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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 – Central Visayas held its first Research and Evaluation Conference, a regional knowledge-sharing activity that underscores the importance of research in strengthening social welfare and development programs in the Central Visayas region.

The 10 researchers received their certificate of recognition handed by Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Santos, DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Juanito Cantero, and 4Ps Division Chief Jiah Sayson.

The implementers, researchers, and partners attended the activity to present and discuss 10 research studies on the realities of communities and the effectiveness of social protection programs.

Policy and Plans Group Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Santos and Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, alongside participants from partner national government agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations, graced the activity.

The 10 research presentations were organized into four thematic areas:

Theme 1: Designing for Dignity and Healing – Human-Centered Innovations in Social Welfare Practice

Research 1: An Interior Renovation Plan for the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office VII at M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City: Incorporating Human-Centered Design by Julianne Therese B. Cabanilla (University of San Carlos)

Research 2: Perceived Stress Level and Coping Mechanisms of Social Workers Delivering the Social Services During the COVID-19 Quarantine Period by Kurt Ryu A. Labiste (Saint Theresa’s College)

Research 3: Turning Over a New Leaf: The Lived Experiences of Rebel Returnees in Bohol by Xhelxea Francesca A. Lerios (University of Southern Philippines Foundation)

Theme 2: Echoes at Home – Exploring the Impact of Work, Disability, and Abandonment on Family and Child Well-being

Research 4: The Impact of Work Hours and Job Demands on Family Dynamics Among Call Center Agents in Dumaguete City by Aaron S. Fortit (Silliman University)

Research 5: Seasons of Life: The Case of an Abandoned Child by Annabelle Dogomeo Maguate (Batang Pinangga Foundation)

Research 6: Lived Experience of Children Living with Parents Who Have Disability and Its Impact on Their Well-being by Myraluz V. Waddington, Ph.D. (Silliman University)

Theme 3: From Compliance to Self-Sufficiency – Strengthening Accountability and Impact in 4Ps Implementation

Research 7: Compliance Among Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Beneficiaries in Barangay Tawason, Mandaue City by Josh Isaiah C. Dizon (Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu)

Research 8: Are We Truly Tracking Progress That Matters Through Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) ?: A Psychometric Review and Analysis of the 4Ps Monitoring Toolkit by James Louies Un (Cebu Normal University)

Research 9: Benepisyo to Asenso: Life Journey Towards Self-Sufficiency of 4Ps Graduates of Poblacion, Cordova, Cebu by Kerwin B. Biongcog (Cebu Normal University)

Theme 4: People at the Center – Assessing Inclusion and Satisfaction in Community-Driven Social Protection

Research 10: Level of Satisfaction of SAP Beneficiaries in Barangay Guba and Barangay Labangon: A Correlational Study by Phoebe B. Bayot (University of Cebu – Main Campus)

In his keynote message, Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Santos emphasized that the studies presented are not only academic contributions but also practical tools that can be translated into improved service delivery.

Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Santos provides his inputs and comments after the presentation of one the research studies.

He said: “Through your contributions, we hope to identify both the strengths and the blind spots of our programs. We knew that no policy is perfect, no system is flawless. Yet through research, we gain a clearer lens with which to see on-the-ground reality, and a stronger foundation for improving the way we serve. This is how data transforms into decisions, and decisions into real and tangible change in the lives of the families who depend on us.”

To recognize the outstanding contributions of the researchers, the following awards were given towards the end of the activity: Best Poster Presentation: From 4Ps to Opportunities: The Differences Between Urban and Rural Beneficiaries in Bohol by Belle Berly E. Bual (Holy Name University), Best Presenter: Myraluz V. Waddington, Ph.D. (Silliman University), and Best Paper: Are We Truly Tracking Progress That Matters Through Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI)?: A Psychometric Review and Analysis of the 4Ps Monitoring Toolkit by James Louies Un.

Through activities like this, DSWD affirms its mission to ensure that every program and policy is grounded in data, evidence, and the lived experiences of the people it serves—a step forward in advancing social welfare and development in the region. ###