TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines—A stronger collaboration between the academe, government, and private sector organizations was cemented during the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Partnership Conference held on September 4-5, 2025 at Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City. One of the highlights was the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Samar State University Advocacy on Gender and Women Advancement for National Development (SAGWAN) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII (DSWD FO VIII), along with DSWD’s new CSO partners including the Palawan Group of Companies, BPI Direct Banko, and AAA-Lab Medical Center, Inc.
The signing formalized a shared commitment to strengthen community-based programs, gender and women’s empowerment, and inclusive social welfare initiatives. SSU was represented by University President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, SAGWAN Director Charmaine Quiña, and Executive Director for Research Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid.
The two-day event was spearheaded by the DSWD FO VIII for productive discussions on convergence strategies, social case management, and the expansion of CSO engagements across Eastern Visayas. It was attended by Regional Director Grace Q. Subong of DSWD FO; also present were Paula B. Unay, Division Chief of DSWD FO VIII; Mr. Lerto Cortuna, Field Sales Associate for Visayas Client Acquisition and Management of BPI Direct Banko; Ms. Johanna Chrystil Abit, President of AAA-Lab Medical Center, Inc.; Ms. Charmain Quina, SAGWAN Director of Samar State University; and Ms. Melanie Arriola, Key Accounts Specialist of Palawan Group of Companies.
Over the course of the program, SSU and the CSOs presented their respective services and programs, while DSWD facilitated discussions on convergence planning and the 4Ps Kilos-Unlad Social Case Management approach.
With this partnership, SSU through SAGWAN is set to intensify its advocacy on gender and women empowerment, working hand-in-hand with DSWD and its CSO partners in advancing social protection and nation-building.