“The problem of poverty is so complicated, and to solve it, we need a lot of partnership. Part of educating our students is also to learning how to reach out and do extension service so that what they learned they could apply to the community,” expressed Fr. Francisco T. Estepa, SVD, President, Holy Name University (HNU). He said it is good that DSWD is there to guide HNU how to reach out in a particular community in Corella, Bohol. The agency will not only provide guidance but also resources with a lot of expertise from DSWD in reaching out to our adopted community,” added Estepa.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) forged a partnership with HNU with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which took place at the University’s Bates conference room in Tagbilaran City, Bohol early this year.

The DSWD and HNU agreed to partner in improving the quality of life of disadvantaged individuals through this initiative in the municipality of Corella, Bohol particularly in barangays Canapnapan and Tanday.

“The Department aims to strengthen its partnerships with the private and public sectors. The Department particularly the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is looking for partners to help us in implementing our projects,” shared Rizalina L. Patindol, DSWD SLP Regional Program Coordinator.

With this partnership, DSWD-7 and HNU agreed to conduct orientation/briefing on policies and regulations related to the Training Programs on a schedule agreed upon by the parties, pre and post-test to assess the level of competency acquired by the trainees, prepare training design and course contents of specific trainees’ identified needs, a Mode of Verification (MOV) as to the effectiveness of the program – Tracking System, allow the use of HNU laboratories, equipment and facilities for the practicum and hands-on component of the training (e.g. LCD projector, models and measuring device).

Further, HNU agreed to provide the following needs to the target participants in Corella, Bohol: training experts from among its faculty members, staff and students for the Livelihood Skills Training Program and technical assistance in identifying training needs, feasibility study in other DSWD SLP; transportation to staff and students involved and those that are stipulated in the Work and Financial Plan of the program; training needs and materials (e.g. office supplies, printing, tarpaulin printing, printer’s ink) and others that are in the work plan and financial plan.

Also, DSWD and HNU will give the following awards after the target participants have completed the trainings: certificate of training to the trainees who successfully pass and completed the training requirements; certificate of recognition to individuals who have significant contribution to the activities; certificate of participation to all parties involved in the extension project.

To complete the full documentation of the project, HNU agreed to submit a written report of each project in the form of Terminal Report to DSWD-7; prepare publishable articles of completed extension projects for local and international publication subject for review and approval of DSWD.

“We are hopeful that this will be a success in the years to come with the help of the DSWD and with our expertise. We are looking forward to immediately start this endeavor. Our students from the college of Business Accountancy interviewed some of the Nigo weavers in Corella, Bohol and the school staff will conduct a survey for possible markets of these weavers. We are making ways to inspire them with the help of our efforts,” said Engr. Noel Uy, Coordinator for Community Extension, HNU. ###

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