By Karren Jay G. Asgar
(From left to right) Civil Engineering Department Chairperson Engr. Shevanee Ruth dela Cruz; Deputy Regional Program Manager Engr. Silverio Von V. Maguad III; College of Engineering Dean Engr. Mary Earl Daryl A. Grio; University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy; Regional Director Joselito G. Estember; and OIC Promotive Services Division Chief Judith T. Barredo, RSW, MSW, Social Welfare Officer IV, pose for a photo following the Memorandum of Agreement signing between DSWD Field Office VI KALAHI-CIDSS and ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡. Photo courtesy of DSWD Western Visayas.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ (̽»¨¾«Ñ¡) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on July 9, 2026, at the BOT Conference Room.
The agreement aims to support the implementation of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach by creating opportunities for academic institutions and government partners to work together in addressing community needs through participatory and sustainable development programs.
Through the partnership, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ faculty members and students will have opportunities to engage in community-based initiatives, research activities, training programs, and extension projects implemented under KALAHI-CIDSS. The collaboration seeks to connect academic expertise with field-based practices while promoting innovation, evidence-based development planning, and meaningful community participation.
The MOA also establishes a framework for cooperation in implementing mutually beneficial programs and activities, including internship and practicum opportunities, technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and other initiatives aligned with the mandates of DSWD and ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡.
Representing DSWD Field Office VI during the signing were Regional Director Joselito G. Estember and Regional Executive Assistant Irese Muyana. The KALAHI-CIDSS delegation was composed of Deputy Regional Program Manager Engr. Silverio Von V. Maguad III; OIC Promotive Services Division Chief Judith T. Barredo, RSW, MSW, Social Welfare Officer IV; and Fraye Cedrick Anona, Project Development Officer III and Regional Stakeholders and Partnership Building Officer (RSPOB).
Representing ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ were University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy; College of Engineering Dean Engr. Mary Earl Daryl A. Grio; and Civil Engineering Department Chairperson Engr. Shevanee Ruth dela Cruz.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS and ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ to strengthen community empowerment, develop future practitioners in community development, and advance inclusive and sustainable local development through collaboration among government, academe, and communities.