With its mandate to safeguard, advance and uphold the welfare and rights of the province’s vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youth, solo parents, women, and other marginalized individuals, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) launched a series of impactful programs throughout 2024. These tackled pressing concerns and challenges head-on which improve access to essential social services and drive measurable improvements in the well-being of these groups over the course of the year.
Building on its previous successes, the PSWDO implemented a comprehensive program in 2024 with a total cost of Php 1,230,768.00 to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), in alignment with Republic Acts such as the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710); the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208); and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262). Through strong partnerships with the DSWD and LGUs, the program reached 594 beneficiaries, including both victims and participants who underwent gender sensitivity training, skills development, and awareness initiatives to combat gender-based violence. Despite challenges in accessibility and fully internalizing the laws, the program was successful in empowering men and women, raising awareness and promoting gender equality. These efforts continue with effective monitoring, appropriate fund allocation, and active participation from various sectors, ensuring gender-responsive interventions that address the specific needs of both men and women across all communities and further strengthening the fight against TIP and VAWC.
The “Support and Services for Persons with Disability” project implemented by PSWDO, with a budget of Php 2,260,196.50, aimed to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities (PWDs) by ensuring their equal and equitable access to various aspects of life, including productivity, employment, education, housing, and socio-recreational activities. The program also sought to raise public awareness about the issues faced by PWDs, their rights to social equity, and their contributions to the workforce. Activities included the hiring of additional staff to support PWD initiatives, regular meetings of disability federations, celebrations for women with disabilities, and observances such as the National Rare Disease Week and National Cancer Consciousness Week.
Training sessions were conducted to support children with developmental delays, and assistance was provided through cash incentives, monthly pensions for indigent bedridden PWDs, and livelihood programs. Overall, the project has contributed to reducing disabilities, promoting early detection, and enhancing the capabilities of PWDs in the province.
Other key accomplishment of PSWDO in 2024 was the implementation of the “Support and Services for Elderly” project with a total budget of Php 9,241,615.00. This project has promoted the protection of rights, independence and active participation of senior citizens in community development. Activities included quarterly meetings of the Federation of Senior Citizens, provision of sustainable livelihood programs and cash incentives distribution. Notable programs such as the Filipino Elderly Week celebration, which reached up to 650 beneficiaries and the provision of honorariums for federation officers that benefited 11 individuals.
On the other hand, the PSWDO also offered the cash incentive program, with a total budget of Php 7,485,000.00 which supported 5,091 senior citizens. The project also provided manpower in support of SP Ordinance No. 85 and conducted sustainable livelihood initiatives, reaching a total of 5,957 beneficiaries throughout the year. The program has been successful in fostering community involvement and addressing the evolving needs of senior citizens to uplift their well-being and their continued contribution to society.
Under the “Knowledge, Skills, and Assistance (KSA) Programs for Solo Parents”, the PSWDO designed to empower solo parents by equipping them with essential tools, resources and support to improve their livelihoods, manage family responsibilities and secure financial stability. The program’s activities include meetings and consultation dialogues across different municipalities attended by 160 beneficiaries. Financial Literacy Trainings were also held benefiting 240 solo parents. Additionally, livelihood skills training conducted by the office supported 182 solo parents, while 460 recipients received initial and additional capital assistance. These activities, conducted throughout the year provided economic support as well as social and emotional assistance that foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for solo parents and their families.
In line with its ongoing commitment to gender empowerment, the PSWDO also implemented the Livelihood Support for Women Groups Project, with a focus on enhancing women’s economic independence and improving their quality of life. This project was designed specifically to address the challenges women face in marginalized communities and provide opportunities for income generation, economic security and access to essential resources such as microcredit and grants. Activities included the conduct of consultation dialogues with women’s associations, offering financial literacy seminars and providing livelihood assistance tobeneficiaries.
Additionally, skills training in sectors like handicrafts, agriculture, and food processing was conducted to help women acquire valuable skills for income generation. As part of the initiative, the PSWDO also organized Women’s Month Celebrations, which showcased the resilience and strength of women, promoted their contributions to society, and reinforced the importance of gender equality.
The PSWDO also launched the “Back to School Program for Out of School Youth (OSY) and Child Laborers” with a budget allocation of Php 3,486,788.55. This project aimed to reduce the number of reported cases of OSY and child labor in the province and create opportunities for these vulnerable youth. Its objectives include mitigating the risks associated with child labor, preventing engagement in negative activities and steering youth towards education as a path for a brighter future. The program provided educational assistance to 330 identified beneficiaries, both male and female, who received Php 1,000 monthly for their school allowances. A total of Php 3,288,000.00 was allocated to cover these educational allowances for the school year 2023-2024. In addition to financial aid, the program also included monitoring and evaluation through case management, with two contract of service staff employed to oversee the implementation.
