The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), strengthened its collaboration with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices (PSWDOs), Provincial Youth and Sports Development Offices (PSYDOs), and Provincial Youth Development Offices (PYDOs) through a series of courtesy visits conducted in Davao de Oro on April 29, 2025, and in Davao Occidental on May 9, 2025.

The series of visits served as a platform to reinforce collaboration between the agencies in support of Pantawid youth development goals. By aligning and integrating Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) at the provincial level, the initiative seeks to create a more cohesive and responsive system for addressing the needs of young 4Ps beneficiaries.

4Ps Regional Child and Youth Focal, Cherry Jane A. Gomez, and 4Ps Regional Gender and Development Officer Gemma Gulanggayan represented the Regional Program Management Office on behalf of 4Ps Division Chief, Margie Cabido-Sobretodo.

Meanwhile, Davao de Oro was represented by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Josephine Frasco, Provincial Youth and Development Officer, Alexis Micatuan, and Social Welfare Officer IV, Preciousa Toledo. Davao Occidental was also represented by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Sheryl Louise Cordova and Provincial Youth and Development Officer, Leo M. Manisan.

The visits focused on strengthening youth development efforts, especially for out-of-school children and adolescents. Updates were shared on the 4Ps implementation in both provinces, covering education compliance, youth participation, and ongoing Youth Development Sessions (YDS).

In addition, ongoing Gender and Development (GAD) Mapping and Assessment initiatives were also discussed, aimed at creating inclusive and responsive interventions. Support for YDS implementation was also highlighted, including the reconstitution of Family Development Session (FDS) teams into Family/Youth Development Session (F/YDS) teams, ensuring proper venues, trained facilitators, and localized modules covering topics like child rights and reproductive health.

Furthermore, DSWD and its provincial partners recognized the need for continued collaboration and practical solutions to address youth challenges. The meetings also opened opportunities for partnerships with LYDO, TESDA, DepEd ALS, and NGOs to expand youth services and support joint participation in events like Children’s Month and Youth Week.

To build on these efforts, DSWD XI proposed the establishment of joint monitoring and regular orientation activities to ensure that the collaborative efforts are effectively tracked and refined over time. Participation in Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) initiatives was also encouraged to further institutionalize youth-focused engagement and planning.

The courtesy visits mark a renewed commitment to multi-stakeholder cooperation and set the stage for a more integrated and impactful delivery of youth development services under the 4Ps.

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