The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga convened for a consultation meeting with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on September 3. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between the two agencies and address key aspects of their partnership, specifically achieving 100% of 4Ps Caraga’s Office Performance Contract Target, which includes providing PhilSys Card Numbers or PCNs to 4Ps Beneficiaries.

The meeting provided an opportunity for 4Ps Caraga and PSA Caraga to discuss data sharing, program evaluation, and strategies for improving service delivery. Among these services is the Facilitation of Birth Certification to 4Ps Beneficiaries, including Indigenous Peoples (IP) via the Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP) which aims to attain 100% birth registration, including the marginalized and IPs for free.

Another discussed mutual initiative is how DSWD and PSA can utilize Family Development Sessions (FDS) as a platform for registration and authentication activities which can also help PSA reach its targets. One more way to gather more people for the conduct of the registration or other authentication services is the massive payouts conducted by DSWD. Schedule of these payouts will be coordinated with PSA.

In her closing message, the Division Chief of the Policy and Plans Division Elsa A. Jamora expressed her gratitude to PSA for their continued support to DSWD in the implementation of the 4Ps Program. She emphasized the government’s dedication to help the poorest of the poor and how it’s a collective responsibility for all agencies of the government.

“This is a whole of nation approach that the government has our targets. So, we in the program, we are constantly being pushed to help them achieve their registration. That’s why we at DSWD Caraga are very thankful for the constant support,” Ms. Jamora said.

Both agencies expressed their commitment to working together to enhance social welfare programs and ensure accurate statistical reporting. This will ensure that Caraga’s 4Ps Beneficiaries are acknowledged and identified by the Philippine Statistical Authority and their collaboration with DSWD FO Caraga will strengthen 4Ps Caraga’s mission in eradicating intergenerational cycle of poverty in the region.