Republic of the Philippines

Knowledge Management Portal

Field Office VIII

The Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDL-Net) held its Quarterly Meeting on June 3, 2025, at Sophia’s Way Food Center, Tacloban City, bringing together key representatives from various agencies and organizations to reaffirm their commitment to collaborative learning and coordinated action in the field of social welfare and development. The meeting produced several strategic agreements designed to solidify the network’s foundation, expand its reach, and enhance its operational impact: Institutionalizing Participation through Designated Focal PointsTo ensure continuity, accountability, and active engagement in SWDL-Net activities, all member agencies agreed to issue a Special Order designating one (1) permanent and two (2) alternate representatives. This move aims to streamline communication, enhance institutional memory, and foster consistency in decision-making and activity implementation. Expanding the Network through Strategic InvitationsTo strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration, the group committed to reaching out to new potential partners including PHCCI, World Vision, SIKAT, Save the Children, and various Provincial Youth Development Offices (PYDOs). Formal invitation letters will be issued, accompanied by a response tracking system to monitor commitments and follow-through. This effort supports SWDL-Net’s vision of becoming a dynamic and inclusive learning network. Formalization and Leadership: 2nd SWDL-Net Meeting in JulyThe next major step is the 2nd SWDL-Net Meeting, scheduled for July 25, 2025, at the DSWD Regional Operations Center (ROC) in Palo, Leyte. The agenda will include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the election of SWDL-Net officers, signifying a transition from planning to institutional governance. Final Review and Approval of the MOUPrior to the July meeting, all members will participate in the final review of the draft MOU, ensuring that it reflects shared priorities and expectations. The approved MOU will serve as the foundation for future joint activities, clearly outlining roles, commitments, and collaborative mechanisms. Virtual Benchmarking for Cross-Regional LearningA virtual benchmarking session with SWDL-Net counterparts from other regions will be organized to explore successful practices, identify innovations, and draw lessons that can be localized. A synthesis report will capture key insights, recommended adaptations, and potential areas for cross-regional collaboration. These forward-looking agreements reaffirm SWDL-Net’s commitment to building a culture of shared learning, collaborative action, and knowledge-driven service delivery. By strengthening internal systems and embracing external partnerships, SWDL-Net is positioning itself as a catalyst for more responsive, inclusive, and impactful social welfare and development initiatives across Eastern Visayas.

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.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII (DSWD FO VIII) proudly hosted the 2025 Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan (PaNata Ko sa Bayan) Awards on March 26, 2025, at the People’s Center and Library. This esteemed event served as a memorable platform to honor 120 outstanding Provincial and Local Government Units (P/LGUs) from across Eastern Visayas, recognizing their profound and unwavering commitment to serving the region’s marginalized and disadvantaged sectors through inclusive, compassionate, and responsive social welfare programs. The heart of the celebration revolved around four pivotal major awards, each highlighting distinct qualities vital to exceptional public service: the Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga, Gawad Serbisyong Matapat, Gawad Serbisyong Masigasig, and Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay. Catbalogan City, Samar, was notably distinguished as the top awardee for the Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga, exemplifying the pinnacle of service delivery. The widespread recognition of numerous LGUs across these categories underscored a unified regional dedication to delivering high-quality social protection programs. Beyond the core awards, the ceremony featured a comprehensive array of special recognitions, reflecting the DSWD’s holistic approach to social welfare and development. Seventy-six (76) LGUs received the 2024 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance, a testament to their efforts in promoting child rights and welfare, conferred jointly by the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children and DILG Region 8. The Kaisa Ko sa Pagbabago Award, presented by the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee, celebrated the Province of Biliran for achieving Level 3 Accreditation for its Bahay Pag-asa and for its exemplary implementation of a comprehensive juvenile intervention plan. Further acknowledgments highlighted LGU successes in crucial areas such as disaster preparedness, recognized through the Serbisyo Award for Excellence in Disaster Management. Initiatives in livelihood enhancement were lauded with the Tulay sa Pagyabong Award under the Sustainable Livelihood Program. Efficient and effective program implementation for senior citizens was also celebrated with the Social Pension Program Awards and the Centenarian Program Award. LGUs at the forefront of innovation were acknowledged for adopting cutting-edge social technologies like Project Link and Home Care Support Services. Top-performing implementers of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) also received due recognition for their dedication. In a special tribute, the Kaagapay Award was proudly presented to the Provincial Government of Leyte for its consistent and invaluable support to DSWD programs. Additionally, Congressman Paul R. Daza of Northern Samar’s 1st District received the prestigious 2025 Social Welfare and Development Award for his exceptional contributions to the sector. The PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards are firmly rooted in the national policy of devolution, as enshrined in Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, and further reinforced by Executive Order No. 138, s.2021, known as the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling. These foundational frameworks empower LGUs as the frontline implementers of social welfare services, while the DSWD strategically transitions into a steering role—focusing on policy formulation, technical assistance, and vital resource augmentation. This awards initiative serves as a strategic incentive mechanism, meticulously designed to encourage LGUs to continuously elevate their delivery of social protection programs. It is built upon the well-established evidence that performance recognition significantly boosts organizational morale and enhances service quality. By rigorously acknowledging excellence, the DSWD aims to cultivate a robust culture of innovation, accountability, and unwavering dedication among LGUs, simultaneously encouraging them to mainstream best practices and prioritize social welfare initiatives within their local agendas. The core objectives underpinning the PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards are multifaceted: to profoundly recognize outstanding LGU performance, to vigorously promote continuous program improvement, to actively encourage the seamless integration of social welfare into local governance priorities, to elevate service standards across the board, and to foster peer learning through the widespread promotion of successful practices. These concerted efforts collectively aim to strengthen community well-being and propel inclusive development forward. To ensure the sustained impact and broadened reach of this vital initiative, DSWD FO VIII is making a significant investment in the development of compelling advocacy and communication materials. These resources will meticulously capture and vividly showcase the inspiring success stories of the awardees. These narratives are envisioned as powerful tools, designed to inspire replication, drive further innovation, and fortify the resolve of other LGUs to champion social welfare excellence. More than a mere celebration of achievements, the PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards embody a powerful call to action—a collective pledge to uphold the inherent dignity of every Filipino, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable. Through these meaningful recognitions, DSWD reaffirms its unwavering commitment to inclusive development and deepens its invaluable partnership with local governments, all working in concert towards building a just, caring, and empowered society where no one is left behind.

