[RECENTLY CONCLUDED] The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) reaffirmed its commitment to women empowerment by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during its 42nd Founding Anniversary celebration on March 21, 2025. The event, themed “42 Years of Strength and Hope: Empowering Women, Building Brighter Tomorrows”, was held at the Home for Girls and Women in Davao City. Key USeP representatives included Atty. Edward Caesar J. Bedro, Director of the Office of Legal Affairs; Dr. Raquel D. Almansa, Dean of the College of Education (CEd); Asst. Prof. Wendelyn C. Bajador, Extension Head of the College of Education; Dr. Randy Tudy, Deputy Director for Research, Development, and Extension (RDE); and Assoc. Prof. Ruchela P. Gamao, ROSA Program Leader. Also present were project leaders Dr. Cynthia S. Alpas, Dr. Arlene A. De Vera, Dr. Jean L. Bejano, Ms. Maricar Salva, and Dr. Sharon R. Tabile.
The MOA signing marked USeP’s continued collaboration with DSWD in education, training, and advocacy efforts for women and children. The agreement was signed by Gemma D. Dela Cruz, RSW, MPA, OIC-ARDO/Protective SD Chief; and Merlinda A. Paragamac, RSW, MSDA, OIC Regional Director of DSWD Field Office XI, along with the ROSA Proponent; President of USeP represented by Atty. Edward Caesar J. Bedro, USeP VPRDE represented by Dr. Randy Tudy, and Dean of CEd Dr. Raquel D. Almansa, with the presence of the Legal Team. A separate MOA renewal followed, involving the Regional Director and the School President of EMAR Human and Environmental College, Inc.
DSWD Regional Director Merlinda A. Paragamac delivered an inspirational message, underscoring the role of partnerships in uplifting marginalized communities. Other distinguished guests included Gemma D. Dela Cruz, OIC-ARDO/Protective SD Chief; Lolita I. Roble, Center Head/SWO IV; and Director Janet Grace P. Dalisay-Fabrero of the DOJ Witness Protection Program (WPP).
The celebration also honored organizations contributing to the welfare of women and children, including the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group XI, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, EMAR Human Environmental College, SPMC-IPBM Chairperson, TESDA-KORPHIL Regional Training Center Davao, TESDA-WANGAN National Agricultural School, JCI Lakambini, CSWDO-Davao City, DOJ-WPP, Dr. Maria Aida Gordo of the City Health Office, and the Lay Dominican Sisters. The event concluded with a closing message from Mia Dulce Corazon V. Monesit, OIC-ARD for Administration/Chief Administrative Officer, followed by lunch and a renewed commitment from stakeholders to further strengthen programs empowering women and promoting sustainable development.
