PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region XI formalized a partnership on January 22, 2026, through the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to enhance community livelihood development.
The agreement, signed at the Gender and Development Conference Room, aligns the academic and technical resources of the state college with the implementation of the DSWD’s flagship Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). The SLP is a capability-building initiative designed to improve the socio-economic well-being of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized communities by increasing the productivity of their livelihood assets.
DSWD Region XI was represented by its Regional Director, Dr. Rhuelo D. Aradanas, while DNSC was led by College President Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa. The ceremony was also attended by DSWD provincial and field staff from Davao del Norte and Panabo City, alongside DNSC officials, faculty, and staff.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Mariannie A. Rebortera, Director for Extension and Team Leader of the partnership’s Technical Working Group (TWG), stated that the MOA is “a pledge of cooperation, a symbol of unity, and a promise to work hand-in-hand in building a future where every Filipino has access to sustainable means of livelihood.”
The partnership was established to address a recognized need for sustained technical support for SLP Associations (SLPAs). Ms. Joanaros P. Fahit, DNSC Community Affairs Coordinator, explained that many community enterprises require continued skills upgrading and market-oriented assistance to ensure long-term sustainability. She noted that government-led programs are strengthened when complemented by academic research, innovation, and capacity-building.
In his message, Regional Director Aradanas described the event as “the forging of a shared vision… of hope, empowerment, and partnership.” He emphasized that the collaboration aims to “create more opportunities for livelihood, enhance skills, and nurture self-reliance,” with DNSC serving as an invaluable ally in translating evidence into actionable community support.
College President Sorrosa highlighted the reciprocal benefits of the partnership, noting it provides an avenue for authentic community engagement and hands-on learning for students, particularly from the college’s top-performing Social Work program. “This partnership is more than a document for us,” Sorrosa said. “It is a shared commitment to empowerment, capacity building, and sustainable development by aligning the strengths of our academic institution with the real world.”
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