ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA—The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recently convened its three main partners namely, the National Government Agencies (Regional Advisory Council), the Local Government Units represented by the Local Social Welfare and Development Officers, and the Civil Society Organizations (Regional Independent Monitoring Committee). The purpose of the consultation assembly is to strategically plan and discuss convergence mechanisms to address the social well-being of the vulnerable and disadvantaged 4Ps families.

The activity dubbed as “Partnership Implementation Strategic Planning Session and Consultative Assembly” was held in Zamboanga City last October 3-5, 2023. It resulted to agreements and resolutions, synchronization of convergence strategies, and strengthened commitments of partner-stakeholders towards building a stronger and more collaborative multi-stakeholder approach in the implementation of the country’s conditional cash transfer program.

Photos (from left): RAC meeting, RIMC meeting, LGU meeting

“ One of the core strategies of the DSWD to improve the delivery of social services to our target clientele is the practice of 3 Cs in our endeavours -communication, coordination, and collaboration,“ DSWD Assistant Regional Director, Ma. Socorro S. Macaso said in her message as she welcomed the participants of the activity.

Approximately 100 individuals attended the said activity; 11 of which came from the CSOs particularly the members of the Regional Independent Monitoring Committee (RIMC); 13 are representatives of the various NGAs as members of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC); 60 LSWDOs and PSWDOs representing the various LGUs within Zamboanga Peninsula region, and 15 others from the 4Ps and DSWD.

This has also been the first time that the 3 major component program partners were gathered in one activity that will benefit one common social service recipient.

The activity also was an avenue to discuss the passing of a resolution requesting and authorizing the Landbank of the Philippines to apply mechanisms on ATM withdrawals as well as requesting the DILG to notify the barangay LGUs to assist the 4Ps field workers in the cash card monitoring of 4Ps beneficiaries.

Shortly after the consultation assembly, a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement happened between the 4Ps program under the DSWD and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Del Sur and City Government of Isabela, Basilan.

DSWD-4Ps will open a nomination to award and recognize its partners on November as part of its strengthening partnerships efforts.