The second batch of presenters from Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Field Office gathered at Sophia’s Way Food Center, Tacloban City, Leyte, for the continuation of the Presentation and Deliberation of Good Practices. This follow-up activity further emphasized the innovative and impactful initiatives aimed at advancing social programs for the Older Persons’ Sector, as well as other meaningful endeavors undertaken by the LGUs. The presentations highlighted creative and sustainable steps being taken to enhance the welfare of senior citizens, showcasing efforts that align with the overarching goal of promoting inclusivity, support, and empowerment. The session opened with Libagon’s presentation of their initiative titled “Pag-pangga Sa Mga Senior Citizens – Paghatag sa Social Pension”. This program demonstrated their commitment to extending care and support to senior citizens through the efficient and respectful delivery of social pensions. The initiative underscored the LGU’s focus on ensuring dignity for the elderly while addressing their financial needs. Next, Caibiran introduced their “Birthday Incentive for Senior Citizens”. This heartwarming initiative celebrates the lives of elderly residents by providing special incentives on their birthdays. By recognizing their contributions and fostering a sense of appreciation, this program highlighted the LGU’s effort to make senior citizens feel valued and included. Liloan presented their “Tabang Hinabang Program: Pagtagad Ug Pag-atiman Sa Mga Katigulangan sa Liloan”, which is a comprehensive support program for the elderly. The initiative focuses on addressing their specific needs, ensuring their welfare, and promoting active engagement in the community. San Miguel’s entry, “The Journey Towards Senior Citizens Accreditation of San Miguel, Leyte: A Story of Motivation and Commitment”, provided an inspiring account of their efforts to achieve senior citizen accreditation. This story emphasized the LGU’s strategic and structured approach to empowering the sector while showcasing their motivation to improve services for the elderly. Finally, the Personnel Administration Section of Field Office 8 presented their initiative, “Human Resource Management System”. This program focused on enhancing internal processes to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. Primarily aimed at improving employee support systems, the initiative also emphasized its progressive contribution and vision in advancing the system. This activity demonstrated the commitment of LGUs and the Field Office to advancing programs that uphold the dignity and well-being of senior citizens while continuously improving processes for impactful service delivery. The deliberations provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share insights, and refine their approaches. The Knowledge Management (KM) Committee Members once again assessed the entries, focusing on innovation, responsiveness, sustainability, and replicability, ensuring the initiatives could serve as models for other LGUs. These Good Practices are now undergoing refinement to meet the documentation standards for submission to the SWIDB Central Office. This ongoing effort reflects the commitment of LGUs and the Field Office to continually improve and innovate in providing meaningful and impactful services to the Older Persons’ Sector. Through this initiative, the TAAORSS reinforces its role in fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration, ensuring that programs for senior citizens remain progressive, inclusive, and sustainable.

