The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Standards Bureau (SB), successfully concluded the 2nd National Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNet) Bi-Annual Activity and Conference for CY 2024 from November 26 to 28 at the Madison 101 Hotel in Quezon City.

During the event, Standards and Capacity Building Group (SCBG) Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas expressed gratitude to the ABSNet for their continued support in ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable sectors of the society are met with quality social welfare services and programs.

“On behalf of everyone from the DSWD, we extend our utmost gratitude and appreciation to the National ABSnet officers and members for their unyielding dedication and passion in implementing quality services for the poor, marginalized and vulnerable sectors of our society,” Undersecretary Bragas said in her keynote address.

Bannering the theme, “Outstanding SWDAs, Excellent ABSNet,” the event convened officers of National ABSNet representing various Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) and representatives from the Standards and Capacity Building Group (SCBG), Standards Bureau, and the Standards Section of the DSWD Field Offices (FOs).

During the said three-day activity, participants engaged in comprehensive discussions which revolved on various topics aimed at refining the monitoring process of SWDAs, including the challenges faced by the members of ABSNet in providing support to fellow SWDAs.

The sessions also covered the sharing of strategic ways to enhance the regulatory function of the ABSNet to unregistered and unlicensed SWDAs with unaccredited programs and services.

Some ABSNet officers and sectoral representatives took the opportunity to extend their appreciation for the responsiveness of the DSWD to their needs and emphasized the importance of further collaboration in achieving regulatory standards.

Echoing the significance of the bi-annual activity, SCBG Assistant Secretary Janet Armas and Standard Bureau (SB) Director Megan Therese Manahan said that through proactive discussions, the DSWD and the ABSNet are able to diminish identified challenges and extend efficient and standard-abiding programs and services to the vulnerable sectors.

SB Assistant Bureau Director Cynthia Ilano also expressed her appreciation to ABSNet for their consistent commitment in refining the core of their partnership.

“As our partner and “kabalikat” in the field of social welfare and development providing excellent services to the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors of our society, and ensuring that services provided are within the optimum level, we appreciate you and your participation in this activity. We just hope that all your issues and concerns are presented and resolved,” SB Asst. Director Ilano pointed out.

Aside from the discussions, the DSWD, through the SB also led the 2024 Awarding Ceremony for the Outstanding Social Welfare Agencies (SWAs) and Social Welfare and Development (SWDAs) last November 28.

A total of 9 SWAs and auxiliary SWDAs each received a plaque and cash incentives in recognition of their innovative initiatives and exemplary practices. (LSJ)

Link: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/dswd-concludes-2nd-national-absnet-bi-annual-activity-and-conference-for-2024/