Some State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) were tapped to intensify partnerships on capacitating individuals, groups, or organizations in social welfare and social protection services as well as in sharing of expertise among institutions through the Social Welfare and Development Learning Network (SWDL-Net).

As among the SWDL-Net mandates, DSWD continued partnership with Don Mariano Marcos State University, Urdaneta City State University, University of Northern Pangasinan, and Saint Louis College. Also, key cities and provinces and regional line agencies such as the Philippine Information Agency membered in this Network.

In the advent of social and electronic media, trends in the exchange of information and knowledge has become trivial, but the quality and maximized use or management of these is a continuous process as suggested by DSWD to its partners through its Knowledge Exchange Center (KEC).

Aside from external collaboration, the SWDL-Net members will also engage the DSWD Core Group of Specialists in the provision of updates and keep up with the current trends and realities along social welfare and social protection sector.

During the Program Review and Evaluation Workshop (PREW) held recently in Vigan City, the members finalized the activities that will foster the SWDL-Net for CY 2018 and likewise its 3-year plan.

The Secretariat presented additional learning on Training Module Development. Updates on DSWD Programs and Services were also provided by the DSWD- Social Marketing Unit staff. On DSWD’s side, clarification on issues in the delivery of programs was done especially in the delineation of roles between the LGUs and DSWD.

As members of the SWDL-Net, sharing of expertise has started. Saint Louis College through Mr. Michael John C. Batuang assessed the Regional Learning Resource Center of DSWD and provided recommendations to improve the facility while DMMMSU – MLUC provided technical assistance in the installation of the KOHA Library System.  (by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, IO II)