The Technical Assistance/Advisory and Other Related Services Section (TAAORSS) brought together Local Government Units (LGUs) from across the region on October 18, 2024, at Sophia’s Way Food Center, Tacloban City, Leyte, for the Presentation and Deliberation of Good Practice Documentations (GPDs). This gathering aimed to showcase innovative and impactful practices, with this semester’s entries primarily focusing on initiatives for the Elderly Sector. The event highlighted the creativity and dedication of LGUs in addressing the needs of senior citizens through programs emphasizing community involvement, honors and privileges, streamlined processes, and enriching initiatives. Each GPD entry reflected unique approaches to uplifting the lives of the elderly while promoting inclusivity and empowerment within their communities. The entries were assessed by the Knowledge Management (KM) Committee Members, who evaluated them based on four critical elements: innovation, responsiveness, sustainability, and replicability. These criteria ensured that the submissions not only addressed current needs but also had the potential to inspire and guide other LGUs in implementing similar initiatives. The first batch of GPDs featured submissions from LGUs across Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Leyte Province, and one from the Field Office. Each entry presented a unique perspective on improving the lives of senior citizens. For instance, Anahawan highlighted an innovative approach to selecting social pension beneficiaries in their project “The Selection Process of Waitlisted Recommended Eligible Senior Citizens for Social Pension Program – Leveling Up: How We Do It”. Meanwhile, Bontoc’s “Pasalamat sa Gasa sa Kinabuhi” celebrated gratitude and well-being among the elderly. Other notable entries included Maasin’s “Enriching Lives in Golden Years, Providing Initiatives for Seniors”, which emphasized comprehensive support for the elderly, and Lavezares’ “Engaging the Senior Citizens of the Municipality of Lavezares in Empowering and Productive Activities”, focusing on promoting active and productive involvement of senior citizens. Palapag showcased the synergy between LGUs and the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) through their entry “OSCA: LGU Palapag’s Active Partner In Enriching Programs and Services for the Elderly”. San Miguel presented an inspiring ordinance honoring nonagenarians and centenarians in “An Ordinance to Recognize and Honor the Nonagenarians and Centenarians of San Miguel, Leyte”. Leyte LGU offered a unique integration of senior citizens into parenting programs through “The Senior Citizens – LED, Parent Effectiveness Service Implementation”. Finally, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Division showcased enhanced support services for their beneficiaries in their entry “Enhanced Support Services Intervention”. After thorough deliberation, the KM Committee identified areas for improvement in each GPD. The entries were recommended for revision and repackaging to meet documentation standards before submission to the SWIDB Central Office. This activity underscored the LGUs’ commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in their programs for the elderly. By highlighting these good practices,

October 29, 2024 –  The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII conducted a successful Knowledge Sharing Session on Coaching and Mentoring at the Regional Operations Center, Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte. This event aimed to foster efficient career leadership and nurture a productive working environment within service providers. During the session, expert presenters emphasized the critical role of coaching and mentoring for the Core Group of Specialist (CGS) Members, who are at the forefront of providing technical assistance to our networks, advocacy partners, agencies, and Local Government Units (LGUs). Through a detailed exploration of strategies, principles, and frameworks in coaching and mentoring, the CGS Members gained valuable insights into how they can better support social work practitioners in LGUs, ultimately enhancing service delivery and capacity. A key focus of the session was on the power of effective questioning and providing constructive feedback, with participants engaging in a Case Discussion that honed these essential skills. The knowledge and tools acquired will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the Department’s initiatives. Looking ahead, the DSWD Field Office 8 is committed to expanding the Coaching and Mentoring sessions across all sectors. This initiative aims to strengthen the linkages between CGS Members and partner LGUs throughout Region 8, ensuring a lasting impact on both professional development and collaborative engagement.

March 8, 2024 –  A Regional Monitoring Team Meeting was convened at the Regional Operations Center on March 8, 2024 to discuss various significant developments and updates about the program in different cities and municipalities in Region 8. One of the key agenda items was the conduct of Service Delivery Capacity Assessment (SDCA) in Jipapad, Eastern Samar. The discussion also points out other municipalities who haven’t had the SDCA yet. Moreover, the meeting also highlighted the importance of recognizing and rewarding outstanding Municipalities. The meeting showcases awarding ceremony of Plaque in Naval, Biliran for achieving Level 3 and more upcoming activities regarding the same awarding ceremony. The meeting also discussed about the signing of Partnership of Agreements between DSWD and Municipalities such as Naval, Bliran and Jipapad, Eastern Samar. Partnerships were formalized between the said municipalities signifying commitment to collaboration and mutual support in addressing shared challenges and achieving common goals. In addition, the meeting as well highlighted signing of Partnership Agreements to other Cities and Municipalities. Finally, the team deliberated and reviewed the implications of the directive MC 10, which is expected to have a significant impact on regional policies and practices. The team members shared ideas and viewpoints through careful consideration and in-depth study to guarantee that MC 10 would be implemented smoothly and to the advantage of all parties. All things considered, the March 8, 2024, Regional Monitoring Team Meeting served as a tribute to the combined efforts and commitment of public sector workers in promoting good change and the welfare of local communities in the region.

