DSWD, Aussie gov’t launch social protection, gender equality program

MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Australian government have launched the Social Protection, Inclusion, and Gender Equality (SPRING) program.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu signed the subsidiary agreement for the implementation of the SPRING program during the 2024 DSWD Partnership Forum in Makati City on Thursday.

The SPRING is an initiative of the Australian government, through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in partnership with the DSWD and other government agencies.

It is a five-year, PHP1.5 billion investment that will focus on strengthening the Philippines’ own systems and structures on social protection and gender mainstreaming and supporting disability and indigenous equity and rights.

“Social welfare is more glamorous, it is more sexy because the gratification is instant so to speak. The development side of the Department tends to be the more unglamorous side of it because it is a very long game to get people out of poverty. But programs like SPRING actually make it into reality. It speeds things up,” Gatchalian said in his message.

Gatchalian recognized the efforts of the agency and its partners to ensure that policies are not only developed but are implemented in ways that are context-specific, sustainable, and most importantly, impactful as exemplified by the SPRING program.

Through the SPRING, Gatchalian said DSWD personnel will be infused with technical skills that are necessary in uplifting the lives of the poor.

“It combines what we already have — the heart — and it adds the technical skills to it,” he pointed out.

In his message, Yu said the Australian government is “extremely proud as the longest standing bilateral partner to DSWD to be able to launch yet another impressive new investment program.”

“I can’t wait to see this being integrated by our wonderful partners, the DSWD and many other agencies that are promoting gender equality and social inclusion,” Yu said.

In the same event, Gatchalian, together with Ayala Foundation trustee and president Tony Lambino, launched the “THRIVE,” a photo storybook showcasing portraits and stories of 17 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) “Huwarang Pamilya” beneficiaries from
different regions.

“Each of the families featured in the book shared compelling stories of how they overcame social, economic and personal challenges and how they took full advantage of the opportunities 4Ps offered them,” Gatchalian said.

Lambino expressed his gratitude to the DSWD and its personnel, describing them as “large-hearted social workers”.

“We are grateful to Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the DSWD team for the opportunity to help tell this inspiring 4Ps stories from the combined perspectives of the participatory families themselves, large-hearted social workers, both from the DSWD and the local government units,” he said in his message.

— Zaldy De Layola  (PNA)