Kabankalan city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) is exploring a strategic collaboration with the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) in Negros Occidental to serve disadvantaged communities across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership is expected to be formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in a schedule to be announced later. Initial discussions were led by DSWD-NIR Director Arwin Razo and CPSU President Aladino Moraca during the coordination meeting with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) faculty at the school's main campus in Kabankalan City on Thursday.
"Priority programs and identified key areas where the agency and the university could collaborate were discussed, particularly in strengthening community development initiatives, capacity-building activities, and inclusive social welfare interventions," Razo said. The university's CAS has community-based initiatives designed to promote education, youth engagement, and data-driven community development. These were identified as potential models that could be integrated into various DSWD-NIR programs and social welfare services.
Moraca stated that the CPSU has ongoing extension programs and long-term sustainability plans focused on improving the lives of marginalized and vulnerable sectors. "It is important that academic institutions take an active role in grassroots development and nation-building," he added.
Meanwhile, 125 CPSU students recently received cash assistance under the DSWD's Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services cash-for-work program for state universities and colleges (CFW-SUC). Each student received PHP2,700 for a total of PHP337,500. The CFW-SUC initiative aims to create meaningful opportunities for students and graduates, providing both financial assistance and short-term employment as they engage in productive activities that contribute to their respective institutions and communities.
