On 15 May 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) facilitated an insightful knowledge exchange session with officials from the Government of Timor-Leste and Malaysia. The event was organized by the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB) at the Katapatan Board Room, DSWD, Central Office.
The goal of the session was to foster a high-level sharing of expertise and best practices in advancing social welfare and development initiatives across the Southeast Asian region. The orientation was led by the Standards and Capacity Building Group Undersecretary Denise FB Bernos-Bragas, Bureau Director Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe, Assistant Bureau Director Edna J. Sacedor, both from SWIDB and Assistant Bureau Director Cynthia V. Ilano of the Standards Bureau.
Through in-depth discussions, the participants gained invaluable insights into the Department's history, strategic goals, core values, vision, and mission. They were also oriented on the DSWD Academy as the primary facility to develop and enhance competencies needed to implement the wide array of programs and services designed to uplift the lives of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors of the Philippines.
Undersecretary Denise FB Bernos-Bragas emphasized in the opening remarks the importance of professionalizing social work and the fundamental role played by the DSWD Academy in enhancing stakeholder competencies. She highlighted the mutual learning opportunities presented by such collaborative sessions and reaffirmed the Department's firm commitment to maintaining the highest standards in social work practice.
The interactive dialogues covered topics such as the orientation on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), regulatory standards for social welfare, and development agencies, and streamlining and digitalization initiatives in the department. These in-depth discussions clarified DSWD's roles and functions and deepened the delegates' understanding of the Department's operational frameworks and strategic objectives aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
To conclude the enriching experience, the international delegates were given a tour of various DSWD offices, including the Program Management Bureau- Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Office of the Undersecretary of the Standards and Capacity Building Group, and Disaster Response Command Center. This tour allowed the delegates to directly witness the comprehensive and multi-dimensional strategies DSWD utilizes to provide essential services to disadvantaged individuals and communities. Furthermore, the delegates were able to witness the disaster monitoring system used by the agency during emergencies.
Through this knowledge-sharing session, the DSWD continues to strengthen social service delivery across the Southeast Asian region; fosters open dialogue: promotes mutual learning; and builds a cohesive and responsive community where every life is valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive, embodying the mantra "Bawat Buhay Mahalaga sa DSWD" (Every Life Matters to DSWD).