The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) hosted a delegation from the Republic of Tajikistan who are on a study tour to understand the Philippine experience in social insurance systems and digitalization.

The DSWD’s Office of the Undersecretary for Policy and Plans Group (OUS-PPG) facilitated a knowledge-sharing session for the Tajik delegation on Friday, 21 November, to familiarize them with the country’s social protection programs and explore how these innovations may be applied in their own nation in Central Asia.

Social Welfare Officer III Pamela Pascua opened the first session by presenting an overview of the Philippines’ Social Protection Context. “We are honored to host you in this study or learning visit to be able to share our experiences on building inclusive and adaptive social protection. This is very timely because, as we all know, social protection is critical in ensuring that we aid our beneficiaries in ensuring that they are protected from economic shocks, climate change, and global crisis,” Pascua told the delegates.

Pascua also walked them through the country’s social protection operational framework and discussed ongoing digital transformation efforts aimed at enhancing targeting systems and improving service delivery.

Director III Atty. Mary Rose Oquindo-Pasibi, deputy program manager of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), led the second session and discussed how the 4Ps operates.

“We provide a specific amount of cash grants to the families or beneficiaries of the program if they comply with different conditions. We need the government to invest in education, health, and nutrition of the households—particularly the children—by providing them cash grants to meet their basic needs and in order for them to send their children to school,” Pasibi explained.

Project Development Officer III Jabbar Magallanes conducted the third session and presented the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens and other support mechanisms for elderly beneficiaries.

“The social pension for indigent senior citizens is an additional or augmentation assistance under Republic Act 9994, as amended by Republic Act 11916, which increased the social pension from 500 to 1,000 pesos,” Magallanes said.

She emphasized that the monthly pension helps indigent senior citizens meet daily needs and medical requirements, contributing to their overall well-being.

The study tour aims to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Tajikistan in advancing social protection programs through shared learning and collaboration.

Director Hannah Giray-Carcido, officer-in-charge of the Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PDPB), led the engagement alongside officials and specialists from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and representatives of the Agency for Social Insurance and Pensions (ASIP) of Tajikistan.

ADB participants included Ma. Antoniette Bihis, Lead Adviser for Engagement Strategy and Social Resonance of ADB Philippines; Ashish Joshi, ICT Specialist of ADB Tajikistan; and Hiddo Huitzing, Senior Social Sector Specialist for Social Protection and Health, ADB Tajikistan.

ASIP-Tajikistan officials included Hokimjon Khojaev, Head of the Finance and Centralized Accounting Department; Behruz Hokimov, Deputy Head of the Regional Center for Personnel Accounting; and Parviz Qodirzoda, Head of the B. Gafurov District Office, accompanied by interpreter Umedjon Saidzoda Kurbonali.