The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) convened the Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNet) officers and representatives nationwide to strengthen partnerships and enhance service delivery during the 1st National ABSNet Bi-Annual Activity and Conference.

With the theme, “ABSNet Ka-Partner po Kayo,” the event aimed at engaging the chairpersons of participating ABSNet from 16 regions in open discussions to address challenges faced by Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) and share their best practices in implementing social welfare and development programs and services.

The conference held in May in Cebu City was participated in by 22 ABSNet chairpersons across the country that are registered, licensed, and accredited by the agency, as well as, by the DSWD Field Offices, and the Central Office’s Standard Bureau (SB).

In her message, DSWD Undersecretary for Standard and Capacity Building Group (SCBG) Denise FB Bernos-Bragas, expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the National ABSNet officers and members for their dedication and passion in monitoring compliance with quality service implementation.

“You are our partners; the government cannot do it alone. Thank you for the work you have done for the department and our constituents,” Undersecretary Bragas said.

Undersecretary Bragas also personally announced during the conference that the National ABSNet members are invited to attend the launching of the agency’s newest digital system for its regulatory services, the Harmonized Electronic Licensed and Permit System (HELPS).

Standard Bureau (SB) Director Atty. Megan Therese Y. Manahan also extended her gratitude for the partnership with ABSNet in providing essential services to the disadvantaged sector of society.

“Despite the challenges, we are inspired because we know that ABSNet will provide the needed assistive role to fellow SWDAs reaching out for assistance, as manifested by ABSNet’s unrelenting enthusiasm and interest in our partnership,” Dir. Manahan pointed out.

ABSNet or Area-Based Standards Network is an organization of DSWD-registered/licensed/accredited SWDAs that assists the DSWD in the implementation and monitoring of social welfare and development programs and services, provision of technical assistance, and the conduct of advocacy activities on regulatory services of the agency.

On their part, ABSNet representatives and officers also extended their appreciation of the agency’s responsiveness to their needs and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving regulatory standards.

Also present during the activity were Assistant Secretary for SCBG Janet P. Armas, SB Assistant Bureau Director Cynthia V. Ilano, and DSWD Field Office-7 (Central Visayas) Regional Director Shelaine Marie S. Lucero.

The next meeting is scheduled for November 26 to 28.

Through the bi-annual meeting and conference, the DSWD and ABSNet aimed to improve the overall impact of their initiatives, ensuring the needs of the most vulnerable individuals, families, groups, and communities are met with the highest standards of care and support. #