Sixteen senior government officials from Bangladesh came in Bicol Region for a two-day study visit (May 1 -2) to learn about the experiences of the community, the good practices implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V.

The study visit was led by the daughter of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of National Advisory Committee of Autism and Neurodevelopment Saima W. Hossain.

Other delegates are Director General, Additional Secretary of Department of Women Affairs (DWA) Badrun Nessa, Additional Secretary, Health Service Division Habibur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary Anwar Hossain, Director General of Bangladesh National Nutrition Council Mohammad Sha Nawaz, Head of World Food Program-Bangladesh Rezaul Karim, Chief Operating Officer of Shuchana Foundation Malka Shamrose, Programme Director of Maternity Allowance Programme A J M Rezaul Alam Bin Ansar, Secretary of Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Kamrun Nahar, Director of Maternal Neonatal Child Reproductive Health Care Mohammad Sharif, Additional Secretary Md Aynul Kabir, Additional Secretary Cabinet Division Shahan Ara Banu, Deputy Chief Shakil Akhter, Addtional Secretary of Finance Division of Ministry of Finance Habibur Rahman, Programme and Policy Officer of World Food Program of Bangladesh Masing Newar and Mamunur Rashid.

Also present are DSWD Undersecretary Camilo Gudmalin, Deputy Program Manager for Operations Irene Dumlao, Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia, and other DSWD field staff.

According to Hossain, she aimed at knowing the challenges faced by the Program and how it has been addressed and the good practices being implemented. “Through this visit, I would like to understand the programs and services being implemented for the poor families including the persons with disabilities who are vulnerable and marginalized. What are the things they are needed for support to come up with strategies, focused ideas and solutions that could be implemented in our country,” she said.

Rezaul Karim, head of the United Nations World Food Program- Bangladesh expressed his immense gratitude to DSWD Bicol for hosting the activity. He said that the visit would be an excellent opportunity to get detailed information and discover the good practices being implemented by the Region.

Also, H.E. Asad Alam Siam, Ambassador to the Philippines, Bangladesh Embassy mentioned that they would like to learn from the successful implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Bicol that can be useful for common future projects and future cooperation.

Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia said he aims the delegates to deepen their understanding of the programs and services extended by DSWD, share and exchange information and expertise that are beneficial to both countries to effectively deliver its services to those who are in need and establish linkages and network.

During the visit, Mr. Mohammad Aynul Kabir, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs gave an overview of the profile and primary front line services being implemented in their country.

After which, Assistant Regional Director Arwin Razo shared the latest accomplishments of 4Ps along with the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and Listahanan.

He further discussed the effective strategies being applied on how the Region was able to attain more than its target and shared its best practices.

Citing of which are the conduct of Youth Development Session to selected beneficiaries that are not compliant to the conditions of the Program and the reporting, analysis and lobbying strategies to supply the gaps along the implementation of 4Ps. As to the disaster response, are the conduct of training along camp coordination and camp management for other agencies, cash for work during Mayon Phreatic explosion and deployment of Satellite communication during disaster and other best practices.

Moreover, Marilyn C. Valeza, Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian of National Nutrition Council presented their major programs and good practices and Mr. Cedric Daep of Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office presented the Disaster Risk Reduction Application supporting sustainable development.

Municipal Mayor Ann Gemma Y. Ongjoco, presented the profile of the Municipality of Guinobatan, and the best practices implemented by the local government in support to the implementation of 4Ps.

The Municipality of Guinobatan was selected as the area to be visited by the Bangladesh delegates on its second day to have the opportunity to encounter with the community residents.

The delegates are scheduled to visit Guinobatan West Evacuation Center, Maguiron and Muladbucad Grande Health Centers and the communal garden in Barangay Calzada Guinobatan, Albay.

Also, they will have an opportunity to witness the conduct of Family Development Session and the showcase of livelihood products of beneficiaries of SLP.***G.Lindio,IO-II