Usec. Templa addressing the LSWDOs, Civil Society Organizations and representatives from the Academe in Region 2 during the Social Welfare Forum on seven (7) priority bills for Social Welfare and Development.

“We must not only provide interventions but we should try to prevent problems from pouring in through collaboration.”

This was the message of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Institutional Development Group (IDG) Mae Fe A. Templa during the Social Welfare and Development Forum on the seven priority bills for Social Welfare and Development held in Tuguegarao City  last week.

Usec. Templa flew to Cagayan Valley and met with Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs) in the region, representatives from various Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWD-LNET), Area-based Standard Network (ABSNET), and members of the academe.

“This forum provides a venue to study the contents of social welfare priority bills. As our partners in the implementation of social protection programs and services at the grassroots level, we count on you to help us lobby with your respective legislative representatives for the passage of the said priority bills,” Usec. Templa added.

These priority bills are: the Social Welfare Development Agencies (SWDAs) Bill, Public Solicitation Bill, Amendment to the Solo Parent Act of 2000, Anti Elderly Abuse Bill, Creation of Council for Older Persons, Positive and non-violent discipline of Children Bill, and Magna Carta for Day Care Workers.

Likewise, the participants expressed their support to the Undersecretary and shared opinions and clarifications on some provisions of the bills.

Joining Usec. Templa as resource speakers were: Director Marites M. Maristela and  Charito Esteban, both from Standard Bureau-Central Office;  Catherine D. Espedido and Miramel Garcia-Laxa, both from Protective Services Bureau-Central Office; and,  Pasensia T. Ancheta, the Acting Policy and Plans Division Chief of DSWD Field Office (FO) II.

Meanwhile, DSWD FO-II Director Ponciana P. Condoy also expressed her gratitude to the speakers and participants, and said that the priority bills are for the disadvantaged sector of the society, thus, all must share the vision of providing “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo.”

Promoting rights, protecting lives

The improvement of the social protection programs of DSWD is one of the thrusts and priorities of the Department in line with the ten-point socio-economic agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte. This includes the provision of services and interventions provided to residents of DSWD’s centers and institutions.

To ensure that the priorities are met, Usec. Templa visited the centers in the region with the participants of the forum. She encouraged the centers’ staff to maximize their facilities, offer model for diversion of Children-in-Conflict with the Law (CICL) and to advocate for their reformation.

At the same time, Usec. Templa also graced the 20th anniversary celebration of Haven for Women and Girls in Cagayan.

During the event, Usec. Templa recognized donors and volunteers for their contribution to assist and empower the residents of the center.

“We appreciate your valuable partnership with DSWD in advancing the interest and rights of women and girls,” said Usec. Templa.

Furthermore, she discussed the DSWD’s plan to create a formal system for the recruitment of volunteers through training so the Department can beef up its operations not only during disasters but in all crisis situations.

Capping off her visit, she met with DSWD FO-II staff members and assured them that earnest efforts are being made to advance the interest of MOA workers, specifically the regularization of those who have rendered service for the longest time. ###