The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with Caraga State University (CSU), officially concluded its Cash-for-Work (CFW) Program, a short-term employment initiative benefiting 80 graduates and 372 students of the university, August 29, 2025.
DSWD released ₱ 5,383,297.00 as actual compensation for the services rendered by all students and graduates deployed within the campus, at DSWD field offices, and in partner Local Government Units. Deputy National Program Manager Dir. Rolando D. Villacorta, Jr. described the program as both an opportunity for early work experience and a form of community engagement: “You didn’t just do it for experience, you did it for your community, for being of service to Caraga.”
University President Rolyn C. Daguil, PhD, in a pre-recorded message, expressed his gratitude and support to DSWD for providing “employment with purpose and a platform for learning.” He added that the program offered short-term economic relief while allowing participants to gain meaningful insights from community service with a lasting impact.
The CFW is under DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and was implemented in CSU from April to July in two batches.
In line with the program’s goals, Golden Paddlers, including differently-abled participants, gained valuable in-campus training and work experience, providing them with a head start toward more stable employment opportunities beyond CSU, which is relevant to SDG No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
