Butuan City- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga formalized on November 18, 2014 at Almont Hotel and Inland Resort, this city, its partnership for the “Pangkabuhayan- Tulong sa Pagsulong Program” in Caraga with the Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development- Philippine Cold Chain Project (Winrock PCCP).
This was done through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which contained the provisions of such partnership.
The collaboration is geared towards broadening the resource base of the participants of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) through relevant trainings and workshops, and linking them to public and private institutions that will help expand their livelihood assets.
“This partnership will surely bring about the vision of helping the Poor families in Caraga to come out from the inter-generational cycle of poverty,” said Jim L. Oprecio, Winrock Deputy Chief of Party.
During the event, SLP Regional Project Coordinator Roy R. Serdeña provided the staff of the new private partner an orientation about the convergence strategy used by the Department, and he also underscored about the shared goals and visions of the DSWD and the Winrock International.
“Our collaboration with the private sector such as the Winrock International is another milestone for the Department. Finally, we do something that we once thought was hard and difficult. But this engagement is for our beneficiaries.“ articulated Serdeña.
Winrock Chief of Party Daniel J. Gudahl expressed that he looks forward for a good partnership with DSWD.
“May we have a great and continued partnership in solving together the problems of poverty in Caraga,” added Gudahl.
Meanwhile, DSWD-XIII Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli in her message stated that the said MOA signing event is historical since it manifests the concrete arrangement of two parties who are serious in its business of alleviating poverty in the region.
“Our beneficiaries deserve the best efforts from the Government and the private sector. This team up of DSWD and Winrock will surely provide them with opportunities.” disclosed Brigoli.
The Winrock International PCCP is a project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that aims to increase productivity and food safety and expand the market of Caraganons.
The DSWD through the SLP aims to improve the socio-economic status of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program participants through capacity-building trainings and accessing them to programs and services of partners that will increase their productivity and develop their entrepreneurial skills which will provide them a sustainable income source. ###(EUNICE G. MONTAOS/Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga)