March 7 to 8, 2024 –    The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII, serving as the lead secretariat of the Social Welfare and Development Learning Network, convened a meeting on March 7 to 8, 2024 at Haiyan Hotel and resort, Tanauan, Leyte. The agenda included the establishment of the DSWD Academy and the standard operating procedure for providing resource persons to DSWD intermediaries and stakeholders. The DSWD is mandated to provide assistance to LGUs, other Government Agencies, NGOs, POs, and other members of Civil Society in effectively implementing programs, projects and services that will enable all Filipinos to be free from hunger and poverty, have equal access to opportunities, enabled by a fair, just and peaceful society, as well as statutory and specialized programs which are directly lodged with the Department and not yet devolved to the LGUs. In so doing, the DSWD FO8 recognizes the vital role of the Local Government Units (LGU), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Government Organizations (GOs), Academic institutions in responding to the needs of individuals, families, and communities. In attaining said mandate of DSWD, the agency established a self-regulating learning network to maximize existing resources through the Social Welfare and Development Learning Network or SWDL-Net. Trough an inked Memorandum of Agreement, the NGAs, NGOs, Academic Institutions, and the Individual Member are willing to provide support and share their programs and services for the Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDL-Net). The SWDL-Net FO8 is currently Chaired by Ms. Maria Lourdes Dela Calzada, Civil Defense Officer III from the Office of Civil Defense, with Mr. Faustito A. Aure, Associate Professor V of Eastern Visayas State University serving as the Co-Chair. Next meeting is expected to have a re-election of a new set of officers for the network.

February 29 to March 1, 2024 –   Per the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Administrative Order No. 01 series of 2018 or the Functional Structure of DSWD Field Offices, the Capacity Building Section is mandated to enhance the competencies of the DSWD intermediaries and stakeholders in performing and achieving its goals as lead in the social welfare and social protection. Specifically, CBS is directed to implement capability building interventions to DSWD staff and partner. Now, the Institutional Development and Capability Building (IDCB) Focal Persons, are the internal partner of the CBS to facilitate the monitoring and implementation of IDCB activities in their respective offices and in the preparation of IDCB Plan, activity proposals, and accomplishment reports. While the KM Team is responsible for conducting and initial review and providing technical inputs of the documented practice in terms of its form and content using the Identification Criteria and Good Practice Documentation Format. Therefore, for the to be able to perform their delegated functions, there is a need to capacitate them and improve their communication skills This activity aimed to have a unified manner and form them to clearly and effectively communicate with the DSWD internal and external partners, they must be trained in technical writing using the DSWD Handbook of Style The handbook was developed to set the standards for writing and editing and to improve the quality and ensure the consistency of the DSWD documents such as memorandum, executive summary, articles, publications training proposal, design, and reports among others

February 28, 2024 –    The DSWD’s concept of Knowledge Management (KM) is a process of creating an environment wherein people’s experience and wisdom on social protection and social welfare program delivery are valued and where internal processes are structured to support social welfare policymakers, program managers, and service providers in creating, sharing and using knowledge. The creation of the Regional KM Team is one of the enabling technologies installed to facilitate the KM processes. The team will be the lead in the identification, documentation, screening and approval and sharing and dissemination of good practices and other knowledge products. To execute its functions, the KM Team is required to meet and assess/deliberate in terms of technical aspects and content of the submitted good practice documentation in the region. Also, to come up with KM initiatives. During the said meeting, the FO8 KM Team deliberated three potential good practices – “Knowledge Management Portal: Unlocking Wisdom” from the Capacity Building Section, “Advancing Synergy of DSWD FO-8 Pantawid and LGU Palapag Northern Samar for the Pantawid beneficiaries” of 4Ps Program, and “Social Welfare System” of LGU Dulag, Leyte last February 28, 2024. Currently, the GPDs are being enhanced based on the recommendations from the committee prior to endorsement to the Bureau for final review.