KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Field Office 12 honored individuals, organizations, and government agencies for their significant contributions in implementing DSWD’s programs in the Soccsksargen region.
The DSWD’s Gawad Kalinangan Awards 2024, held in General Santos City, served as a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of those who have supported the agency’s mission to promote social welfare and development in communities.
Regional Director Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya of the DSWD Regional Field Office in Soccsksargen, led the ceremony, expressing his deep appreciation for the awardees’ unwavering support and efforts.
“Salamat talaga sa mga partner namin, mga volunteers at mga SPOs, at of course salamat din sa mga national agencies na kasama at nawa mapalakas pa yung ating ugnayan, yung ating samahan through giving of course recognition sa mga partners natin, and we are doing it annually. And we are hoping that next year, ay mapaganda pa natin at mapakita sa lahat ng mga taga rehiyon dose yong ibibigay nating awards,” Cabaya said, emphasizing the value of collaboration and mutual support in social development.
(Thank you very much to our partners, volunteers, and SPOs, and of course, thank you also to the national agencies involved. May our relationship and collaboration be strengthened through giving recognition to our partners, which we do annually. And we are hoping that next year, we can improve it even more and showcase the awards to everyone in Region 12.)
The awards ceremony was divided into three segments: Gawad Sulong, Gawad Bayani Ka, and Gawad Unlad.
Gawad Sulong awards were presented to individuals, associations, and partners for their significant contributions to poverty reduction, sustainable development, and involvement in the department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The Gawad Bayani Ka awards acknowledged the noble service and volunteerism of individuals and groups who have demonstrated dedication to improving their communities.
Meanwhile, the Gawad Unlad awards highlighted the importance of partnerships, honoring key collaborators involved in the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program, recognizing government agencies and other partners who have worked together to tackle hunger, poverty, and other social challenges.
One of the significant moments of the event came from Zenie Fronda, a person with a disability (PWD) and recipient of the Gawad Bayani Ka award.
Fronda expressed her gratitude for the recognition and shared her testimony about how the agency had a positive impact on her life.
“Thank you so much po sa inyong programa, sa DSWD, bilang PWD po, hindi po hadlang sa amin na maging partner niyo po. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako dahil sa katuparan (ng pangarap), kasi pangarap ko kasi yan noon pa po, na magkaroon ako ng building po sa amin na persons with disability, para po pormal po kami na may office po,” she said, conveying how the DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS program enabled her to realize her dream of establishing a formal office for PWDs.
(Thank you so much for your program, DSWD. Being a PWD does not hinder our ability to be your partners. I am truly grateful for the realization of my long-held dream, which is to construct a building specifically for persons with disabilities, enabling us to have a formal office.)
The DSWD also honored its partnership with the Philippine Information Agency in Region 12 with the Gawad Unlad award for its exceptional promotion of the agency’s programs and achievements.
PIA’s role in spreading awareness and promoting community engagement has been vital in the success of DSWD’s initiatives.
The Gawad Kalinangan Awards 2024 underscored the collaborative spirit among agencies and stakeholders that promotes social progress in the region. (CRM – PIA Region 12)
