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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines, Singapore ink MOU to boost child care, social protection cooperation

Philippines, Singapore ink MOU to boost child care, social protection cooperation

Published Mar 5, 2026 11:16 am
PHOTO FROM PIXABAY
PHOTO FROM PIXABAY
The Philippines and Singapore strengthened cooperation in social development after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing programs on social protection, child development, and family welfare.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Singapore Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli signed the agreement on March 4 during a ceremony held at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City, following the High-Level Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Forum 2026.
The MOU formalizes cooperation between the DSWD and Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development to exchange information, experiences, and best practices in implementing social sector programs.
Among the priority areas of collaboration are social protection, family and child development, and initiatives related to the “First 1,000 Days of a Child,” which focuses on early childhood development and well-being.
Child protection programs will also be part of the partnership.
Programs for persons with disabilities and women’s empowerment initiatives are likewise included in the areas of cooperation.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agreement also aims to strengthen institutional partnerships between government agencies and organizations involved in social welfare and development.
“Our cooperation will include institutional visits to facilities and centers, as well as joint activities such as workshops and training programs to promote networking and strengthen collaboration, because that is the essence of ASEAN—the sharing of best practices and coordinated interventions,” Dumlao said.
Under the agreement, both countries will promote exchange programs involving public officials, experts, researchers, and consultants to share knowledge and improve program implementation.
The partnership will also include institutional visits to facilities, centers, and organizations in both countries that serve families, children, and persons with disabilities.
Joint activities such as workshops, projects, seminars, meetings, training programs, and study visits will also be organized to support capacity-building and skills development in social work, family and child development, programs for persons with disabilities, and women’s empowerment.
Dumlao said vulnerable sectors in the Philippines are expected to benefit from Singapore’s experience and best practices, which could help further strengthen the country’s social protection systems and service delivery.
The Philippines is hosting and chairing the High-Level ASCC Council Forum 2026, which brings together ministers, senior officials, experts, youth leaders, and development partners to advance people-centered development across Southeast Asia.
Earlier this week, the DSWD also chaired the 40th Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community meeting in Makati City.
The series of meetings will culminate in the 35th ASCC Council Meeting, where regional ministers are set to adopt key frameworks and finalize priority social policies for the ASEAN region.

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DSWD PHILIPPINES SINGAPORE ASEAN
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