BAGUIO CITY- To strengthen delivery of social services in the regions, through synergy and convergence, an Inter-Regional Cooperation and Support was conducted with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office III at the Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City on 22 April 2022.

DSWD Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FOCAR) Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia, CESO II in his speech welcomed the Field Office III contingent headed by DSWD Field Office III Regional Director Marites Maristela, CESO III.

Director Garcia narrated the presence of extreme Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas which contributed challenges in the delivery of DSWD FOCAR’s social services. However, the agency was able cope through various innovations created and piloted in the region. “We hope we can share this with you. We are not competing with other regions. You can adapt it (DSWD FOCAR innovations) and be free to innovate, enhance and adapt,” he said.

He also lauded anew the Information and Communications Technology Section (National PRAISE Awards Best Support Office) for developing innovations of DSWD FOCAR.

Director Maristela in her message thanked Field Office Cordillera for welcoming their team and lauded the Field Office. “Iba pa rin talagang makita, madama, at mas makausap ang staff na nagpapadaloy ng innovations. Thank you for your generosity, for accommodating us, sharing your innovations,” she added.

Also joining the event are DSWD Field Office III Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Operations Dir. Venus F. Rebuldela, DSWD FOCAR OIC-ARD for Operations Amelyn P. Cabrera, ARD for Administration Dir. Enrique H. Gascon Jr., DSWD Field Office III Staff and DSWD Field Office Cordillera Staff.

After the interactive, productive interaction and discussions of the different learning sessions, a learning visit was also set to DSWD CAR’s Centers and Institutions.

To recall, officials of DSWD Luzon Cluster on December 18 signed the DSWD Luzon Cluster Resolution No. 001 Series of 2021 establishing the DSWD Field Office Inter-Regional Cooperation and Support.  It is an initiative introduced by Director Garcia as he recognized the importance of cooperation and support of every region in the development processes, mechanisms and strategies in the delivery of Social Protection programs and services to the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged population. # DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, LAUREN ALIMONDO