Access to government social welfare programs and services is set to become easier and more convenient for the people of Dapa, Surigao del Norte following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the pilot testing of the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas (PBP) between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dapa on August 19, 2025, at the Dapa Municipal Tribunal Hall.

The PBP is designed to bring DSWD’s programs and services closer to the people through the establishment of the PBP–DSWD Services Hub. This one-stop hub allows the convergence of the department’s available services. It will also reduce bureaucratic hurdles and ensure that the people receive timely, efficient, and people-centered service delivery. The said hub is located at the ground level of Dapa Municipal Hall.

Present in the activity were DSWD officials led by Undersecretary for Innovations and Program Development Edu Punay, together with DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, Social Technology Bureau Assistant Bureau Director Marilyn Moral, and LGU Dapa Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Marian Solloso.

“This initiative shows that the programs of DSWD are now closer and more accessible to the people. Through the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas, we are building a system that brings the government’s services right at the heart of the communities,” USEC. Punay emphasized during his message of support.

Furthermore, SB Solloso extended her thanks to DSWD for the initiative, emphasizing that it will provide their constituents with greater access to essential government social welfare programs.

“We are deeply grateful to DSWD for introducing another brilliant initiative in Dapa. The Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas will open wider access to vital government services, especially for our vulnerable sectors,” SB Solloso underscored.

She also expressed the support of the LGU in ensuring the smooth implementation of the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas, affirming the municipality’s commitment to work hand in hand with the DSWD to maximize its impact on the community.

“We stand ready to do our part. Rest assured that LGU Dapa will fully support its implementation to ensure that no one is left behind in the delivery of social welfare assistance,” she added.

The event also featured the ceremonial turnover of the PBP Compendium, which outlines the program’s framework and serves as a guide for its implementation at the local level.

The pilot implementation of the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas in Dapa is expected to strengthen the delivery of social welfare programs at the community level and will also serve as a reference for similar rollouts in other areas. This initiative enhances social protection at the grassroots level and ensuring that government support remains prompt, responsive, and more accessible to the people.