BAGUIO CITY – The Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC-CAR) tackled various social development concerns in the region focusing on the status of the unmet needs and plight of the vulnerable sectors during its 4th quarter meeting on November 15, 2022 in the city.
The RSDC took action to address the problems ensuring that programs, projects and activities (PPAs) are on track in their implementation. To begin with, Committee Vice-Chair and NEDA Regional Director (RD) Susan A. Sumbeling secured support for the passage of the Magna Carta of Daycare Workers which shall provide minimum benefits to child development workers. “With this, the workers could ensure the best care and attention to every early childhood learner in the barangays,” she said. This will subsequently be presented in the upcoming Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting on December 9.
Sumbeling also pressed for the sustainable implementation of the Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and Children (SPPAMC) after its initial rollout in the provinces, cities, and municipalities.
On health concerns, RD Rio Magpantay of the health department in the region said the agency will partner with local governments to convince parents to get their children vaccinated.
On social protection concerns, Assistant RD Amelyn Cabrera of social welfare department reported the agency will conduct an intensive information and education campaign (IEC) and advocacy on the rights of women with the observance of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women, starting November 25.
On housing, RD Maria Amoroso of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development shall prioritize technical assistance to local governments with high homeless families.
On education, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Department of Education will also conduct IEC and advocacy celebrating Education Week on December 12-16 through a kapihan tackling scholarships and grants for faculty and technical-vocational students. “This is to lure students to return to school, especially that by next year, face-to-face classroom setup will be fully implemented,” CHED representative Menzie Kuengan announced.
The private sector representatives likewise proposed some interventions such as using the five percent Gender and Development Fund among state universities and colleges and the establishment of a comprehensive database for persons with disabilities to enable them to access government programs since no agency maintains a unified record.
The meeting was presided over by Arnel Cabanisas, Committee Co-Chair and PSR for Social Development. Mayor Joseph Sto. Niño B. Bernos of La Paz, Abra, also the National President of the League of Municipalities was recently appointed as the Committee Chair by RDC Chair and Apayao Gov. Elias C. Bulut, Jr. By Virginia L. Anceno
