MSEUF supports DSWD's Provincial CSO-Academe Partners Meeting; highlights support to 4Ps members' accomplishments

Community Relations DeaprtmentSeptember 14, 2024

Stakeholders posed for a photo opportunity. Fifth from left (seated) Ms. Nellibeth V. Mercado, Project Development Officer V- Division Chief 4Ps Management Office and Dr. Milagrosa A. Lawas, Community Relations Director of MSEUF Main Campus.

LUCENA CITY — The 2024 2nd Semester Provincial Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Academe Partners Meeting, organized by the 4Ps Quezon Provincial Operations Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON), brought together key stakeholders to discuss their efforts in supporting Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, Sept. 13.

Facilitated by the Provincial CSO Focal Persons, Mr. Kim James Obciana and Ms. Donna V. Rodas, under the supervision of Ms. Geraldine R. Permejo, Social Welfare Officer IV and Provincial Link for Operations, Ms. Nellibeth Mercado, Division Chief of DSWD Field Office IV, and Ms. Ana Rose Ablan, Institutional Partnership Development Officer of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Management Office, attended the said meeting.

The event served as a platform for CSO and academe partners to present their achievements between April and August 2024, emphasizing the impact of these activities on 4Ps beneficiaries.

Dr. Milagrosa A. Lawas, Director of the Community Relations Department of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF), also attended the event where she highlighted the university's accomplishments as a DSWD partner in implementing activities that support 4Ps families.

Other stakeholders present included MSEUF - Catanauan (an affiliate school), Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) - Main Campus, SLSU - Tiaong Campus, RNC Technical Learning Center, Inc., Bondoc Peninsula Technological Institute, REINa Federation of Parents' Association, Inc., Bethsaida Services for Disabled, Inc., Family Independent Baptist Church, Inc., and the South-Central Luzon Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Additional organizations, such as Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng Lucena, Rotary Club of Calauag, and STEADFAST, were invited but are in the process of completing their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) documentation.

The meeting highlighted the support provided to the beneficiaries of 4Ps by the academe partners and CSO where they shared success stories of Youth Development Sessions and community outreach efforts that significantly improved educational opportunities for children of 4Ps, livelihood training that provided skills and livelihood opportunities that contributed to household income growth, and health initiatives that aimed at ensuring 4Ps families have access to essential health care services.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future collaborations and exploring new partnerships, as stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the continued support and development of 4Ps beneficiaries.

The 2024 2nd Semester Provincial CSO and Academe Partners Meeting showcased the strength of collaboration between civil society, academic institutions, and the DSWD in making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable families.

Dr. Lawas shared the MSEUF updates and accomplishments of the university in the conduct of activities that supported the 4Ps beneficiaries

MSEUF-Catanauan campus represented by Ms. Cherrylyn H. Baniqued shared the Youth Development Sessions and 4Ps Parents’ Congress conducted in the campus attended by 4Ps children and parents, respectively.

The 2024 2nd Semester Provincial Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Academe Partners Meeting supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the programs and initiatives presented.

SDG 1: No Poverty - The meeting focuses on initiatives that help uplift 4Ps families through livelihood training, economic empowerment, and sustainable income-generating activities, which directly contribute to reducing poverty.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger - Some livelihood programs and capacity-building initiatives that increase household incomes can help ensure that families have access to adequate food, contributing to ending hunger and improving food security for vulnerable families.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - Partners' programs, such as health missions, wellness seminars, and access to essential health services, align with efforts to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages, especially for marginalized 4Ps members.
SDG 4: Quality Education - Youth Development Sessions (YDS), educational support, and outreach efforts by academic partners like MSEUF and SLSU provide access to quality education, ensuring inclusive and equitable education opportunities for children from 4Ps families.\
SDG 5: Gender Equality - Many livelihood and empowerment programs target marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, helping to reduce gender disparities in economic opportunities and household decision-making.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - The livelihood projects and skills training programs shared during the meeting align with SDG 8 by promoting economic productivity and providing decent work opportunities for 4Ps families, contributing to sustained economic growth.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequality - By supporting marginalized 4Ps members and ensuring access to education, health, and livelihood opportunities, the meeting’s initiatives directly aim to reduce inequalities within the province.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - The meeting itself reflects SDG 17 through the partnerships between civil society, academic institutions, and government agencies (like DSWD), working together to achieve sustainable development and improve the lives of 4Ps beneficiaries.