CLARK FREEPORT The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Australian government have discussed ways to improve the agency’s disaster response mechanisms, community development initiatives, and social protection efforts.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian recently met with the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, HK Yu PSM and the Australian Embassy delegation.

During the meeting, Gatchalian said one of his priorities is to strengthen the disaster response system of the DSWD.

The Australian Embassy representatives shared the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Program, a disaster preparedness program supported and funded by the Australian government.

The SHIELD program is being implemented with 11 local government units in the country. The embassy delegation committed to share with DSWD their disaster response framework and best practices.

Gatchalian also mentioned the plan of his agency to revitalize the Social Welfare and Development Center for Asia and the Pacific (SWADCAP) as an academy that will offer short-term courses and certificate programs to equip and train the social service workforce.

The labor force includes social workers, non-governmental organizations, local government personnel and other service providers involved in the implementation of social protection packages to the vulnerable and disadvantaged sector.

DSWD continues to build and expand its partnerships with international organizations to better improve the quality of services for the benefit of Filipinos.