The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially formalized its partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) during a ceremonial signing of a tripartite agreement at the Chairman’s Hall, Palacio Del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA), signed by Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the DSWD’s International Affairs and, Attached and Supervised Agencies, representing Secretary Rex Gatchalian; COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia; and NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova, aims to enhance the voting experience of vulnerable Filipinos, particularly the senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
“Under this agreement, the DSWD, in partnership with the COMELEC and NCDA, will elevate the voting experience of the vulnerable sectors through collaboration in promoting inclusivity, ensuring easy access to voting, engaging in data sharing, and conducting information campaigns,” Asst. Secretary Fallarcuna said as she read the DSWD chief’s message.
Part of the MOA is a data-sharing agreement which, according to Secretary Gatchalian, will protect the personal information of the older persons and persons with disabilities.
Through the signing, the DSWD and NCDA agreed to monitor and oversee, during election day, the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) and succeeding polling activities to guarantee the suffrage of senior citizens and persons with disabilities.