The PSWDO supported marginalized sectors and promote inclusive development in the province. One such initiative was the Sustainable Livelihood Programs for Marginalized Sectors aimed at empowering vulnerable groups through consultations and meetings to address their needs and challenges. The project provided livelihood assistance, tools, materials and seed capital to disadvantaged individuals, groups and cooperatives. These activities focused on capacity building, advocacy, and collaboration, ensuring the active participation of marginalized communities. The consultations led to a comprehensive action plan with targeted programs, policy recommendations and resource allocation. In total, the project benefited 236 individuals, including 148 males and 88 females, with meetings conducted across several dates and locations. Through these efforts, PSWDO provided marginalized groups with opportunities to start businesses offering hope and empowerment for a better future.
In addition to these aforementioned accomplishments, the PSWDO also extended its support to other sectors through Programs for Former Rebels (FR) and Programs for Persons who Used Drugs (PWUDS). The program for Former Rebels (FR) focused on sustaining the economic capacity of former rebels and their families while ensuring their safety, security and overall well-being. This covers livelihood assistance, funding for barangay development projects, and conducting “Serbisyo Caravan and Ugnayan sa Barangay” activities to foster community engagement. Likewise, the programs for Persons Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, promote health and wellness and aid in rehabilitation and reintegration. This project also focused on strengthening families by providing life skills and parenting support, while conducting symposiums and family development sessions on drug abuse prevention. Both programs, through their targeted activities, contribute to the broader goal of community empowerment and rehabilitation while also enhancing the social functioning and stability of these vulnerable groups.
On the other hand, the PSWDO also has been instrumental in providing various support services through infrastructure and rehabilitation programs for these sectors, including the Bahay Pag-asa Rehabilitation Program. This initiative focuses on Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR). The program has provided secure accommodation and direct services as well sd conducted skills development, life skills training and family restoration activities. Notably, Bahay Pag-asa underwent key infrastructure improvements including repairs to its facilities and the installation of CCTV systems to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Additionally, staff training and
In line with its ongoing commitment to gender empowerment, the PSWDO also implemented the Livelihood Support for Women Groups Project, with a focus on enhancing women’s economic independence and improving their quality of life. This project was designed specifically to address the challenges women face in marginalized communities and provide opportunities for income generation, economic security and access to essential resources such as microcredit and grants. Activities included the conduct of consultation dialogues with women’s associations, offering financial literacy seminars and providing livelihood assistance tobeneficiaries.
On the other hand, the PSWDO also has been instrumental in providing various support services through infrastructure and rehabilitation programs for these sectors, including the Bahay Pag-asa Rehabilitation Program. This initiative focuses on Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR). The program has provided secure accommodation and direct services as well sd conducted skills development, life skills training and family restoration activities. Notably, Bahay Pag-asa underwent key infrastructure improvements, including repairs to its facilities and the installation of CCTV systems to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Additionally, staff training and multidisciplinary collaborations have enhanced the quality of service delivery for both staff and residents. With continuous case management and community reintegration efforts, this rehabilitation is expected to transform the lives of its residents and offer them opportunities to live a better life.
Aside from that, the PSWDO also enhanced the infrastructure for the Special Drug Education Center (SDEC) and Halfway House for Former Rebels and Militia ng Bayan. The SDEC’s objective is to create a community-based facility for the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) and street children promoting preventive services to combat drug abuse and involvement in illegal activities. Through various activities, including capacity development orientations, the printing and distribution of informative materials, psychosocial interventions and operationalization of the center, the SDEC has been a strong support system for the youth in the province. Furthermore, the Halfway House project aimed to support former rebels and militia by providing medical and financial assistance, facilitating in-house training and organizing case study conferences for the reintegration of these individuals into society. Regular maintenance of the halfway house ensured it remained a safe space for these groups to transition back into the community. Both programs have created a safer and a more rehabilitative spaces which encouraged collaboration and important dialogues among stakeholders for a peaceful and prosperous future in the province.
Moreover, other key programs of PSWDO involved the promotion of reproductive health and supporting vulnerable children. The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) and Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Programs aimed to provide wide reproductive health services and education to ensure the well-being of individuals, particularly the youth. This was achieved through a variety of activities, including the establishment of an RPRH and AHD database, a behavior-change communication campaign, comprehensive sexuality education in schools and communities, and capacity building for municipal pre-marriage counselors. The program also strengthened the local healthcare workforce to effectively deliver reproductive and adolescent health services. Further, the Strategic Helpdesks for Information, Education, Livelihood & Other Developmental Interventions (SHIELD) Against Child Labor and Street Children program worked to reduce child labor and support street children. Through psychosocial support, values education seminars and materials provision, the program worked closely with families to improve child-parent relationships, raise awareness of children’s rights and reduce instances of abuse and exploitation.
On top of that, the office has been an instrument to address pressing social issues faced by the province and to be an advocate of establishing an inclusive society. Through the PSWDO, Governor Ed Gadiano remains committed to advancing its mission, as part of his I-HEARTS Social Contract, to empower the marginalized sectors, promote equal opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life for all vulnerable individuals.