The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), recently hosted a four-day Orientation and Knowledge Sharing session on Data Monitoring and Validation based on Memorandum Circular No. 07, series of 2023, from September 10 to 13, 2024, at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City.

Participants included representatives from both DSWD field offices and the National Program Management Office (NPMO), including SLP Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officers for Operations (RMEOs) and Regional System Data Analysts (RSDAs). RMEOs are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the program’s effectiveness across regions, while RSDAs are tasked with encoding, organizing, and maintaining data integrity within the system.

The objective of the training was to equip participants with the skills necessary for accurate reporting and data management, ensuring that the generated reports are reliable for program decision-makers and stakeholders. The training also focused on compliance with the latest regulations to improve overall program outcomes. Topics covered included data collection methodologies, validation techniques, and best practices for monitoring SLP data management.

SLP National Director Miramel Garcia-Laxa led the activity, while DSWD XI Regional Director Atty. Vanessa B. Goc-ong and Assistant Director for Administration Merlinda A. Paragamac graced the event, offering their support and personally welcomed the participants to Davao City.

Key highlights of the session included discussions on data quality, data cleaning and validation processes, the use of the Offline Monitoring and Evaluation System (OMAS) for validation, data visualization techniques, and the presentation of the USBONG Phase 2 modules for monitoring and assessment. The event aimed to enhance the efficiency of data management processes, contributing to better decision-making and improved program results.