The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI and the Rizal Memorial Colleges, Inc. (RMC) sealed its research partnership for the impact assessment of Project LAWA: Local Adaptation to Water Access pilot implementation in the municipalities of Laak, Monkayo, and Compostela in Davao de Oro on January 10, 2023.

Representing DSWD FO XI during the signing ceremony were Regional Director Atty. Vanessa B. Goc-ong and Assistant Regional Director for Operations and concurrent Chief of the Disaster Response and Management Division Dahlia S. Padillo. 

Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo, Vice President for Administration, and Dr. Annbeth B. Calla, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, represented RMC. 

“We appreciate RMC for responding to our call in assessing this initiative. I know RMC’s dedication to public service and aiding those in need within the academic realm aligns with DSWD’s mission. I hope this marks not the conclusion but the commencement of a collaborative journey to enhance our programs and services for the benefit of the people,” Atty. Goc-ong said. 

Atty. Robillo reaffirmed RMC’s backing for the project, underscoring how their contribution would positively impact people’s lives. 

“This undertaking is truly noble, and I want to assure RMC’s unwavering commitment to this partnership. We are delighted to contribute to the improvement of DSWD’s service delivery and programs for the people of the Davao Region,” emphasized Atty. Robillo.

By evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot implementation, this research partnership has the potential to improve Project LAWA significantly, ultimately strengthening water security, agricultural resilience, social protection, and food security for communities in Davao de Oro province. The collaboration between DSWD and RMC serves as a valuable model for how the government and the academe can work together to address critical issues like water and food scarcity paving the way for a more sustainable future for all. (DSWD FO XI/EMCJr)

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