DSGII was established in [2005] by a group of passionate individuals, some of whom had backgrounds in humanitarian logistics and security operations in complex environments. Witnessing firsthand the vulnerabilities of communities, particularly in disaster-prone areas, they envisioned an organization that could apply principles of efficiency, strategic planning, and robust support systems – often found in defense or large-scale logistical operations – to the challenges of community development. The name “Defense Support Group International Inc.” was chosen to reflect this ethos of providing structured, reliable, and comprehensive support to communities, akin to how essential services are provided in critical situations.
- 2005: Formal establishment and registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit corporation. Initial focus on post-disaster relief efforts and rapid needs assessments in selected Ilocos provinces.
- 2007: Initiated small-scale community-based disaster preparedness training programs, recognizing the need to move beyond mere relief to proactive resilience building. First few projects were funded by local philanthropists and small private donations.
- 2009: Established initial partnerships with key local government units (LGUs) in Bacnotan and San Juan, La Union, for joint community mapping exercises and hazard identification.
1.3.2 Growth and Program Diversification (2011 – 2017)
As DSGII gained experience and credibility, its programs expanded beyond immediate disaster response to address underlying vulnerabilities and foster sustainable development.
- 2011: Launched its first comprehensive Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) program, integrating training on early warning systems and evacuation planning. This marked a significant pivot towards proactive, long-term interventions.
- 2013: Expanded programmatic reach to include sustainable livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers, recognizing that economic resilience is key to disaster recovery. Introduced climate-smart agriculture techniques in pilot communities.
- 2014: Registered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a recognized social welfare and development organization, further solidifying its identity as an NGO. This also enabled eligibility for certain government partnerships.
- 2015: Responded extensively to Typhoon Lando (international name Koppu), implementing cash-for-work programs and shelter repair initiatives, which also provided valuable lessons for integrating resilience into recovery.
- 2016: Initiated specialized programs for women’s economic empowerment, including skills training and micro-enterprise development, acknowledging their pivotal role in household and community resilience.
1.3.3 Strategic Expansion and Institutionalization (2018 – Present)
In recent years, DSGII has focused on institutionalizing best practices, strengthening its organizational capacity, and expanding its strategic partnerships and influence across the Ilocos Region.
- 2018: Achieved its first Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC) accreditation, a testament to its adherence to standards of good governance, accountability, and program effectiveness. This also granted tax-exempt status for donations, boosting fundraising efforts.
- 2019: Launched dedicated programs for youth empowerment, including vocational skills training and leadership development, recognizing the potential of the younger generation.
- 2020-2021: Played a significant role in COVID-19 response efforts in its target communities, adapting programs to provide hygiene kits, food assistance, and information campaigns, demonstrating adaptability in crisis.
- 2022: Initiated a comprehensive strategic planning process that led to the development of the Strategic Plan: July 2025 – June 2028 (Section 6.1), solidifying its pillars for future growth.
- 2023: Strengthened its Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework (Section 7.5.3), investing in data management systems to better track impact and inform decision-making.
- 2024: Forged key partnerships with academic institutions in Northern Luzon for applied research on climate change vulnerability and local adaptation strategies, further strengthening evidence-based programming.
1.3.4 Current Status and Future Outlook (2025 onwards)
As of July 2025, DSGII stands as a credible and impactful development NGO in the Ilocos Region. Its history is marked by a consistent evolution towards comprehensive, community-led, and resilient development. The organization is now focused on the ambitious goals set out in its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, aiming to deepen its impact, expand its reach sustainably, and continue serving as a trusted partner for the Filipino people in building a more secure and prosperous future. The legacy of its founding vision continues to drive its commitment to providing robust “support” – not for defense, but for the fundamental well-being and development of communities.
