CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To enhance the integration of social protection in the development plans of Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 10 (DILG 10), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), conducted a comprehensive four-day training program at De Luxe Hotel. Held in two batches—November 5-8 and November 12-15, 2024—the initiative aimed to address critical gaps in social protection implementation across the region.
Focus on Aligning Local and National Priorities
In her opening address, LGCDD Division Chief Hazel L. Occeña underscored the importance of aligning LGU efforts with national standards. She emphasized that LGUs are mandated to prioritize the welfare of their citizens by meeting the benchmarks set by national agencies.
The training was timely, as the recent Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) assessment highlighted a pressing need for improvement in Social Protection and Sensitivity. Only 32% of LGUs in the region met the standards, leaving 68% still needing to strengthen their social protection measures.
“Social protection is not just a requirement but a moral imperative for LGUs to ensure no one is left behind,” Occeña said, urging participants to utilize the training as an opportunity to build more inclusive programs.
Bridging the Social Protection Gap
The training addressed the root causes of deficiencies in social protection coverage. Among these were the limited functionality of DSWD officers assigned to LGUs and insufficient coordination between Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and local officials. Participants were encouraged to explore practical solutions to these challenges, emphasizing stronger collaboration and resource allocation.
DSWD 10 Regional Director Ma. Rovena S. Tingco provided an in-depth discussion on the framework of social protection, citing Social Development Committee Resolution No. 1, Series of 2007. She defined social protection as a set of policies and programs designed to reduce poverty, minimize risks, and empower marginalized groups.
DSWD 10’s Kaysher Dantalmura elaborated on social protection outcomes and output indicators, stressing the long-term impact of well-implemented programs. These include reducing vulnerability, empowering communities, and fostering equitable development.
Call to Action for LGUs
The training sessions concluded with a call to action for LGUs to reassess their priorities and strengthen their social protection initiatives. Enhanced collaboration among local functionaries and alignment with national goals were key takeaways for participants.
By addressing governance gaps and improving the capacity of LGUs, DILG 10 and DSWD aim to create a socially protective environment that uplifts the most vulnerable members of society.
Towards Inclusive Governance
This initiative is part of the broader effort to foster a culture of inclusivity and responsiveness in local governance. Empowered with the tools and knowledge from the training, LGUs are now better positioned to implement sustainable social protection measures that directly benefit their constituents.
“Social protection is the foundation of resilient and empowered communities,” said one participant. “Through this training, we are reminded that good governance is about putting people first.”
As DILG 10 and DSWD continue to champion social protection, the region moves closer to achieving a governance model that is not only effective but also compassionate and inclusive.
