Butuan City, May 21, 2025 — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga successfully conducted the Tinabalangay sa Trese Forum and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with various public and private partners today at the Watergate Hotel, Butuan City.
Tinabalangay sa Trese is a volunteer-driven initiative composed of individuals and representatives from both government agencies and private organizations. These volunteers are mobilized during disaster response operations to deliver essential support services, including the distribution of food and water. Their crucial involvement was especially evident during the response to Typhoon Odette in 2021, as well as in other disasters that have impacted the region.
“Through this agreement, we recognize the vital role of volunteers as agents of change, the catalyst. We acknowledge that mobilizing volunteers means valuing their contributions. It means creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where they can grow, lead, and thrive,” said Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tristan Telen in his welcome message.
The forum served as a platform for dialogue, learning, and partnership-building. It brought together key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, share experiences, and enhance the region’s disaster response and recovery mechanisms. The event emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation and the crucial role of community and institutional partnerships in times of crisis.
“Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyong acktibo nga partisipasyon, sa inyong kinasing-kasing nga serbisyo. The connections we’ve built, the parnerships we’ve strengthened, and the concrete steps we have taken today all point toward a more organized and impactful volunteer movement,” said Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes in his closing remarks.
The event was attended by Major General Michele B Anayron Jr, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), along with representatives from the following agencies and organizations: Bureau of Internal Revenue, Butuan Central Fire Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, Caraga State University, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Commission on Population and Development (CPD) CARAGA, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration Caraga Region, Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office XIII, Department of Tourism, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police PRO XIII, Professional Regulation Commission, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army, 15th Regional Community, Defense Group Reserve Command, Philippine Army, Barobo Water District, Hinatuan Water District, Tandag City Water District, San Jose, PDI Water District, Father Saturnino Urios University Foundation, Inc., Rotary Club of Downtown Butuan, CABAHARA, Water Boy Reverse, Osmosis Pure Water Station, Police Regional Office 13, Rose Bakeshop, SM, and 721st Naval Squadron Reserve.
As the lead agency in social welfare and development, Field Office Caraga calls on all partners to continue building more resilient communities through unified action. In the same spirit, the agency reaffirms its commitment to stand with them and lead efforts that empower volunteers, enhance disaster preparedness, and ensure no one is left behind in times of crisis.
