Reinforcing its commitment to serve the families of uniformed personnel killed or wounded in action, the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP)-Regional Working Group (RWG) 8 headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8 successfully facilitated the strategic interfacing session with key stakeholders on May 21, 2025, at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte.

The session brought together the CSBP Project Monitoring Office (PMO), the Regional Working Group (RWG8), and CSBP beneficiaries in an effort to strengthen coordination, address pressing issues, and enhance the delivery of services to the program’s intended recipients.

CSBP Project Manager Ms. Joycelyn Cabaña led the interfacing and lauded Eastern Visayas for having an active and consistently engaged CSBP Regional Working Group. She highlighted the administration’s strong commitment to enhancing the program as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader agenda to support the dependents of fallen and wounded uniformed personnel.

Representing DILG 8 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Dr. Jhonel M. Añavesa, who served as session facilitator, underscored the RWG’s unwavering efforts to ensure that all CSBP beneficiaries receive comprehensive and sustained assistance. He noted that the RWG holds regular bi-monthly meetings to synchronize support and monitor progress across agencies.

“Our commitment goes beyond immediate assistance,” said Dr. Añavesa. “We are working toward the long-term sustainability of support programs for our CSBP beneficiaries.”

Among the key matters discussed were the status of housing assistance, the implementation of localized capacity-building initiatives, and the rollout of various social welfare services, particularly those targeting solo parents.

The session was well-attended by representatives from key partner agencies, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), National Housing Authority (NHA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army.

Crucially, CSBP beneficiaries actively participated during the session by voicing their concerns and suggestions. Their direct participation enabled immediate clarification and resolution of issues raised.

The interfacing served as a vital platform for enhancing inter-agency collaboration in ensuring that CSBP services remain accessible and responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries.