BUTUAN CITY, Caraga – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga recently concluded its “Strengthening of the Regional Committee Secretariats 3.0” training (Feb. 12-14, 2025), aimed at empowering the administrative and operational backbone of regional inter-agency committees. This initiative is crucial for achieving the goals of the Social Protection Plan (SP Plan) 2023-2028 and ultimately, the national vision of AmBisyon Natin 2040.
Recognizing the complex needs of Filipinos, the DSWD chairs several inter-agency committees to foster collaboration and streamline policies and programs. The Field Office plays a vital role in directing these committees, ensuring alignment with national and regional priorities, including the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028.
The training focused on enhancing the secretariats’ technical skills in areas such as technical writing, parliamentary procedures, data management and analysis, strategic planning, and inter-agency collaboration. It also provided a platform for sharing experiences, identifying implementation gaps, and recognizing best practices.
This capacity-building activity aligns with the DSWD’s “Boost and Assist the Committees through Knowledge Sharing Upscaling the Potentials of Local Government Units” (BACK-UP LGUs) concept. BACK-UP LGUs emphasizes technical assistance from the DSWD Regional Secretariats to Local Committees/Councils, many of whom are members of DSWD-chaired committees. Equipping the Regional Secretariats with the necessary technical knowledge is therefore essential for effective support to LGU committee secretariats.
“Through attending the Strengthening of Regional Inter-Agency Secretariats 3.0, I have learned the nitty-gritty functions of the secretariat, the essence and significance of having an effective secretariat,” said Agnes O. Cagas, Secretariat of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Senior Citizens. “This activity highlighted the crucial role of committee secretaries in the management and processes of a certain committee. This initiative will significantly contribute to becoming more proactive actors (committee) in ensuring that social protection of Filipinos is being achieved, envisioning our AmBisyon Natin 2040, Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay.”
Mr. Antonio Jason Fabe, Secretariat of the Regional Independent Monitoring Committee, also commended the DSWD Field Office Caraga for spearheading the activity. “I commend DSWD Field Office Caraga for spearheading this activity as it strengthens inter-agency and partner stakeholder coordination for the advancement of the efficiency of multi-sectoral programs,” Fabe stated. “This initiative is relevant and aligns with DSWD 2025 thrust and priorities by improving governance, streamlining processes, and ensuring that the Regional Secretariats on different committees can effectively support policy implementation, formulation, and program delivery for more responsive, efficient, and inclusive development.”
The Field Office believes that empowering the secretariats will significantly enhance the functionality of DSWD-led regional inter-agency committees, contributing to the overall achievement of the department’s thrusts and priorities and ultimately, the national vision of a stable, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos by 2040.
