Opting to learn from efficient governance and best practices of the local government, the City of Valenzuela was visited by the representatives of the Pakistan Government in an arranged Social Protection Study Tour coordinated by the Asian Development Bank and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, October 3, 2023.

The Government of Pakistan embarked on a 3-day “Social Protection Study Tour” in the Philippines where it aims to learn more about the system and programs in terms of social welfare protection and explore experiences and lessons from the country. The City of Valenzuela was the benchmarked city for this tour, showcasing its programs and services under the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and delving into the innovative housing project of the city, the Disiplina Villages.

Some of the notable delegates for this study tour were Mr. Yusuf Khan, the secretary for the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Mr. Saeed Ashraf Siddiqi, the ADB Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Division, and other officers of the Pakistan government. Meanwhile, the staff of the Asian Development Bank, DSWD Central Office, and DSWD Field Office - NCR were also present in this educational governance tour.

In the beginning part, the delegates were escorted around the Valenzuela City Museum to get a quick, yet comprehensive overview of the city’s historical roots. They learned about the transition of Valenzuela City from the colonial era into an industrialized and progressive city. 

Afterward, the delegates were led to the ALERT Multi-purpose Hall for a brief discussion of the programs, projects, and initiatives of the City Social Welfare Development Office. A presentation was held which was followed by a Q and A portion. It highlighted the diverse programs that the CSWDO implements on account of social welfare protection and development. 

The Housing and Resettlement Office also provided an overview of the Disiplina Village. Learning about Disiplina Villages, the delegates lauded the city government’s initiatives of not only providing affordable and liveable homes for the citizens but also implementing livelihood programs that train and equip the settlers with the necessary skills to support their means of earning a living.

Before the tour concluded, the delegates also went for a site visit to the Disiplina Village Bignay wherein they witnessed the infrastructures and the living conditions of the DV Bignay beneficiaries. They visited the Disiplina Village Bignay Livelihood Center where livelihood training was held and also the ICFP Community Garden. The visitors were also able to interview the beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program, “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” or “4Ps” and learn more about their experiences.

With Valenzuela City gaining recognition from national and international government agencies as a benchmark city for good governance and strategic social welfare initiatives, this event serves as a driving force for the city to continuously innovate and implement programs and services that are equitable and beneficial for the Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

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