Baguio City, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR), through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) successfully conducted the first Dap-ayan Sessions across the region to promote peacebuilding, improve program coordination, and strengthen accountability among PAMANA-supported Sustainable Livelihood Program Association leaders and local stakeholders.
Under the PAMANA initiative, the Dap-ayan Sessions were implemented across all six provinces and one city in the Cordillera region—Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City. A total of 497 participants were expected to take part in the series, including DSWD staff, SLPA officers, local government focal persons, and members of the Learning Management Team.
The Dap-ayan, in the Igorot tradition, is a space for decision-making, rituals, and collective reflection. By drawing inspiration from this indigenous practice, DSWD FO CAR localized its consultation sessions to embody unity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in governance. The Dap-ayan was not only used as a venue for dialogue—it symbolized the communities’ commitment to peace and sustainable development.
“These sessions reflect our deep respect for Cordillera’s cultural identity. Through Dap-ayan, we create a meaningful space where dialogue, collaboration, and local wisdom guide our programs,” said DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD. “Our goal is not only to implement livelihood interventions but to do so in a way that strengthens the fabric of our communities and nurtures lasting peace.”
Guiding the implementation of the sessions were Promotive Division Chief Mary Ann Buclao, SLP Regional Program Coordinator Hedeliza Fernandez, and Special Projects Focal Ma. Cherita Seichi Tuvera, who provided technical assistance, practical advice, and strategic insights to ensure the sessions were effective, locally grounded, and responsive to community needs.
The Dap-ayan Sessions served as a structured opportunity to evaluate the physical and financial status of program implementation, surface implementation challenges and local concerns, and encourage timely feedback from stakeholders. These sessions also aimed to enhance coordination between program partners, strengthen peacebuilding and sustainability mechanisms, share success stories and innovative practices across clusters, and prepare action plans for the upcoming quarter.
Each session provided space for SLPA leaders and local actors to share insights, review accomplishments, and build stronger synergy for peace-driven livelihood initiatives. Financial oversight was also strengthened through these meetings, ensuring that budgets and resources were aligned with community needs and used effectively. Participants included SLPA officers, DSWD peronnel, LGU focal persons, and stakeholder representatives supporting peace and livelihood efforts on the ground.
By holding the Dap-ayan Sessions across the Cordillera, DSWD FO CAR reinforced its commitment to inclusive, culturally grounded, and peace-sensitive development. These gatherings ensured that community voices were heard, challenges were addressed, and shared goals for peace and economic empowerment were advanced—together.#DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, PDO II.
