by the welcome remarks delivered by the Standards and Capacity Building Group Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas to the guests and participants. She acknowledged their efforts to address social protection issues and challenges to give a better future for the vulnerable sectors.
Ms. Rizza Jane F. Azucena from the Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PDPB) discussed updates on the Social Protection Plan 2023-2028, addressing priority issues and interventions for vulnerable sectors. Ms. Nolibelyn P. Macabagdal of the Social Technology Bureau (STB) enumerated the Social Technology Agenda 2023-2028, detailing flagship programs such as the Tara Basa Tutoring Program, Pag-Abot Program, and Walang Gutom 2027.
Mr. Bernard F. Zamora from the Department of Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) outlined the DSWD Legislative Agenda 2023-2028, stressing the importance of crafting the DSWD’s legislative priorities while working closely with Congress to advance social welfare bills. Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe, Director of the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB), presented the DSWD Academy’s accomplishments and upcoming initiatives for CY 2025. Ms. Rosemarie Joy L. Lugtu of the PDPB provided updates on the Social Welfare Development Laws Monitoring results.
Day 2 Highlights
The presentations of the Local Government Units for day two discussed programs for the persons with disability, children, solo parents, database management, and senior citizens. Mr. Christian Jay B. Lomibao from San Juan, La Union shared the Ginhawa Community-Based Rehabilitation Program. Mr. Reygie A. Cabucos of Obando, Bulacan, discussed the Psychological Hub, offering free psychological services for children with special needs. The Solo Parent Welfare Program was presented by Mr. Jensen G. Romay of Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. The MSWDO Database Management System was elaborated by Mr. Leo James Portales from Real, Quezon. Ms. Adora C. Pascual from Biñan City, Laguna, highlighted the Biñan’ Legacy of Care, and Good Practice on Indigenous People presented by Ms. Raquel G. Umbalin from the Add Foundation International Inc.
Ms. Norilix M. Razalan, OIC-Division Chief of the Knowledge Management Division, highlighted in the synthesis and ways forward the extra love and care of the sharers in elevating the service delivery that will contribute to the social functioning of the clients served by both DSWD, LGUs and the private sector.
Ms. Precilia A. Docuyanan, Assistant Bureau Director of SWIDB, appreciated the contributions of all guests and participants both onsite and online for their effort, time and interest to learn the updates from DSWD and the good practices of the partners.
The DSWD Knowledge Fair concluded with the Paglaray Awards hosted by Ms. Lugtu, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Local Government Units and DSWD Field Offices in the areas of technical assistance and implementation of social protection programs and services.