The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 – Central Visayas recently held a two-day Regional Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNET) Conference 2025 in Mandaue City.

The Regional ABSNET officers, as well as active, registered, licensed, and accredited Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs), attended the activity.

The activity aimed to sustain a functional ABSNET to strengthen partnerships and ensure the effective implementation of regulatory functions and services.

On the second day of the conference, discussions covered the following key topics: Memorandum Circular No. 09, Series of 2024, titled “Revised Guidelines in the Processing and Issuance of Regional and National Public Solicitation Permits”; updates on the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS); the 7S of Good Housekeeping; and a sharing session on the 1st National ABSNet Bi-Annual Convention 2025.

In her message, Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero underscored the importance of collaboration. She expressed hopes that they can continue to work together in their endeavors, particularly in helping the SWDAs in the region.

Director Lucero emphasized that the government cannot do the work alone, which is why she expressed her appreciation for the partnership with SWDAs and the Department in delivering more efficient services.

While acknowledging that the DSWD is not a perfect system—particularly the newly introduced Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS)—Director Lucero expressed confidence that there is room for improvement and that they can do better moving forward.

“As we orient you and create within you an understanding of the current initiatives that we have, especially the HELPS, we would gladly listen to your feedback. Let us know which part of the system is difficult and which part of the system can be improved,” Director Lucero emphasized, although initial users of the system have found it efficient.

Director Lucero, however, assured the participants that the Department will continue to provide intensive assistance to help their residential facilities become Centers of Excellence.

To recall, the Field Office currently has five (5) Centers of Excellence, all of which have achieved Level 3 accreditation status for setting the benchmark in care, services, and governance. These include the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), Home for Girls, Regional Haven for Women, and Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II) in Cebu City, as well as the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in the Municipality of Argao. ###