DOJ-PPA, DSWD seal pact for client and personnel support in R7

The strategic partnership aims to broaden access for Department of Justice-Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) clients and personnel to a wide range of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs and services.

This was formalized recently through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at Ramon Hall, 2nd Floor, Golden Prince Hotel, Cebu City.

By bridging the resources of both agencies, the collaboration reinforces inter-agency support systems and advances a shared mission of delivering responsive, meaningful assistance and community-based rehabilitation.

The ceremonial signing was led by Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, CESO III (DSWD Field Office VII), Regional Director Florita L. Vitor (DOJ-PPA Region VII), and OIC-ARD Antonette D. Baldonado (serving as official witness).

Also present to witness the milestone were CPPO Santos B. Jumao-as, CPPO Christine N. Javier, OIC/SPPO Jusay, Community-Based Section Head Ligaya Gador Dael, and Persons of Concern Focal Gwen B. Entoma.

Record showed the DOJ-PPA Region VII oversees a total caseload of 26,349 clients—the highest caseload of any region in the Philippines.

The total active population includes all local probationers, parolees, and conditional pardonees who stand to gain expanded access to DSWD safety nets like the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program and livelihood interventions.

Following foundational coordination led by DSWD-7's Protective Services Division, this finalized agreement systematically integrates social welfare programs into restorative justice frameworks. Key elements of the expanded implementation include:

Under the MOA qualified probationers serving suspended sentences and parolees released conditionally by the Board of Pardons and Parole gain direct enrollment pathways into crucial safety nets, including the AICS for immediate medical, educational, and financial relief.

The agreement establishes proactive support mechanisms tailored to the rehabilitation of conditional pardonees, first-time minor drug offenders, and individuals rendering court-mandated community service.

Clients will receive comprehensive case assessments, counseling to overcome social stigma, and tailored training designed to boost self-reliance and community reintegration.

The agreement ensures that regional DOJ-PPA personnel are granted optimized access to DSWD’s institutional social protection mechanisms, ensuring frontline officers are supported alongside the communities they serve.

Through this alliance, both departments look forward to more integrated service delivery, enhanced social protection, and stronger pathways for the reintegration and welfare of communities across Central Visayas.