The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently conducted a three-day workshop for 154 field staff across Central Visayas. The workshop aimed to introduce streamlined guidelines under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The updated Memorandum Circular 03 (MC 03) enhances service delivery and strengthens community partnerships.
Subject matter experts from the SLP National Program Management Office (NPMO) led the sessions. These specialists from key NPMO included Mr. Mohammad Noor H. Umpa from Referral Management, Ms. Amelita D. Micu from Compliance and Fund Management, Mr. Jeffer B. Perez from the Regular Implementation section, Ms. Kevin Louise R. Marciano Program Monitoring, and Ms. Althea Arnecilla from Capability Building and Communications.
They emphasized how the revised MC 03 simplifies processes and provides staff with improved tools. Mr. Andrew A. Serrano, the Regional Coach Officer for Field Office 7, highlighted the rationale behind the circular, noting that the simplified processes and enhanced tools would benefit both the field staff and program participants.
To ensure practical understanding, facilitators conducted simulation exercises replicating real-world scenarios. Participants praised the interactive approach, noting it boosted their confidence in applying the guidelines.
“Makalipay kini nga session kay kining MC 03 makatabang sa pagdali sa among trabaho ug sa pag-release sa pundo sa mga beneficiaries (This session is uplifting because MC 03 accelerates our work and facilitates fund disbursement for beneficiaries),” shared Ms. Perda Padua, a Project Development Officer (PDO) from Sibonga, Cebu.
All field staff have expressed how the new Memorandum Circular (MC) could help lighten their workload and ensure diligent implementation through expedited processes.
One aspect that the field staff are particularly enthusiastic about is the reduction in the number of forms they need to complete in the field. “The number of forms has decreased; some have been combined into one while still capturing almost all the necessary details,” shared Mr. Jonathan Fernandez, the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.
MC 03 not only modified processes but also increased cost parameters for participants. The new funding range for SLP associations is 20,000 to 30,000 and 15,000 to 20,000 for individual participants. This adjustment aims to empower participants to establish effective and sustainable livelihoods within the community, thereby improving their status.
Mr. Julius Villanueva, the Special Concerns coordinator, emphasized that the omnibus guidelines benefit the field staff as they provide a clear operational framework. Villanueva also highlighted that the training underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring that livelihood programs address the needs of vulnerable sectors.
As part of the omnibus guidelines, a Project Development Advancement Grant (PDAG) with a maximum amount of Php 300,000 will also be available for qualified SLP associations in the third phase of implementation. This initiative hopes to encourage SLP associations to excel and diligently work on their enterprises.
During her message, Rosemarie S. Salazar, Division Chief of the Promotive Services, congratulated the technical staff for conducting a comprehensive workshop for the field staff, “These guidelines could help you in your work in the field, especially with your workload.” Salazar also reminded the field staff to always uphold integrity in their work. As a DSWD worker, it is important to always remember their primary roles, and their purpose is to serve the program participants with dedication and commitment.
The workshop demonstrates the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) commitment to adaptive governance, ensuring that livelihood programs evolve to meet the needs of marginalized sectors in Central Visayas. With simplified processes and increased funding, the SLP aims to foster resilient and self-sufficient communities. ###
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