The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Innovations Division, successfully conducted the Innovations Caravan 2026 on March 5, 2026 at Amontay Beach Resort, bringing innovation-driven social protection programs closer to communities across the Caraga Region.

Anchored on the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that government services reach every Filipino family—especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas—the Caravan served as a unified platform showcasing the Department’s developmental and non-monetary initiatives.

Featured programs included the Walang Gutom Program, Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, Pag-abot Program, Social Technology Unit interventions such as Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas, Apo Ko: Kwento ni Lolo’t Lola, and the Angel Pets Program, as well as the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP). These initiatives aim to strengthen community-based solutions, expand access to social services, and empower familiestoward improved well-being and resilience.

A highlight of the activity was the Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge Season 2, a Social and Behavior Change initiative under the Walang Gutom Program advocating “Masarap, Masustansya, at Murang Pagkain.” Representatives from the five provinces of Caraga—Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands—competed in the regional round, demonstrating practical and innovative ways of preparing nutritious and affordable meals using food basket items provided under the program.

Emerging as the Regional Champion were Mhe Ann Caduyac (Main Cook) and Ester Caduyac (Assistant Cook), who received a ₱10,000 cash prize along with Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) assistance to help sustain their culinary initiative.

The activity was graced byUndersecretary Eduardo M. Punay, Assistant Secretary Baldr Bringas, Mayor Roscoe Plaza, DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul S. Pajares, representatives from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, the Office of the Congressman, and partner Local Government Units across the Caraga Region.

In her message, Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga emphasized that the initiative serves as a collaborative platform for advancing social protection through innovation. “The Innovations Caravan is more than a showcase. Ito po ay isang convergence of national leaders, local chief executives, partners, and beneficiaries — all working together to strengthen social protection through innovation,” she said.

The Innovations Caravan highlights DSWD’s continuing efforts to strengthen partnerships, promote innovative social protection strategies, and ensure that programs and services reach communities most in need.