Malate, Manila – The Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD) MiMaRoPa recognized the contribution of its internal and external stakeholders for the successful implementation of various social protection programs during the 64th Founding Anniversary Celebration in this city, February 23, 2015.
The theme Tuloy sa Pagbangon at Pag-unlad is a nod for the Filipinos’ resiliency, optimism and determination to rise above challenges and continue the pursuit for an improved quality of life.
In her message, Parisya H. Taradji, DSWD Undersecretary for Operations and Programs said that hard-work and enthusiasm is a valuable contribution to the achievement that the Region has. “It is important that we give value to our work and realize that each one of us plays a role in the success of our programs”.
Convergence for social development
DSWD MiMaRoPa celebrated convergence of various stakeholders that ultimately led to the fulfillment of its goals. The Most Supportive Civil Society Organization was awarded to iHelp for involvement in the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. “[The] iHelp has been our partner for years now and has been involved in Family Development Sessions, lend a hand during community organizations among their other contributions,” said Vincent Obcena, Regional Program Coordinator for Pantawid Pamilya.
The media also played an instrumental role in advocating the impact of DSWD programs. “It is of high importance that the effect of our programs reach all media platforms to inspire the public and entice convergent efforts from other stakeholders,” Director Wilma D. Naviamos said quoting.
Bettering ties, increasing sustainability
The performance of the local government units across all provinces of MiMaRoPa was lauded by the Department. Naviamos amplified the value of a well-coordinated and unified objective to sustain the positive impact of programs being implemented. Thirty eight child-friendly municipalities were recognized along with the three Most Supportive LGUs, namely: San Vicente, Palawan, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and Looc, Romblon. The Municipal Action Team of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro was awarded for being the best in said category.
In her closing remark, Naviamos relived the disaster relief operations during Typhoon Ruby noting the significance of having a
“strategic” disaster-relief distribution hub in Batangas Port. “Having a tactical location to serve as a pick-up point for relief goods showed a substantial improvement in delivering service during disaster operations,” said Naviamos. In the interest of strengthening convergence, Naviamos added the effect of being unified indicating the steady development in the Yolanda-hit islands of Coron, Busuanga, Linapacan, Cuyo, Magsaysay and Agutaya, through partnership with external stakeholders.
She further commended the cooperativeness of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) in working with the Department during Typhoon Ruby to address the immediacy of relief distribution.
Preceding the celebration was the inauguration of the newly built warehouse for food and non-food commodities in the field office.
The volunteers were also awarded during the celebration and the Loyalty Awardees, who have served the department for over 20 years, were serenaded by the Harmonya: String Ensembles of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. ###
