BATANGAS CITY (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Calabarzon honored its 56 local and national government partner agencies and non-government organizations that have been a part of the department’s implementation of its programs.

Coinciding with the agency’s 73rd anniversary, the DSWD IV-A Field Office held the "PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards" (Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon) at the Provincial Auditorium in Batangas City on February 15, 2024.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao graced the awards ceremony, and recognized the devotion of all the awareness in helping individuals, families, and communities.

“Today, we want to celebrate our invaluable partnerships and express our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated partners who have been instrumental in helping the DSWD fulfill its mandate of helping the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors in our society,” Dumlao said during her keynote speech.

In his welcome remarks, Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas stressed the importance of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling in advancing DSWD programs and services down to the local level.

“The services provided by the DSWD truly bring joy to my heart because they not only bring honor and integrity to their agency, but also to their respective beneficiaries. The 'Mandanas Ruling' is also a significant help in the implementation of programs and projects that encompass social welfare,” the governor said.

WATCH | Balitang Calabarzon: Executive Order No. 138 or Full Devolution of Certain Functions of the Executive Department related to Mandanas-Garcia Ruling

Mandanas as well as the Provincial Government of Batangas received the Social Welfare and Development Laws Prime Mover Award and a Special Citation and Hall of Fame Award for the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. 

Other awardees include the municipal government of Mataasnakahoy, Batangas as a Hall of Famer – Model LGU Supporting the Implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program; city government of Biñan, Laguna as the Model LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services and Model LGU Implementing Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens; municipal government of Cavinti, Laguna as a Model LGU in the implementation of Outstanding Sustainable Livelihood Program Micro-Enterprise Development Model.

DSWD also recognized the city government of Sto. Tomas, Batangas as a Model LGU in implementing Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and the city government of Calamba, Laguna as Model LGU in implementing Day Care Service program, among other LGUs.

Private sector partners awarded during the event are Manuel S. Enverga University, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, International Justice Mission, World Hope International Philippines, Inc. and, Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities, Inc. were among the NGOs recognized by the department.

As one of the awardees, Biñan City Mayor Walfredo Dimaguila Jr. pledged the prioritization of DSWD services. 

Dimaguila said: “We have so many fellow countrymen in need, and we recognize the importance of addressing this promptly to avoid the repetitive pleas for help. We ensure that when someone in need comes to our office, whether due to illness or loss of family, they will leave with the assistance they need.”

The mayor added that the city government regularly allocates P3.5 million in cash to make sure that beneficiaries will be awarded with needed assistance.

DSWD IV-A Regional Director Barry M. Chua mentioned that their field office achieved success and efficient service through the years due to the continuous support and collaboration from various sectors, including local and national government agencies, as well as non-government organizations. (BPDC, CH/PIA-4A)