The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Standards Bureau, together with the DSWD Field Offices, National Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNet) Officers and representatives from various Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs), successfully conducted the 2026 1st National ABSNet Convention on May 26, 2026 (Tuesday). The convention focussed on reinforcing the institutional partnerships and ensuring a fully functional regulatory network.

The activity aimed to strengthen collaboration among national, regional, and local ABSNet officers and members to better fulfill the network’s regulatory mandates. Ultimately, this partnership seeks to optimize the delivery of social welfare and development programs nationwide.

A major highlight of the convention was a data-driven presentation by GoNonprofit consultant Mr. Chrisler Go. Serving as the primary resource person, Go shared his comprehensive study, “Salary, Benefits, and Workforce Sustainability among SWDAs/NGOs.” His findings addressed critical issues like staff retention, compensation gaps, and long-term viability, sparking vital discussions on how to better support the sector’s workforce and ensure high-quality care.

The convention highlighted a strong public-private partnership, with Fr. Arnold M. Abelardo, CMF, thanking the DSWD on behalf of civil society organizations for its steady guidance to regional SWDAs. By reinforcing cooperation and introducing new insights on workforce sustainability, the 1st National ABSNet Bi-Annual Convention sets a new benchmark for regulatory efficiency in social welfare and development. (PJE)