To address the pressing needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in the Caraga region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga spearheaded the Joint 1st Quarter Meeting of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) and the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) — April 8, 2024.

The meeting convened key stakeholders from various sectors, including the National Committee on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), alongside representatives from other government agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and prominent advocates such as the League of Persons with Disability Affairs (LPDAO) and Women with Disability Federation.

The overarching goal of the meeting was multifaceted, encompassing the sharing of pertinent updates from respective committees, the evaluation of ongoing programs tailored to benefit PWDs and senior citizens, the open discussion of challenges faced by these marginalized sectors, and the collaborative formulation of strategies aimed at fostering enhanced support and inclusivity within the region.

Atty. Walter Jason G. Alava, the NCDA Regional Programs Coordinator, and Mr. Julius R. Duterte, NCSC Cluster 8 Focal Person, provided crucial updates and technical assistance to the group.

This concerted effort underscores the unwavering commitment of DSWD Field Office Caraga and its partners to uphold the dignity and well-being of every Caraganon.