As one of the pilot sites in implementing the DSWD’s Project Children’s Health, Education, and Resources for Inclusion, Support, and Hope (CHERISH): Disability Inclusive Social Protection for Children, the DSWD Field Office MIMAROPA inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last October 24, 2024 at Sheraton Manila Hotel, Pasay City.

The MOA aimed to establish holistic quality care and support for children with disabilities and their families through collaboration with partners in the National Government Agencies (NGA), Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Academic Institutions, Professional Associations, and UNICEF Philippines.

Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo, Director V and Special Assistant to the Secretary for Innovations Group, DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Leonardo C. Reynoso, CESO III represented by Geneliza Gabilan, OIC-Chief, Innovations Division, Arwin O. Razo, DSWD Field Office VI Regional Director, representatives from the local government units and national government agencies were present during the ceremonial signing of Project CHERISH which will be pilot tested in the regions MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and Davao Region from January to December 2025 with a target 100 children with disability (CWD).

The activity was also the highlight in the 4-day Advocacy and Communication Planning Workshop facilitated by Ana Marie Daep, Division Chief of Communication Development and Research Division of the DSWD Traditional Media Service (TMS).

During the workshop, Mark Anthony B. Innocencio, Division Chief of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Division of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and Maria Cristina L. Raymundo, RN, MAN, Program Manager and Senior Health Program Officer of Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the Department of Health (DOH) shared their timely and related communication strategies and good practices in communicating social development programs.

Project CHERISH is a community-based program that provides holistic care and support to Children with Disability (CWD) and their families to address substantial unmet needs and provide comprehensive social services to provide opportunities towards the development of CWD’s full potential. It further aims to provide disability allowance to the parents of CWD in relation to the severity of functioning limitations of the clients as an augmentation support to their basic needs health care, and education.