The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) entered into a Memorandum of Partnership (MOP) with the Philippine Army particularly the 5th Infantry Division stationed at Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz, Gamu, Isabela and the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division stationed at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on 13 March 2020.
Through the leadership of DSWD Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla, Major General Pablo M. Lorenzo of the 5th ID, and Major General Lenard T. Agustin of the 7th ID, the involved institutions have agreed to converge efforts to address the local armed conflict in the Region.
The MOP is expected to help in addressing local armed conflicts by ensuring that the disadvantaged communities that are more vulnerable to the threat of insurgency, are provided with Government services necessary for the improvement of their lives.
“Through our partnership with the Philippine Army, we believe that we can better organize our strategies in the implementation and delivery of social welfare services for us to provide better service to those who are really in need”, Director Quintilla said.
With the MOP, the DSWD and the Philippine Army shall actively coordinate in the prepositioning and delivery of social welfare and development programs such as but not limited to the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services National Community Driven Development Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program, Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens, Supplementary Feeding Program.
This also furthers the earlier signed Memorandum of Cooperation between the DSWD FO CAR and 503rd Brigade of 5th ID which allows the temporary use of available structure within the camps in the region for storing and prepositioning of relief goods to ensure the prompt delivery of assistance to nearby affected communities during disasters.
“Through this strengthened partnership, we are able to enhance our response mechanisms to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in our communities. In terms of mobility and distribution of food assistance, the Philippine Army has a great contribution in reaching our targets, especially those who are in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.
Also, we could not over emphasize the impact of the manpower compliment that they give during our relief operations from the preparation of food packs, delivery, and distribution. This is true not only for the Philippine Army, but to the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippine, Bureau of Fire Protection and other National Line Agencies.
This partnership is more than just ensuring that we are able to deliver our services. If we become successful on this endeavor, this might be the beginning of a better and more peaceful future for the Cordillera people.” Director Quintilla said.
The ceremonial signing was witnessed by DSWD Undersecretary Glen Paje, Brigadier General Laurence Mina, Brigadier General Henry Doyaoen, Colonel Audrey Pascua, DSWD FO II Regional Director Fernando de Villa Jr, and DSWD FO CAR Social Welfare Officer IV Libertine Balicdang.
By Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva
