On June 5, 2025, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office VIII (DSWD FO VIII) convened more than 50 Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs) and technical experts at the FANS Hotel for a landmark Social Welfare and Development Forum on Knowledge Management (KM) Products. The event underscored the indispensable role of knowledge sharing, documentation of good practices, and inter-sectoral collaboration in advancing the quality and reach of social protection services across Eastern Visayas.
At the core of the forum was a strong call to institutionalize documentation practices at the local level. Through the introduction of the standardized Good Practice Documentation (GPD) format, the message was made clear: “If it is not written or documented, it did not happen.” This served not only as a reminder but as a challenge to local government units (LGUs) to systematically capture, share, and replicate successful social welfare initiatives that are changing lives in their communities.
Two outstanding LGU-led initiatives took center stage, setting the tone for what effective, community-driven programs look like in practice.
Silago, Southern Leyte showcased its model initiative, “Pag-amuma ug Pag-atiman, Gipalig-on sa Silagohon” (Nurture and Care Strengthened by the People of Silago), presented by Ms. Jessalyn A. Hadlocon. This foster care program for Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP) illustrated how grassroots solutions—grounded in case management, foster parent training, values formation, and strong inter-agency collaboration—can build safer, more nurturing environments for vulnerable children.
Meanwhile, Catbalogan City presented “Rehabilitation in Action: Bahay Pag-asa Center for CICLs,” a comprehensive intervention for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). Mr. Lito T. Lucero Jr. detailed the center’s multidisciplinary approach that blends care, accountability, and rehabilitation, rooted in restorative justice and structured programming.
These presentations were followed by thoughtful, technical feedback from KM experts and peer reviewers. Key areas discussed included the integration of updated data, enhancement of monitoring mechanisms, clarity of documentation, and alignment with national frameworks. Particular praise was given for the use of situational analysis, clear replication steps, and the programs’ potential for broader adoption.
The forum concluded with an overwhelmingly positive participatory evaluation. Attendees commended the relevance of the content, the quality of facilitation, and the collaborative atmosphere. Participants emphasized the value of expert guidance and requested longer, more in-depth sessions in the future to further enrich knowledge exchange.
This forum demonstrated that fostering a culture of learning, documentation, and innovation is not just a bureaucratic exercise—it is a strategic necessity. By empowering LGUs to articulate and refine their good practices, DSWD FO VIII is cultivating a regional environment where proven solutions can be scaled, replicated, and sustained.
Through initiatives like this, DSWD FO VIII reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive, adaptive, and resilient social welfare ecosystem—one that thrives on collaboration, champions innovation, and leaves no one behind.
