Local partners, staff awarded during SIGLA sa Serbisyo Awards Ceremony

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON) recently held a recognition ceremony for partners and staff who had contributed in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the region. 

The SIGLA sa Serbisyo Awards, which was spearheaded by the Field Office, recognized partner local government units and civil society organizations who gave significant contributions to the said program implementation in their respective areas of coverage. Program implementers who had been part of the program for at least ten years were also recognized in the said awards.

“Ang pagbibigay ng ganitong awards ay napapanahon dahil nabubuhay ang programa dahil sa mga taong nakiisa sa adhikain ng programa at Kagawaran at gumanap ng kanilang  tungkulin o taya para sa ikakabuti ng pagpapatupad ng programa at bigyan ng pagkakataong mapabuti ang antas ng kabuhayan ng mga mahihirap na benepisyaryo ng programa,” shared Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo, in his message, during the presentation ceremony virtually held last October 12, 2021.

He added that the awardees being recognized served selflessly.

“Ang ating mga pinaparangalan sa SIGLA Awards ay hindi alintana ang anumang pagsubok, kagaya na lamang ng sakuna o disaster at pandemyang kinakaharap nating lahat ngayon,” shared Dir. Castillo.

In the CALABARZON Region, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is implemented in all 142 cities and municipalities serving more than 300,000 household-beneficiaries since 2009.

Acknowledging ‘responsive’ LGUs in program implementation

During the ceremony, the Field Office recognized the municipal government units of Quezon and Mulanay, Quezon Province.

These local government units were nominated by their respective Pantawid Pamilya Municipal Operations Offices based on their commitment and responsiveness in the provision of services to the beneficiaries of the program.

In the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilya, the support of the local government units is crucial, especially in the provision of complementary programs and services to help improve the well-being of the beneficiaries.

“Ang pagkilalang ito ay para sa ating lahat, lalo na sa ating mga kababayan na s’yang ugat ng ating patuloy na pagsusumikap upang maging mahusay at maliksing lingkod bayan at lokal na pamahalaan,” shared Mulanay Mayor Jay Tito Q. Ojeda II in his acceptance message.

The LGU of Mulanay has been recognized for their provision of funding support and inclusion of projects and activities for the beneficiaries of the program in the municipality’s Local Development Plan. This ensures that there are regular support interventions in the locality in the implementation of the program.

Meanwhile, the LGU of Quezon was recognized for their provision of funding support for the program operation, spearheading of services and formulation of local policies aimed at addressing the concerns and needs of the program-beneficiaries.

Quezon Mayor Ma. Caridad P. Clacio, in her acceptance message, thanks the DSWD for the recognition and assures the agency of the continuous support of the local government in the succeeding years.

Recognizing the ‘passion to serve’ of civil society organizations

Three civil society organizations (CSOs) were recognized for their voluntary contributions that helped the agency in delivering services and attaining the goal of an improved level of well-being for the beneficiaries. 

These CSOs are the E. Zobel Foundation, Inc. for their provision of skills training and income-generating projects for the beneficiaries in the first district of Batangas Province; the Southern Luzon State University for their provision of capacity building activities particularly to the beneficiaries in Lucban, Quezon; and, the REINA Federations of Parents Association, Inc. for their conduct of development sessions and other support activities for the strengthening of family-beneficiaries in the municipalities of Real, Infanta and Gen. Nakar in Quezon Province.

“Hindi kayang gawin ng Kagawaran ang lahat ng paglilingkod sa mga nangangailangan kaya’t kailangan natin ng mga kasama–mga LGU at CSO. Sana ay ‘wag kayong manghinawa na magbigay ng tulong at suporta sa ahensya at sa mga benepisyaryo dahil kailangang kailangan po ng ahensya ang tulong lalo na sa panahong ito,” shared Dir. Castillo.

Highlighting the ‘enthusiasm’ of program implementers

Notable staff were also recognized during the activity for their exemplary work performance, innovations and behavior.

Ms. Charissalyn Espiritu, Municipal Roving Bookkeeper from the Batangas Provincial Operations Office, was recognized under the Support Staff Category; Mr. Artem Reynald Makipagay, Municipal Link of Majayjay, Laguna, was recognized under the Community-Based Technical Staff category; and, Ms. Cristal Promentila, Program Development Officer from the Batangas Provincial Operations Office was recognized under the Technical Staff Category.

These awardees were nominated by their respective supervisors or peers and have undergone a screening process.

Also awarded were 103 staff who have been continuously serving the program for at least 10 years.#