The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office IV-A highlighted the collaboration of various stakeholders in the delivery of social welfare services in the CALABARZON Region during the Field Office’s celebration of the agency’s 73rd anniversary. Last February 15, a total of 56 partners from national government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations were recognized by the Field Office during the Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon (PANATA KO) sa Bayan Awarding Ceremony in Batangas City.

The PANATA KO sa Bayan Awards is an annual activity of the DSWD that recognizes outstanding partners in the implementation of the different programs and services of the DSWD. In the CALABARZON Region, the Field Office began the selection and validation process in July 2023.

“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,” shared DSWD Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, during her keynote message.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao added that the collaboration of the DSWD and the partners, from the government to the private sectors, had amplified the impact of the DSWD’s initiatives in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Dir. Barry Chua, regional director of the DSWD Field Office IV-A, also expressed the gratitude and appreciation of the Department to all the stakeholders.  Dir Chua also shared his optimism for a stronger partnership with the stakeholders in the implementation of social welfare and development programs in the Region.

Recognition of model local government units

During the ceremony, the Field Office recognized model local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of different programs and services of the Department.

Among the awardees were the Municipal Government of Mataasnakahoy, Batangas (Hall of Famer – Model LGU Supporting the Implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program; City Government of Biñan, Laguna (Model LGU Implementing Protective Programs and Services and Model LGU Implementing Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens); Municipal Government of Cavinti, Laguna (Implementation of Outstanding Sustainable Livelihood Program Micro-Enterprise Development Model); Municipal Government of Perez, Quezon (Model LGU Implementing Kalahi-CIDSS); and, Municipal Government of Mulanay, Quezon and City Government of Calamba, Laguna (Model LGUs Implementing Day Care Service).

Mataasnakahoy, Batangas Mayor Janet Ilagan, in her acceptance message, shared that their hall of famer award from the DSWD for their support in the implementation of the 4Ps will also help renew the dedication and set the bar higher of the whole municipal government in delivering excellent public service.

“This is not only a reflection of individual efforts, but a testament to the robust partnership between the national government and the local government unit on poverty reduction,” said Mayor Ilagan.

The LGU of Mataasnakahoy has received the said award for three consecutive years.

Other model LGUs recognized were Gumaca, Quezon (Implementation of Supplementary Feeding Program); Sampaloc, Quezon (Implementation of Social Pension Program for Senior Citizens); and, Sto. Tomas City and Cuenca, Batangas (Implementation of Persons with Disability Affairs Office).

Further, the Field Office awarded the Gawad Makabagong Teknolohiya to  Real, Quezon; the Gawad Listahanan to Mauban, Quezon; the Gawad Serbisyo to Antipolo City; and, the Gawad Ulat (Social Media Advocate) to Mulanay, Quezon.

The Provincial Government of Batangas received a special citation for their support in the implementation of the 4Ps.

Acknowledging local social welfare and development offices

As the main partner of the DSWD in the LGUs, city/municipal social welfare and development offices (C/MSWDOs) who were assessed to provide exemplary social welfare and development programs in the locality were also recognized during the ceremony. These C/MSWDOs were selected based on the result of the Social Delivery and Capacity Assessment conducted by the DSWD as part of the provision of technical and advisory assistance to the LGUs.

The local social welfare and development offices (LSWDOs) of Mauban, Quezon (Rank 1); Quezon Province (Rank 2); and Batangas City (Rank 3) received the Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga. The LSWDOs of Biñan City (Rank 1); Gumaca, Quezon (Rank 2); and Dasmariñas City (Rank 3) received the Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay.

Meanwhile, the Field Office also awarded Gawad Serbisyong Masigasig to Quezon Province, Calaca City, Batangas City, and Dasmariñas City and top 3 municipalities per province (Amadeo, Silang, and Rosario, Cavite; Bay, Luisiana, and Rizal, Laguna; Agoncillo, Bauan, and Taysan, Batangas; Real, Mulanay, and Burdeos, Quezon; and, Cardona, Teresa, and Taytay, Rizal).

Celebrating partnerships with the private sector

The Field Office also recognized private organizations who have contributed in the delivery of services of the Department.

The Manuel S. Enverga University has been awarded as the Best Volunteer (Group Category) for their support in the implementation of 4Ps in Quezon Province and the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Volunteer in DSWD Centers / Residential Care Facilities  for their continuous activities and support at the Bahay Tuluyan ng mga Bata Home for Girls. Also, the Batangas State University was awarded the Gawad sa Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan for their convergence initiative.

Other awardees were the International Justice Mission; World Hope International Philippines, Inc.; and, Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities, Inc.

Other than the private organizations and the local government units, the Field Office also acknowledged and recognized the support of national government agencies for their support to various programs and services of the Department in the region. Included in the awardees were the Department of Trade and Industry IV-A, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources IV-A, Department of Health IV-A, Department of Interior and Local Government IV-A, National Economic and Development IV-A, Office of Civil Defense IV-A, Department of Public Works and Highways IV-A, and National Bureau of Investigation IV-A.#