DSWD Caraga strengthens advocacy in Agusan Sur, joins Naliyagan Festival

Posted on June 21, 2017

*Advocacy materials and a photo gallery greet passers-by at the DSWD Caraga booth during the Naliyagan Festival 2017.*

AGUSAN DEL SUR – With the attempt to bring the agency’s programs to the people of Caraga and promote the different services being offered, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Caraga participated in the 50^th founding Anniversary of the province and 25^th Naliyagan Festival celebration last June 9 – 18, 2017.

The agency’s Social Marketing Unit conducted an Information Caravan by participating in the week-long celebration. A booth was put up for everyone to visit and be acquainted with the programs and services of the Department.

During the whole festival, DSWD information officers distributed flyers and reading materials to the general public and attended to inquiries and grievances in an attempt to update and introduce people to the different programs and services. Other than the mainstreamed programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kapit-Bisig-Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), and Sustainable Program (SLP), the less known but equally important programs and services such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Supplementary Feeding Program, Social Pension, and Regulatory Services were also highlighted.

*The booth was open to anyone who wanted to learn more about the programs and services of the agency. Here, students found time reading DSWD Caraga’s official publication- Caraga Frontline.*

The agency found the festivity as a good venue to bring DSWD closer to the people of Agusan Sur, especially that there are quite a number of people unaware of the other programs and services.

DSWD Caraga OIC – Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim appreciated the gesture of the Provincial Local Government Unit of Agusan del Sur, headed by Governor Adolph Edward Plaza, for granting the request of the agency to be part of the milestone celebration as the activity paved way for the agency to be closer to the people the department serves.

“We are so thankful for the opportunity accorded by the PLGU of Agusan del Sur for us to reach out to our brothers and sisters in the province. This way, we can prove to everyone that DSWD strongly adheres to our claim of Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo, and stay true to our brand- ang DSWD ay May Malasakit,” Lim said.

*A photo booth was opened for visitors to have a snapshot and were able to show support to some of the agency’s thrusts and advocacies.*

DSWD information officers and program focals were able to discuss the thrusts of the department and explained further the mechanics of the programs and services on June 17, 2017 in a one-hour set at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center Stage. Frequently asked questions were also highlighted to intensify the communication campaign of the agency. ### (MARKO DAVEY D. REYES /Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga)