The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) signed on February 27, the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) that harmonizes the programs of these agencies for a more comprehensive implementation and delivery of programs and services for the marginalized and poor sectors as mandated by Executive Order (EO) 67.

             One of the main provisions of the EO is the transfer of supervision of various agencies under or attached to the Office of the President to select executive departments with relevant core functions. This transfer aims to strengthen the institutional framework of the executive branch of government towards an improved delivery of social services. 

The JMC which operationalizes the EO, clarifies the relationship between and among DSWD, PCUP, NCIP, and NAPC; serves as a framework to guide the agencies in harmonizing their policies and coordinating their programs and activities; and provides a mechanism on the crafting, identification, as well as implementation of such policies, programs, and activities.

Under the JMC, DSWD, PCUP, NCIP, and NAPC shall establish points of convergence to ensure consistency as to the purpose of the EO which shall cover activities, including, but not limited to data sharing, targeting, resource mobilization, project piloting, strategic plans and policies, technical and secretariat support, and program implementation.

Moreover, the JMC specifies the creation of an Executive Committee (EXECOM),   which shall formulate policies to ensure harmonization of programs and compliance with the reportorial requirements, and provide support and guidance to the agencies on their existing programs and its implementation. Management Committee will also be created to coordinate with the agencies concerned regarding the implementation and monitoring of their existing programs and projects.

PCUP Chair Alvin SJ. Feliciano, NCIP Chair Allen Capuyan, and NAPC Secretary Noel Felongco, emphasized the importance of convergence of government programs and services highlighting that it is the bedrock of good governance aimed towards better serving the poor, marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society.

PCUP Chair Feliciano stated, “Today marked the beginning of the harmonious relationship between and among our agencies. Imposible nang maghirap ang mamamayan dahil tayo ay magkakasama nang makikibaka sa kahirapan.”

NCIP Chair Capuyan reinforced the message of converging programs and services saying, “Sama-sama tayong kumilos, sama-sama tayo sa gawain na matulungan ang marginalized sectors of our society.”

For his part, NAPC Secretary Felongco emphasized, “Ang paglagda ng ating JMC ay simbolo ng pagtutulungan upang maitaas ang antas ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan.”

            With the JMC in place, DSWD and the Commissions can harmonize and converge their policies and plans towards a unified goal of providing quality public service anchored on Ambisyon Natin 2040.

Summing up the signing activity, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista in his keynote message said, “Today is the strengthening of partnership of DSWD with supervised agencies in view of EO 67 assigning DSWD as supervising agency of PCUP, NCIP and NAPC. As the lead agency in social protection, it is an equally important task to harmonize all government programs that will give Filipinos a chance for a better life.”  -30-