These were the words of Analyn Tingal, the Treasurer of the Tambo Malambuon Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) after joining the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI – Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (DSWD-EPAHP) capacity-building training dubbed EPAHP Service Caravan and CBO Resource Mobilization Conference held on May 6-7, 2024 at The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oasis, Davao City which aimed to empower identified twenty (20) community-based organization leaders and representatives across the Davao Region. 

For these organizations, operating within the confines of limited resources and capacity constraints often hampers their ability to enact significant change within their ranks and the broader community. Acknowledging this pivotal gap, the capacity-building initiative was meticulously designed to equip CBOs with the requisite tools, knowledge, and networks needed to fortify their organizational structures and ensure project/business sustainability.

Through a tailored support framework catering to the unique needs of each participating organization, targeted training sessions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities were provided, empowering CBOs to enhance their organizational management, strategic planning, and advocacy capabilities. Additionally, access to technical assistance and funding opportunities served to bolster their capacity to drive sustainable development initiatives at the grassroots level.

In a collaborative spirit, DSWD extended invitations to a cadre of experts from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to delve into pertinent topics such as the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise (BMBE) Registration, KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Grants, and CSO Accreditation Process, respectively. Internal partners of DSWD also played a pivotal role as resource speakers, shedding light on initiatives like the Supplementary Feeding Program and Gender and Development (GAD). Furthermore, the initiative championed innovation, urging CBOs to embrace adaptive strategies and harness technology to effect positive change within their community groups.

Participants expressed heartfelt gratitude, commending the Department for providing invaluable opportunities for learning and capacity-building, underscoring their aspirations to become effective development partners of the Department. They also acknowledged the robust collaboration among various national government agencies (NGAs) in securing provisions for learning and skills enhancement.

EPAHP stands as a cornerstone program enrolled in the National Food Policy, intended to bolster the National government’s endeavors in addressing hunger and poverty through the synergy and convergence of essential services among its partners. This strategy underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to its long-term visions and aspirations for the Filipino people and the nation – “Para sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay”. (DSWD XI/MDAC/EMCJr) 

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