The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region (DSWD FO 1) Supplementary Feeding Program Management Office (SFPMO) conducted the 14th Cycle Program Implementation Review and Planning Workshop in preparation for the program’s 15th and 16th Cycle implementation.

The workshop was attended by Local Social Welfare and Development Officers (LSWDOs), Child Development Workers (CDWs), and SFP Focal Persons from various Local Government Units (LGUs) from Region 1.

The activity aimed to review the implementation of the 14th cycle of the program, especially the Transfer of Fund setup, and prepare for the upcoming 15th and 16th cycles, inform stakeholders about updated program guidelines and policies, assess the readiness of LGUs to implement, and address various issues and concerns related to the program.

Protective Services Bureau (PSB) Director Edmon B. Monteverde who graced the event shared the DSWD Central Office’s commitment to the program and its stakeholders.

In his message, Director Monteverde stated, “The DSWD Central Office is committed to strengthening the Supplementary Feeding Program through continuous improvement. We are actively reviewing policies, guidelines, and directives to enhance the efficiency and impact of the program.”

Through the SWOT analysis workshop, the LGUs assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges in implementing the Transfer of Fund modality. After which, they shared their best practices in managing and implementing the program, highlighting their innovative approaches, lessons learned, and strategies to enhance efficiency, accountability, and impact on the community, especially for the beneficiaries.

One of the challenges in implementation is food spoilage. To address and minimize this issue, reminders on proper food handling practices were disseminated, along with updates on the delivery schedule.

To recognize outstanding performance during the implementation of 14th cycle, 12 LGUs were awarded certificates of recognition and incentives. These included San Carlos City, Calasiao, Manaoag, Pozorrubio, Sison, Villasis, Asingan, and Balungao, Pangasinan; Pasuquin and Currimao, Ilocos Norte; Rosario, La Union; and Santa, Ilocos Sur.

“Through SFP, we contribute to the well-being of our future generation,” said Assistant Regional Director for Operations Anniely J. Ferrer, who was also present during the workshop. “We hope that the new generation we are raising is truly the future generation we want to shape. We commend the contribution of everyone, especially our CDWs, who ensure that nutritious food is served to the children. We will continue to build the capacity of all stakeholders, starting with engaging local chief executives and other officials involved in program implementation.”

Bringing together the key partners of the program, the implementation review and planning workshop served as a platform to align strategies, and strengthen partnerships for a more effective and improved execution of the upcoming cycles of the Supplementary Feeding Program. (by Riyadh P. Castañeda, Project Development Officer I, Supplementary Feeding Program and Henry J. Juyno, Information Officer II, Social Marketing Unit)