Davao City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI highlighted its significant achievements during a special edition of Kapihan sa PIA held at the NCCC Mall, Victoria Plaza, on December 13, 2024. Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Merlinda A. Paragamac led the presentation, emphasizing the agency’s ongoing commitment to alleviating poverty and empowering communities across the Davao Region.
Notable Successes in 2024
Director Paragamac detailed the outcomes of key programs aimed at addressing social inequities and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable sectors:
- Supplementary Feeding Program: Achieved a 70.04% improvement in the nutrition status of malnourished children aged 3-5 years in child development centers.
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): Benefited over 279,000 households with conditional cash grants, enabling children to attend school and access essential health services.
- Anti-Child Labor Initiatives: Validated and provided targeted interventions to 1,500 child laborers, contributing to efforts to eliminate child labor.
- KALAHI-CIDSS Program: Implemented 145 sub-projects, improving the lives of over 50,000 individuals through community-driven development initiatives.
- Sustainable Livelihood Program: Trained 10,000 participants in micro-enterprise development to help families achieve financial independence.
Senior Citizens and Indigenous Communities
The Social Pension Program served over 282,000 senior citizens with a 99.23% payout rate during the first semester of 2024. Capacity-building workshops were also conducted to promote active aging and community engagement.
For Indigenous communities, DSWD XI partnered with local stakeholders to craft 15 local development plans addressing their unique needs. Approximately 10,000 Indigenous families received cash grants and support services through the 4Ps program.
Empowering Farmers and Persons with Disabilities
DSWD XI’s initiatives for farmers included capacity-building activities in leadership, financial literacy, and sustainable livelihoods. Over 200 post-harvest facilities were established, boosting agricultural productivity and income.
Support for persons with disabilities (PWDs) included regular regional council sessions, health lectures, and awareness campaigns. Training was provided to 43 local government units on inclusive planning and service delivery.
Crisis Assistance and Women’s Empowerment
The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program extended relief, including food, transportation, and medical aid, to solo parents and individuals in crisis. The Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) provided assistance to minimum-wage earners affected by inflation.
Women’s empowerment initiatives through the KALAHI-CIDSS program benefited over 3,500 women in underserved communities. Advocacy campaigns raised awareness about women’s rights and gender equality.
Youth Programs and Disaster Resilience
Youth programs supported 4,457 family beneficiaries through the 4Ps, with cash-for-work opportunities benefiting students and PWDs in state colleges and universities.
To enhance disaster resilience, DSWD XI constructed and rehabilitated 116 water facilities, ensuring access to clean water for vulnerable communities. Food security initiatives included community gardens, aquaculture projects, and the introduction of disaster-resilient crops.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Resilience
Director Paragamac concluded by reaffirming DSWD XI’s dedication to inclusivity and resilience. She emphasized that the department’s programs reached marginalized sectors, including farmers, Indigenous peoples, solo parents, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“We call on stakeholders, partners, and the public to continue supporting DSWD’s mission of building empowered and resilient communities in the Davao Region,” Paragamac stated.
The event underscored the vital role of DSWD XI in fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of those most in need.