Mar 12, 2025 – The DSWD, through its Field Office IV-A, recognized the contributions of various stakeholders during the 2024 Regional Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon (PANATA KO) Sa Bayan Awarding Ceremony conducted in line with the 74th anniversary celebration of the Field Office last March 11, 2025 at the Sequioa Hotel in Parañaque City.
A total of 32 stakeholders, composed of regional line agencies, non-government organizations, and local government units were recognized in the said event.
“In the DSWD’s 74 years of existence, the department was not alone in extending services to alleviate poverty and hunger, empower the vulnerable and marginalized, champion equality, protect the rights of the sectors, and lead them towards development. We are grateful for our partnerships and collaborations with the local government units, civil society organizations, people’s organizations, and development organizations,” shared DSWD Asst. Secretary Florentino Loyola Jr., the guest of honor during the celebration.
Recognizing model LGUs
The PANATA Ko sa Bayan Awards is an annual program of the DSWD aimed at recognizing stakeholders in the implementation of various social welfare and development programs.
During the ceremony, the local government unit (LGU) of Biñan City, Laguna was recognized for being the model LGU in the implementation of Protective Programs and Services, Supplementary Feeding Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and Persons with Disability Affairs Office. Meanwhile, the LGU of Gumaca, Quezon was awarded as the model LGU in the implementation of Supplementary Feeding Program and Persons with Disability Affairs Office.
Other model LGUs recognized were Calamba City and Kalayaan, Laguna (Model LGUs Implementing Day Care Services); Tagkawayan, Quezon (Model LGU Implementing Kalahi-CIDSS); Real, Quezon and Laguna Province (Model LGUs Implementing Protective Programs and Services); Lipa City, Batangas and Naic, Cavite (Model LGUs Supporting the Implementation of 4Ps); Mataasnakahoy, Batangas (LGU Implementing an Outstanding SLP Microenterprise Model), and; Sampaloc, Quezon (Model LGU Implementing Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens).
The LGU of Mauban, Quezon was awarded Gawad Listahanan while the LGUs of Angono, Rizal and Quezon Province received the Gawad Serbisyo.
Recognizing non-government partners
During the ceremony, the Field Office also recognized non-government organizations (NGOs) for their contributions in promoting social welfare and development.
The Pag-asa Social Center Foundation, Inc. was awarded as the 2024 Best NGO while the De La Salle University Dasmariñas – Lasallian Community Development Center was awarded the Most Outstanding Volunteer in DSWD Centers / Residential Care Facilities.
DSWD Field Office IV-A Regional Director Barry Chua, in his message during the ceremony, shared the agency’s gratitude to all the partners for their contributions to the attainment of the goals of the DSWD.
“Nawa’y ang mga parangal at pagkilalang inyong matatanggap ay magdagdag ng saya at sigasig upang tuloy-tuloy ang ating serbisyo sa mga nangangailangan,” added Dir. Chua.
Other partners awarded during the ceremony are regional partners including the Office of the Civil Defense IV-A, National Irrigation Administration IV-A, LGU of Muntinlupa City, Philippine National Police Muntinlupa, and Jose Fabella Memorial School among others.