General Santos City – The Regional ABSNET, through the Standards Section of the DSWD Field Office XII Policy and Plans Division, successfully gathered its partners and frontline community workers for its General Assembly this day, November 17, 2025 at Venue 88 Hotel, General Santos City.

The event brought together a diverse group of social welfare champions from across the region including leaders of Social Welfare and Development Agencies SWDAs, Provincial and City Social Welfare and Development Offices PSWDOs and CSWDOs, and dedicated DSWD personnel. Their shared goal was to strengthen the systems and relationships that support vulnerable families and communities.

DSWD Field Office XII Regional Director Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya graced the assembly and delivered an inspiring message that set the tone for the gathering. In his remarks, Director Cabaya emphasized the importance of collaboration and accountability in serving the region’s most vulnerable sectors.

A key highlight of the GA was the DSWD–LGU–SWDA Joint Planning Workshop, which created space for deeper collaboration and more responsive coordination among social service providers.

Through open discussions and shared planning, participants identified areas for closer partnership, resource-sharing, and process improvements to deliver faster and more effective support to those who needed it most.

Beyond planning, the gathering showcased the continuing commitment of DSWD and its partners to build a more compassionate and coordinated social welfare ecosystem one that listens to communities, responds to real needs, and works to uplift the lives of the region’s most vulnerable sectors.