Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday (January 22) met with Caritas Philippines, led by its executive director, Fr. Tito Caluag, to explore ways to collaborate in the implementation of the agency’s various programs that aim to make people self-sufficient.

Among the programs discussed by Secretary Gatchalian were the DSWD’s Tara Basa!Tutoring Program, and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s (4Ps) First 1,000 Days of Life (F1KD), communal farming, and savings mobilizations among 4Ps beneficiaries.

The DSWD’s provision of rehabilitation services and capacity building to the residents of the agency’s centers and residential care facilities (CRCF) was also highlighted by the DSWD chief.

Fr. Caluag offered to use the different parishes for the conduct of the Tara Basa!Tutoring Program.

Also in the series of meetings were Undersecretaries Edu Punay, Monina Josefina Romualdez, Vilma Cabrera; Asst. Secretaries Baldr Bringas, Marites Maristela, Ada Colico; as well as members of the DSWD management committee. (MBM)