The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3 is the sole NGA that has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Securities and Exchange
Commissions (SEC) – Tarlac Extension Office to strengthen the commitment of both parties in delivering excellent services for the vulnerable sectors through Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs).

The MOA will involve SWDAs in SEC-CAN (Communication, Advocacy, and Network) that will teach participants about investing, financial literacy, investor protection and scam.

This will equip SWDAs with knowledge on building and maintaining their agencies to make them financially sustainable. They will also learn how they can avoid and handle scams that may take advantage of their brand. DSWD Region 3 only provides technical assistance as far as social work is concerned.

Regional Director Marites M. Maristela, CESO III said, “We acknowledge – both the national and local government, that we cannot do so much without the help and support of private sectors. Yet we set standards [in accrediting the private sectors] to protect the sectors that we serve.We are also thankful sa malakas at maigting na engagement with SEC.”

Father Arnold Abelardo, Regional Area Based Standards Network (ABSNET) President also shared, “The MOA signing between DSWD Region 3 and SEC is a good partnership that brings the services to the people and organization more closer and effective. ABSNET’s members in our region are thankful for this effort as it will make the process and paperwork easier, direct and beneficial to our organization. This is an effective way for the government agencies such as DSWD and SEC to reach out to us in ABSNET.”

The signing was also attended by SEC Director Atty. Richard Laus who expressed, “Thank you to all of you for giving us the opportunity to serve you as our stakeholders for giving the challenge to SEC in giving public service with a heart, beyond the court orders of our office.”

The DSWD Region 3 commits to the strict registration, accreditation, and licensing of SWDAs to avoid clientele and illegal solicitation. ###