DSWD V holds media dialogue for social programs

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, July 13 (PIA) -- Members of the local media in this city were convened by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a consultation dialogue to strengthen DSWD’s core social protection programs through information dissemination.

DSWD V public information officer Jesseshan Marbella said their department has been conducting the said media dialogue in different provinces in the region since June this year.

“The first leg of the consultation dialogue was conducted last June 20, 2012 at Masbate City, Masbate where DSWD staff was joined by the members of the media from print and broadcast. It was followed last July 2, 2012 with the media practitioners from Legazpi City, Albay. The next consultation dialogue conducted was at Virac, Catanduanes last July 11, 2012,” she said.

The same event is set at Sorsogon City and Camarines Norte this July 17.

Marbella also said that the dialogue will serve as a feedback mechanism through one-on-one conversation about issues, updates and concerns on its programs and services.

“It also aims to solicit inputs for the agency to further improve and and strengthen social marketing targets for this year," Marbella said.

DSWD’s core social programs are Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program.

These programs, along with the introduction of a convergence strategy focusing on the complementation of the programs to elevate poverty and empower the poor, were likewise discussed during the dialogue.

To date, DSWD V has been extending the coverage of their social programs. For the Kalahi-CIDSS, DSWD V research monitoring and evaluation officer Marell M. Wong confirmed that there are 101,905 new household beneficiaries from 22 municipalities nationwide as of June this year. (MAL/SAA-PIA 5/ALbay)