In a move to harmonize social welfare standards with human rights protocols, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Regulatory Services, and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG), met with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to establish a more protective framework for the most vulnerable sectors on December 5, 2025 held at the CHR Central Office.

The collaborative meeting brought together key leaders from both institutions to integrate human rights-based approaches into the Department’s existing regulatory functions.

Leading the DSWD delegation were Undersecretary for RSIDG Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas, MD, RSW, Assistant Secretary for RSIDG Janet P. Armas, CESO IV, and Standards Bureau (SB) Director Atty. Megan Therese Y. Manahan while the CHR was represented by its Chairperson, Atty. Richard P. Palpal-latoc and Children’s Rights Center OIC Ms. Ma. Victoria Diaz.

The primary focus of the dialogue was to establish a joint monitoring protocol between the CHR and the DSWD that aims to create a unified mechanism for the coordinated monitoring and investigation of complaints filed against Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs). The DSWD seeks to ensure that every registered and licensed organization operates under the highest ethical and legal standards, strictly adhering to human rights principles.

Meanwhile, a vital component of the collaboration is the formalization of data-sharing agreements. Through streamlining communication between the two agencies on the  best practices in rights-based social work, it will ensure that reports of abuse or negligence in residential care facilities are acted upon with precision and urgency.

To solidify this partnership, both parties discussed the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will serve as a roadmap for aligning Philippine social welfare laws with international human rights standards.

The SB remains committed to its role as the regulatory function, ensuring that all SWDAs uphold the inherent dignity and rights of every individual they serve. (MGCBA)