The Innovations Division of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII in Central Visayas launched the new year with a pivotal strategic planning session, reinforcing its commitment to delivering enhanced social services for 2026.
Strategic Alignment and Ethical Foundations for 2026
Held on January 6, 2026, in Cebu City, the first-quarter meeting brought together all division personnel. The gathering served as a platform for unified goal-setting and strategic planning for the upcoming year. Innovations Division Chief Margie D. Pinton underscored the critical guidance provided by Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, framing it as the cornerstone for their annual objectives.
Pinton highlighted the indispensable values of collaboration, efficiency driven by compassion and care, and the maintenance of strong moral principles in public service. She reminded every employee to persistently cultivate a culture of genuine concern, demonstrating true empathy for the agency's clients and stakeholders.
Program Review and Legal Orientation
A key component of the meeting involved a thorough review of past initiatives. DSWD 7 Legal Officer, Atty. Ron Stevend Maylon, led the reassessment of programs and projects implemented the previous year. The session also welcomed presentations of recommendations aimed at refining and improving service delivery mechanisms to the public.
In a significant segment, Atty. Maylon conducted an orientation on the department's Code of Conduct for all participants. His discussion ensured staff members fully understood the agency's core ethical standards and principles, which are designed to fortify accountability, professionalism, and integrity in all their duties.
Spiritual Reflection and Forward Momentum
The meeting concluded with a debriefing session led by Fr. Loreto Jaque, providing a space for personnel to share experiences from the past year. This segment helped prepare the team mentally and spiritually for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2026.
The event culminated with a renewed sense of purpose and unity among the Innovations Division staff. They move forward into the year with clear, consolidated goals, a stronger commitment, and a shared vision of providing innovative, ethical, and compassionate social services to the communities of Central Visayas.
Currently, the Innovations Division of DSWD 7 manages and monitors five key programs and services. These include flagship national government initiatives under the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.:
- Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP)
- Pag-abot Program
- Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program
- Social Technology Unit
- Walang Gutom Program
