To recognize the vital role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) in the implementation of the Department’s programs, services and projects, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) recently conducted a consultation meeting with the CSOs regarding the preparation of 2015 budget.

A total of 3o CSOs and SWDAs were actively participated in the consultation and provided recommendations on what programs and services should be strengthened, reviewed and revisited to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said that the activity was anchored on the 2015 DSWD thrusts and priorities emanating from the President’s Social Contract for the Filipino People. It served as dialogue between the Department, CSOs and SWDAs to level-off their expectations in the budget preparation within the limits of the law, and guided by principles of constructive engagement.

Some of the recommendations were: for the Department to increase the budget allotment for Pantawid Pamilya program, intensify advocacy on Listahanan, and identify more responsive and sustainable projects for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), among others. These inputs will be included in the presentation of Field Office-NCR 2015 budget proposal during the Regional Development Council-Social Development Committee meeting on March 12, 2014. (FO-NCR, Social Marketing Office, March 7, 2014)