Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Zoom Teleconference – In a continued effort to enhance the functionality of local mechanisms for social protection, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX conducted a Retooling on Social Protection Functionality Assessments on January 16, 2025.

The activity focused on the assessment and improvement of three critical components of social protection: the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) Functionality Assessment, the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), and the Local Committee for Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC). 

DILG IX Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, LGOO VI Lizzette Regine R. Boltiador, and Alternate Focal Person, LGOO II Beatriz Faye G. Carreon led the discussions, highlighting the standards and indicators for each functionality assessment. Their presentations aimed to capacitate local governments in meeting the requirements for effective service delivery and compliance with national policies. 

The retooling was attended by Provincial and City DILG GAD Focal and Alternate Focal Persons from across the region, ensuring that the learnings and insights will be cascaded to their respective Local Government Units (LGUs). The event provided a platform for participants to discuss challenges, share best practices, and identify innovative approaches to strengthen social protection programs in their communities. 

This initiative underscores DILG IX’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, child protection, and gender equality by empowering LGUs to better serve vulnerable sectors and address social welfare concerns.