
As part of its efforts to provide continuing professional development programs to the social welfare workforce, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines, represented by Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett, last March 30, to explore partnership opportunities and improve expertise on camp coordination and camp management (CCCM).
Secretary Gatchalian shared the ongoing efforts of the DSWD in revitalizing the Social Welfare and Development Center for Asia and the Pacific (SWADCAP) as an academy to offer certificate programs and short-term courses, among others, to social workers, social development workers, non-governmental organizations, local government personnel, and other service providers delivering social protection packages.
With IOM’s collaboration, the DSWD intends to improve its camp management mechanism by delivering training programs to its social welfare workforce and to the local government personnel providing social welfare services to the poor and vulnerable sectors.
Additionally, the Secretary requested the assistance of IOM in helping the internally displaced persons (IDPs) on their reintegration into society and by providing necessary social protection services.
In response, IOM expressed its commitment to provide assistance to the Department by sharing their existing modules and contents, and delivering the said training programs for the academy. Likewise, Chief of Mission Burnett pledged to work with the DSWD and will be the main actor in the delivery of services for the welfare of the IDPs and other distressed persons such as the returnees.
The IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with a presence in over 100 countries, and supporting 175 member states to improve migration management. (https://www.iom.int/) ###