Puerto Princesa City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region IV-MiMaRoPa conducted an orientation-caravan with various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last July 16, 2013. With the aim to provide awareness and information among the CSOs as well as the general public on the different programs and services of the Department, the program kicked off with the opening of the photo exhibit at the Robinsons Place Palawan. The photo exhibit showcased pictures of the DSWD’s achievements in providing social welfare and development services to the poor. It highlighted how the Department caters to the upliftment of the lives of its clients and how CSOs can be part of these activities. Regional Director (RD) Wilma D. Naviamos led the ribbon cutting of the gallery with Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Annie E. Mendoza and National Program Management Office Focal Person on CSOs Roy Calfoforo of DSWD-Central Office. In her welcome remarks, RD Naviamos said that the Department is now forging a constructive engagement with the CSOs where they also become part of implementation of the programs and services given to the people. She added, “Ito ay isang gawain ng patuloy na pakiklahok, patuloy na pakikipag-usap, patuloy na pagsusuri at tunay na pakikilahok sa pamamahala ng ating pamahalaan.” It is not just a mere celebration but the start of the deeper engagement of the CSOs with the Department. To deepen this engagement with CSOs, an orientation was made at the Skylight Convention Center right after the opening of photo exhibit. Here, the poverty reduction and social protection programs of the Department were further discussed by ARD Mendoza. The types of engagement (Bantay, Gabay, Tulay, Kaagapay) were also tackled in detail by Pantawid Pamilya Regional Program Coordinator Vincent Dominic G. Obcena. In Kaagapay, CSOs conduct anti-poverty activities and projects while in Gabay, technical assistance in the implementation of programs was

provided. Most of the CSOs engage in this part assist in the conduct of Family Development Sessions on Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. In Bantay, CSOs helps eliminate corruption and provide transparency in the implementation of the programs and services. Attending barangay assemblies during the social preparation stage in Kalahi-CIDSS, CSOs observe if the members of the community are rightfully heard and not overpowered by officials in choosing a project. Lastly, in Kaagapay, CSOs provide feedback and monitoring mechanisms in the implementation of the programs and services. In the open forum, it was further explained that the CSOs are part of the external convergence strategy of the Department in reaching out to the clients and included in the dimension of the Public-Private Partnership move of the national government. Although engaging with the Department entails following a tedious process like in liquidation of funds, RD Naviamos stressed that it is important that processes be followed since they are using the public’s money. RPC Obcena also ensured that if proper requirements and documents are provided, easier and faster facilitation will be given. Also, feedback mechanism with the help of CSOs was commended especially with those issues regarding misuse of cash grants. It was discussed that such incidents must be specifically identified and report it to the Provincial Operations Office for investigation or validation.

With a deeper understanding on how they can partake in the implementation, the Department urges the CSOs to engage in providing better services to poor people and together move forward for a better future. As mentioned by Mr. Calfoforo, “Hindi po mangyayari yung pagpalawak sa iba’t ibang programa kung wala pong partnership sa mga CSOs na talaga namang kinikilala ng ating gobyerno at ituloy-tuloy lang po natin ang mga gawaing ito.” The activity was attended by 23 CSOs implementing various social welfare and development programs and services from the municipalities and city of Palawan.