Welfare department enlists civil society in fight vs poverty

Recognizing the importance of civil society organizations (CSO) in the successful implementation of government programs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now seeking the help of CVOs in their fight to stamp out poverty.

Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman personally attended the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the CSO volunteer groups of Bataan, Zambales and Olongapo City which was held at the city hall’s conference room, Saturday.

The CSOs in attendance were the People Power for Volunteer Reform, Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNET), PREDA Foundation, AKBAYAN, Mabuting Pilipino Society, Regional Association of DSWD Licensed and Accredited NGOs and Institutions (READLANI), and the Regional Federation of Day Care Workers.

The DSWD said that the activity is in line with its mission “to provide social protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged individual, family and community to contribute to poverty alleviation and empowerment through local government units, non-government organizations, national government agencies, and other members of civil society.”

DSWD also said that it needs the services of volunteers who will share knowledge, experiences, skills, and resources in working with disadvantaged individuals, groups, and families in the DSWD centers and institutions, in the spirit of trust, care, and participation with government programs and services.

“Tulungan natin ang administrasyon ni PNoy (President Benigno S. Aquino III) upang maging matuwid, magsilbing gabay ng gobyerno, maging tulay sa pag-abot sa mga nangangailangan at maging kaagapay sa pagsugpo ng kahirapan,” Sec. Soliman said in her speech. (Let us help the PNoy Administration to follow the straight path, be a guide for the government, serve as a bridge to reach those who are in need and work hand-in-hand with the government in the fight to end poverty.)

She said that enlisting the help of the CSOs is an effective tool in the success of the government’s 4Ps program (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program).

Mabuting Pilipino Society president Fred Santos said the DSWD/CSO MOA signing is “a milestone step for a more efficient and effective result of Pres. Aquino’s advocacy to address poverty through DSWD Sec. Soliman’s flagship program of bolstered and improved 4Ps.”

“Civic participation is of crucial necessity,” he said in a text message, adding that the country needs thousands of volunteers especially in the business sector to undertake such “humongous” task which can’t just be totally relied upon on the government.

“The 4Ps using the conditional cash transfer program, which have been effective in other countries, is an excellent opportunity for the concerned citizens to contribute to the success in fighting poverty among the poorest instead of just being observers,” Santos added.

He also called on the public to practice the traditional Filipino “bayanihan” spirit.

“We all have social responsibility and duty. A pain in one is a pain for all,” Santos capped.(WLB/ AMV PIA Zambales)