Posted on by May Castillo

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas recently entered into a joint Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Antique (UA) and the Local Government Unit

(From left to right) Ms. Mary H. Masculino, SLP-RPC representing DSWD FO 6 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre, Dr. Ronilo Soriano, VP for Administration representing UA President Dr. Victor E. Navarra and Hon. Mary Joyce M. Roquero, Municipal Mayor of Valderrama, Antique (photos by Nicolas B. Banquero)
(From left to right) Mary H. Masculino, SLP-RPC representing DSWD FO 6 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre, Dr. Ronilo Soriano, VP for Administration representing UA President Dr. Victor E. Navarra and Hon. Mary Joyce M. Roquero, Municipal Mayor of Valderrama, Antique (photos by Nicolas B. Banquero)

(LGU) of Valderrama, Antique for the sustainable livelihood program implementation last August 7, 2013.

“We will spend even without money, we will go even without time, and we will work even without returns. The university is in full support in fighting the war against poverty especially in the province of Antique,” said Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, Jr, Vice President for Academic Affairs of UA.

Commitments among the deans and directors of UA were inclusion of the sustainable livelihood program in their curriculum; training and teaching mothers through the Special Education Program on effective parenting; training on financial literacy and wellness, financial management, entrepreneurship and cooperative development, ecotourism industry development, social media marketing and computer literacy.

Also committed were skills trainings on welding and auto mechanics; masonry and carpentry; dress making, jam and jelly making and food processing and design for labeling and packaging.

The Research and Extension Office of the university vowed to prepare the training design and will spearhead the implementation of the engagement. The International and External Affairs Office, on the other hand, vowed to access Pantawid beneficiaries’ to job opportunities.

UA College Deans and Directors affix their thumb marks and signatures as pledge of commitment for the greater service of Antiqueños through the sustainable livelihood program in Valderrama, Antique (photos by Nicolas B. Banquero)
UA College Deans and Directors affix their thumb marks and signatures as pledge of commitment for the greater service of Antiqueños through the sustainable livelihood program in Valderrama, Antique (photos by Nicolas B. Banquero)

For her part, Mayor Mary Joyce M. Roquero said, “Your enablement and willing hands to help us in the municipality is the greatest gift we could receive especially to the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. This collaborative effort is a winning battle against poverty. Our shared resources will surely address the needs of the needy. Let us walk hand in hand for the greater service.”

Also present during the MOU signing were Glenn Genovate, SLP-External Relations Officer; Nicolas B. Banquero and Alejo S. Voluntate III, SLP Project Development Officers; Myra S. Cartera, Municipal Link of Pantawid Pamilya; Mary Michell D. Gario of LGU Valderrama Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Participants during the MOU signing held in the University of Antique main campus in Sibalom, Antique on August 7, 2013 (photos and story by Nicolas B. Banquero and Glenn Genovate)