The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) continue to strengthen its programs and services for vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged sectors in the province, according to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Flordelina C. Granada during the flag-raising ceremony at the provincial capitol on March 9, 2026.
Granada reported that in 2025, the PSWDO, in partnership with the PDRRMC under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, provided disaster response assistance to 58,920 families affected by calamities, the majority of whom were victims of Super Typhoon Uwan.
In terms of Residential Care Services, the office continues to support Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs) through close collaboration with the Provincial Jail. The CICLs are currently housed at the Women and Youth Dorm where rehabilitation activities are implemented through Project REVIVAL and Project PAG-ASA. Granada also announced that Phase III of the Bahay Pag-Asa facility is currently underway. Based on updates from the Provincial Engineering Office, the facility is expected to be completed by the third or fourth quarter of 2026.
Under Center-Based Services, the PSWDO manages the Nueva Vizcaya Halfway Home for Women and Girls, which provides temporary shelter and support services to women and girls in need. The office also operates the Capitol Child Development Center, catering to children aged 3-4 years old. In addition, the office plans to implement the Infant and Toddler Early Development (ITED) program under the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) initiative.
Granada highlighted several community-based programs designed to address the needs of various sectors. Among these is Project GOALS, which assists children and youth who are not attending school. The program is implemented in partnership with the provincial operations office of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to encourage beneficiary children to return to school.Another initiative, Project EASE, supports persons with disabilities (PWDs). The program provided educational assistance to 28 indigent PWD college students and supported neurodevelopmental assessments for 79 learners with special educational needs last year in coordination with the Schools Division Office of Nueva Vizcaya. For younger children, the Care for Neglected Young Children program focuses on two barangays in Bayombong, where structured learning activities are conducted.
The PSWDO also continues to support senior citizens through Project SENIORS, which provides technical assistance to ensure the functionality of provincial and municipal federations of senior citizens. Related programs include the Centenarian Endowment, Nonagenarian, and Enduring Devotion cash incentive programs. By the end of 2025, 15 centenarians, 140 nonagenarians, and 229 couples had received incentives under these initiatives.
Women who are victims or survivors of gender-based violence receive assistance through Project WAKASAN, while Project RESETL provides support for minors who are victims of sexual abuse. The program served 29 rape survivors in 2025.The office also provides support to couples experiencing relationship difficulties through Project RELASYON, which aims to strengthen families and prevent dysfunction. Granada reported that 298 couples, including solo parents, benefited from the program last year. The program involves trained Family Development Facilitators, including pastors from various faith-based organizations and partner agencies such as the Nueva Vizcaya Bureau of Fire Protection (NVBFP), Provincial Health Office (PIHO), Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office (NVPPO), ARESCOM, civil society organizations, and municipal local government units. These facilitators conduct Parent Effectiveness Seminars (PES) and Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Training (ERPAT) for parents.
Granada also highlighted Project SHIFT, which supports the implementation of the RANG-AY Ordinance, a provincial localization of the 4Ps Law that focuses on the convergence of programs for beneficiaries who have exited the 4Ps program. A total of 435 college students from exited beneficiary families received assistance under this initiative.
Meanwhile, Project FRIENDS provides support for former rebels, while the Solo Parents Upliftment Program for Progress, Opportunities, Resources, and Trainings offer assistance to solo parents. The PSWDO also promotes livelihood development through programs such as Search for Idol Kong Pamilya, Idol Kong Entrepreneur, and Sana All May Savings.
Under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, Granada reported that 9,056 individuals received assistance in 2025.Granada emphasized that these programs reflect the provincial government’s continuing commitment to uplift vulnerable sectors and strengthen social welfare services across Nueva Vizcaya. /bgl
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