The DSWD Academy, in collaboration with the Standards Bureau (SB), successfully conducted four (4) batches of its Pre-Marriage Counseling (PMC) Training between July and August 2025. The goal was to enhance the quality of counseling offered to young, prospective, “would-be married couples”, especially those aged 18 to 25, ensuring the guidance meets the standards outlined in “The Family Code of the Philippines”.

The training program began its first batch at the Coron Westown Resort, Palawan from May 19 to 23, 2025 targeting a total of 35 participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The five-day training is part of the accreditation process for pre-marriage counselors.

Meanwhile, the training for the second batch from July 7 to 11, 2025 at the Tagaytay Haven Hotel was attended by Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs) and social work para-professionals from Regions IV-A, VI, X, CARAGA, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Resource speakers for this batch were Ms. Masachussette B. Nacino, Ms. Margarita L. Garcia, and Mr. Anthony Septimo of the SB, along with DSWD Academy Director IV, Atty. Justin Caesar Anthony D. Batocabe.

The third batch gathered 38 pre-marriage counselors from various local government
units (LGUs) across Regions I, II, III, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, CAR, Region VI, Region XI, and Caraga at the Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City from July 21 to 25, 2025. 

The training concluded with the final batch held on August 4 to 8, 2025, at the DSWD Academy in Taguig City. This last session featured a wider national representation among participants. Distinguished speakers for the final batch included Atty. Batocabe, Ms. Maria Aquilisa Ongleo from the Center Development Office, Ms. Nacino, and Ms. Rainelda Q. Contado from the SB. (PJE)