In response to the request from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII, DSWD Field Office XI recently facilitated a comprehensive study on Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation (NP-CP) in the Davao Region. The study took place in the Municipality of Malita, Davao Occidental, Mati City, Davao Oriental and at the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on July 9 and 12, 2024.

This initiative included detailed assessments, data gathering, identification of best practices, and documentation of challenges. Site visitations, dialogues, and focus group discussions were conducted with members of the Kilalag SLP Corporation in Malita, and KARBENA SLP Association in Mati.

Moreover, the team had the opportunity to witness firsthand the delivery of goods to Home for the Aged and Angel’s Haven, in line with the marketing agreement between CRCF’s and participating SLP Associations in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

Its primary objective was to provide technical expertise and strategic guidance on the successful execution of Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) initiatives, particularly in forming partnerships between Community-Based Organizations and institutional markets like the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP). By adopting R.A. 9184 Sec. 53.12 on Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation, DSWD XI aims to extend the reach and impact of EPAHP, ultimately working to alleviate hunger and poverty in the region. Additionally, the event sought to facilitate knowledge sharing and the replication of successful strategies in Region 7.

The delegation also visited the outstanding community initiatives of the recent winners of the Walang Gutom Awards 2024: the “Intersectoral Participation: Our Way to Combat Malnutrition” initiative of LGU Asuncion, Davao del Norte, and the “Maternal Mental and Nutrition Recovery Care-avan” initiative of the City Government of Mati, Davao Oriental, on July 10-11, 2024. These visits highlighted exemplary community efforts and provided further learning opportunities.

This initiative aims to enhance community involvement, establish a robust monitoring framework, and promote transparency through comprehensive documentation. The collaboration is expected to refine NP-CP strategies, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community nutrition throughout the country.

Additionally, this is the second batch of benchmarking activity facilitated by the Field Office, after its first successful conduct to the delegation of DSWD IX – Zamboanga Peninsula on April 22-24, 2024.

DSWD Field Office XI extends its sincere appreciation to the Provincial Government of Davao Occidental and the Local Government Units of Malita, Asuncion, and Mati for their gracious accommodation and assistance in facilitating this enriching exchange of knowledge and experiences.