The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at strengthening environmental protection initiatives alongside community-driven development projects across the country.
The partnership, which was formalized during a ceremony at the DSWD Central Office Auditorium in Quezon City, seeks to improve grassroots development efforts while ensuring environmental sustainability amid the growing threats posed by climate change.
Representing DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the signing was Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez of the agency’s Operations Group.
In a statement, Romualdez said the agreement highlights the shared responsibility of both agencies in addressing poverty and environmental concerns simultaneously.
“The DSWD and the DENR may come from different mandates, but we serve the same people, the same communities, and the same future. The agreement bridges social protection and environmental management, recognizing that poverty, vulnerability, and environmental degradation are deeply interconnected challenges that must be addressed together,” Romualdez said.
Under the agreement, the agencies will streamline the processing of environmental permits and clearances for small-scale community infrastructure projects located in environmentally critical areas.
The initiative will be implemented through the DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP).
Romualdez said the collaboration is expected to accelerate the implementation of community projects while strengthening local governance and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
“Under the KALAHI-CIDSS Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project, this partnership allows us to bring together community-driven development and environmental protection initiatives,” she said.
She added that the agreement ensures that development initiatives will move forward without compromising environmental conservation and restoration efforts.
For his part, DENR Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the partnership reflects the agencies’ joint commitment to integrating environmental protection and climate resilience into local development programs.
“We recognize that many communities’ sub-projects, especially those related to basic infrastructure, water systems, and livelihood, require various environmental permits and clearances,” Cuna said.
The DSWD said the collaboration is expected to result in faster implementation of responsive community projects and livelihood programs that are aligned with nature restoration efforts and environmental sustainability.