Davao City (DSWD XI) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with University of Mindanao (UM) on Wednesday at UM Bolton Campus, Davao City.

“We are excited to be in partnership with one of the biggest universities in Mindanao. We are hopeful that this will lead to a more fruitful relationship as we continue to provide ‘maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo’  to our partner beneficiaries,” said DSWD Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat.

DSWD shall engage the following services with UM: (1) Provide opportunities in order to achieve objectives/needs for volunteering, acquire new skills and knowledge, and develop personal potentials through rendering volunteer services in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program; (2) Provide opportunities to take care and work with Pantawid Pamilya program beneficiaries in line with program implementation; (3) Provide orientation and ensure observance of the university on the Department’s policies and procedures; (4) Provide technical assistance, training, briefing and other capability building activities to UM as the need arises; (5) Provide guidance/supervision/monitoring on the services/tasks rendered by UM; and (6) Conduct a quarterly consultation dialogue in relation with the university’s work accomplishment vis-a vis work program.

On the other hand, the University shall: (1) Perform volunteer services in coordination with duly designated staffs of the Department; (2) Observe and respect the Department’s policies and procedures especially in relation to confidentiality of cases as well as observe office decorum; (3) Attend training, orientation, briefing session that will be provided by the Department and other capability building activities as needed; (4) Attend regular meetings, consultations, dialogues and supervising conferences/sessions as the need arises; and (5) Submit quarterly update reports relative to volunteer service engagement during quarterly CSO consultation meetings.

“UM will also collaborate with DSWD in the following areas -as Gabay which is a mechanism for Extending Technical Assistance and Kaagapay or provision of Livelihood Programs, Develop Referral System for Employment Opportunities, and Provision for Resource Mobilization and Professional Expertise,” explained UM President Dr. Guillermo Torres Jr.

“Focus areas in Davao City are barangays Magtuod, Catigan, Tigatto and Waan. Meanwhile, specific areas in Davao Region are Tagum City (Barangays Nueva Fuerza and Magugpo South), Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal (Peñaplata), Digos City (Barangay Aplaya) and Bansalan,” he continued.

The university’s partnership with the department aims to enhance the economic and social capital of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. The MOA will commence this September 2016 and will be enforced through May 2019. (DSWD)