The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), recently held a consultation dialogue with key partners on the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70). The event took place on September 10, 2024, at the Panorama Hotel in Davao City.
Participants included representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices (PSWDO) from the five provinces of Davao Region, as well as Davao City, along with other local government units.
The consultation aimed to set the direction for the Calendar Year 2025, seeking support from partners in monitoring and assisting beneficiaries to ensure the sustainability of their projects, especially as EO 70 will conclude by the end of 2024.
During the dialogue, the DSWD also presented its major accomplishments under EO 70, showcasing the Department’s efforts in promoting peace and development across the nation. These achievements emphasized the DSWD’s commitment to addressing the concerns of former members of various armed groups and meeting the needs of conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.
Moreover, DSWD introduced its new program, the Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa Program (PDBBM), which is guided by Administrative Order No. 16, series of 2023. This program aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and aims to promote inclusive and sustainable peace by leading social welfare and development interventions while harmonizing existing efforts within the Department. PDBBM is scheduled for implementation in Region XI next year, following its pilot phase in DSWD Field Offices III, IX,X, and XII.
DSWD XI Assistant Regional Director Merlinda A. Paragamac personally welcomed the participants, and presented the program’s objectives and reinforcing her support for the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and development in the region. SLP XI Regional Program Coordinator Dexter M. Lara led the conduct of the activity.
Meanwhile, DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns, Alan Tanjusay, and Assistant Secretary Arnel B. Garcia conveyed their gratitude on behalf of the department for the partners’ support. They also called for the continued commitment of all stakeholders to DSWD programs moving forwards.
Since 2020, DSWD Field Office XI has provided livelihood opportunities to 1,544 former rebels, also known as ‘friends rescued,’ in the Davao Region through the Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG), an initiative aimed at reintegration and community development.
