Davao de Oro State College and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially sealed their collaboration for the “Earn While You Learn: DDOSC-DSWD Partnership for Youth Livelihood Empowerment” project through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held on July 3, 2025, at the DDOSC Main Campus Board Room.

The agreement was signed by DDOSC President Dr. Lilybeth M. Matunhay and Extension Services Division Director Dr. Rona C. Apolinario, together with DSWD OIC Regional Director XI Merlinda A. Paragamac, RSW, and DSWD representative Sheryl Ann R. Dumalogdog.

Spearheaded by project leader Kirk John C. Tonido, the initiative aims to support entrepreneurship students from DDOSC Main Campus by providing capital assistance through the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Additionally, the project also offers extensive training and mentorship in business management, procurement, and financial literacy.

The Earn While You Learn project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, Underscoring DDOSC’s commitment to promoting innovation, economic growth, and cross-agency partnerships.

In her message, Dr. Matunhay expressed her deepest gratitude to the project proponents and emphasized the program’s insignificance in advancing the college’s mission to develop globally competent graduates while expanding and strengthening its extension partnerships.

This MOA signing signals a significant step forward in bridging education with livelihood opportunities, empowering students to become successful entrepreneurs in the future.