DSWD affirms support to stronger Asean regional cooperation

DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to supporting the development policies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which are responsive to the changing needs of the marginalized and vulnerable sectors amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement Tuesday, the department said Tulfo made this remark as he joined other ranking officials from member-states of the regional block to discuss development policies aimed at strengthening regional cooperation during the 28th Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council meeting at Phnom Penh, Cambodia from Oct. 12 to 14.

The meeting tackled ASCC priority areas achieved for 2022 as well as concerns and cross-pillar issues, including policies to strengthen social protection, climate change adaptation, Covid-19 recovery, and reduction of inequalities in the Asean region.

It also endorsed substantial outcome documents for adoption and notation of the Asean leaders during the upcoming Asean summits in November.

In his speech during the senior officials meeting for ASCC, Tulfo reiterated Manila’s strong advocacy and call for heightened efforts and investments for the delivery of basic health, education, and social welfare services taking note of the experiences and challenges during the height of the pandemic as well as in our post recovery efforts.

“Now more than ever, shock responsive and adaptive social protection interventions will help safeguard the progress we have made in building resilient communities and social protection systems sustainable even with the fast-changing environment and shocks,” Tulfo said.

He also expressed support for the advancement of the social work profession in the Asean region.

“Consistent with the mainstreaming of the Asean Roadmap to Implement the Hanoi Declaration on Strengthening Social Work Towards a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community, we reiterate our strong commitment and support for the advancement of the social work profession, building positive perception and greater recognition on the role of Social Work and the wider social service workforce in Social Protection and allied sectors,” Tulfo said.

He added that the Philippines looks forward to the notation of the regional guidance that will support policymakers, managers, and members of the social service workforce to further strengthen the role of social work in contributing to the enhanced equitable access of the poor and the vulnerable to responsive, effective, and inclusive social welfare programs.

The ASCC is one of the three pillars of the Asean community which is committed to uplifting the quality of life of the citizens of member-states through cooperative activities that are people-oriented, people-centered, environmental-friendly, and socially responsible means.