CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (March 23, 2026) — Collaboration among national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and civil society organizations is shaping the delivery of social welfare programs in Northern Mindanao, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 officials said during the office’s 75th founding anniversary

DSWD-10 recognized partners through its “Panata Ko sa Bayan” awarding ceremony on March 12, citing their roles in implementing programs and services across the region.

DSWD Regional Director Glofelia Uayan said coordinated efforts among stakeholders help extend assistance to communities. “Nothing is impossible when everyone is working together,” Uayan said.

The agency works with LGUs to deliver frontline services, including social protection programs, disaster response, and community-based interventions. NGAs provide technical support, policy coordination, and sectoral services, while non-government organizations assist in program implementation and community engagement.

Among the Gawad Kalambuan awardees were the LGUs of Libona, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Malaybalay City, and San Fernando in Bukidnon; Lugait, Medina, Gingoog City, and Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental; Iligan City, Salvador, and Linamon in Lanao del Norte; Sinacaban, Jimenez, Bonifacio, and Tangub City in Misamis Occidental; and Sagay in Camiguin.

Inter-agency partners recognized by DSWD-10 included the regional office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Health, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, as well as the Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare and Development Office and the PNP Women and Children Protection Center–Mindanao Field Unit.

“The recognition given by the DSWD to its partner agencies augurs well for the implementation of its programs and services, as it motivates all partners to cooperate, collaborate, and co-create opportunities for impactful and successful interventions for the less fortunate sectors and communities,” said PIA Regional Head Franklin P. Gumapon.

PIA supports campaigns of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC), providing information on reporting mechanisms, legal remedies, and support services. Through programs such as Talakayan sa PIA and Lambo Dyes, the agency relays updates on DSWD services, including assistance programs, disaster response, and community-based interventions.

DSWD-10 also cited civil society and private sector partners, including International Justice Mission, Kaanib Foundation Inc., First Community Cooperative, Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Pilmico Foods Corporation, Gonzalo and Carmen Abaya Memorial Foundation Inc., and the Philippine Dental Association-Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental Chapter.

Meanwhile, DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, who represented Secretary Rex Gatchalian, extended gratitude to partner agencies and organizations for their support. She also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to continue working with stakeholders to expand access to social welfare services. (JMOR/PIA-10 with reports from DSWD-10)