Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo welcomed United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative in the Philippines, Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane and her team in a courtesy call on September 7, reaffirming the strong and strategic partnership between the two agencies.

Secretary Tulfo expressed his gratitude to the UNFPA for its significant contributions in the achievement of the mandate of DSWD, particularly in promoting and upholding the rights of women.

“With the support of partners like you, the DSWD is able to replicate itself and assist more Filipinos needing help, especially the women sector,” the Secretary said.

Dr. Joudane, on the other hand, shared its commitment to the joint efforts of DSWD and UNFPA in preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) and other harmful practices in the country. She also highlighted the strong partnership between the two agencies in disaster response,  ensuring no one is left behind in times of emergencies.

The Department has established a longstanding partnership with the  UNFPA  in strengthening GBV prevention and response systems in the country. The ongoing collaborations between the two parties include capacity-building initiatives for social workers on GBV case management, coordination of GBV prevention and response activities during emergencies, and other activities to prevent GBV and other harmful practices, including child marriage.

Moreover, the Secretary shared that one of the notable partnerships between DSWD and the international agency was the enhancement of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, “particularly on improving the beneficiaries’ knowledge and attitude on mental health care, family planning, and maternal care.”

The DSWD and UNFPA vow to work together towards advancing women’s economic empowerment as well as assistance to survivors of GBV. ###