The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently conducted an orientation on the Mobilization of Area Based Standards Network (ABSNet) for the monitoring of unregistered and unlicensed Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) among its Field Office personnel as part of its efforts to strengthen the agency’s regulatory function.

The one-day orientation held last May 27 through a virtual platform was aimed at equipping the field office staff handling quality assurance roles with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively monitor the SWDAs through the effective utilization of ABSNets, as well as improving regulatory compliance.

Some 66 agency personnel from across the 16 Field Offices attended the orientation led by the agency’s Standards Bureau (SB).

“Through this effort, the SB aims to strengthen its ability to enforce regulatory measures effectively, thereby safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable sectors and promoting accountability within the social welfare sector,” SB Director Atty. Megan Therese Manahan pointed out.

Director Manahan emphasized in her opening remarks the importance of the role of the Field Offices’ Standard Sections which serve as the backbone of ABSNet’s effectiveness.

“Together, we can build a stronger and secure social welfare network for the Filipino people,” Director Manahan said.

The participants are also expected to conduct the same orientation to active Local ABSNet clusters involved in the monitoring activities.

In her closing message, SB Assistant Director Cynthia Ilano commended the field office staff for their dedication in upholding and enforcing agency’s regulatory services.

“Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of Filipinos in need as we strive for excellence in our service,” Asst. Director Ilano said.

ABSNet is an organization of DSWD-registered/licensed/accredited SWDAs that assists the DSWD in the implementation and monitoring of social welfare and development programs and services.

The organization is also being tapped by the DSWD in the provision of technical assistance to SWDAs, and the conduct of advocacy activities on regulatory services of the agency.

More than 22 years after its conceptualization, ABSNet remains a reliable partner of the Department in enforcing compliance with the law and regulatory requirements of the agency. #