The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Standards Bureau (SB) concluded the 2nd Bi-Annual Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNet) National Convention with the theme “Empowering Networks, Inspiring Leadership: Sustaining Partnerships and Advancing Excellence with DSWD” held on December 11 to 13, 2025, at Madison 101 Hotel, Quezon City.

National ABSNet Chairperson, Fr. Arnold M. Abelardo, CMF, presented the accomplishment reports of the Regional ABSNet Clusters per Field Office, highlighting the achievements and good practices implemented across the regions. 

During the SB Director’s Hour, Atty. Megan Therese Y. Manahan shared and highlighted SB’s Call for Action to the ABSNet. She emphasized the need to assist the DSWD in advocating and promoting the regulatory services, provide technical assistance to unregistered, unlicensed, and unaccredited organizations, participate with social welfare and development standards, policies, rules, and regulations, and have an open communication, close coordination and collaboration efforts between the DSWD and ABSNet officers and members.

As the current term concluded, Standards Development Division (SDD) Chief, Charito P. Esteban shared the key updates and roles and responsibilities of the ABSNet Officers per DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 08, Series of 2025, entitled “Revised Guidelines on the Organization, Mobilization, and Strengthening of the ABSNet.” Meanwhile, Mr. Hernan Z. Perez, Social Welfare Officer IV, presented the prescribed election procedures for the selection of new ABSNet officers. 

The oath-taking of the newly-elected ABSNet officials was led by the Assistant Secretary for the RSIDG, Janet P. Armas, CESO IV, inducting Chairperson Fr. Arnold M. Abelardo, CMF; Vice-Chairpersons Ms. Mylene Lagman (Luzon), Ms. Jedd M. Ninofranco (Visayas), and Ms. Ann S. Rabang (Mindanao); Secretary Ms. April Castillo; and Committee Heads Ms. Maria Paz P. Baylon (Policy Review), Dr. Marylendra A. Penetrante (Capability Building), and Ms. Josie C. Co (Membership and Communication), who will serve fresh three-year term in advancing the Network’s mandate and responsibilities. 

The convention strengthened the collaboration, recognized regional accomplishments, and reaffirmed ABSNet’s commitment to sustaining partnerships in social welfare and development. (JACM)