Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian underscores the role of Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in the agency’s delivery of effective and responsive social protection programs and services for the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors.

The DSWD chief delivered the message via Zoom at the opening of the Consultation Dialogue with LCEs from various Local Government Units (LGUs) in Mindanao held at the Chali Resort and Conference Center from October 3 to October 5.

The 3-day consultation dialogue focused on areas of partnership between the DSWD and LGUs for technical assistance towards an improved social welfare and development (SWD) service delivery. It also covered exchanges of best practices in the area of public services facilitated by DSWD and LGU officials who evaluated the current challenges and prevailing issues that impede implementation of SWD services at the local level in order to arrive at effective and sustainable solutions.

Undersecretary for Standards and Capacity Building Group (SCBG) Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas led the DSWD officials in the dialogue. She was accompanied by SCBG Asst. Secretary Janet Armas, Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB) Director Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe, and DSWD Regional Directors from various Field Offices including 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), 12 (Soccskargen), and 13 (Caraga).