DSWD FO 1 celebrated its 72nd year of providing a maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo by honoring outstanding staff and partners.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) experienced a Broadway-like event during its 72nd Anniversary Celebration. The event, bearing the theme “Kaagapay sa Pagbangon, Katuwang sa Bawat Hamon,” was attended by the FO 1 executives led by Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan, staff, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.
The activity is not just an anniversary celebration but also an opportunity to recognize the exemplary employees, sections/units, divisions, beneficiaries and partner stakeholders. This was emphasized by Assistant Regional Director for Operations Marlene Febes D. Peralta in her opening message.
“[This] is a celebration of the dedication of every employee ever hired. It is a celebration of collaboration and innovation together with our partners and volunteers. It is celebrating 72 years of Public Service, providing Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo,” she said.
Aside from recognizing the employees, an expression of stronger ties and continuous support from the awarded partners was also established. Sugpon, Ilocos Sur Mayor Daniel Laño, Jr. extended words of gratitude after accepting the Hall of Fame Award under the Gawad sa Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS) – Best LGU implementing KALAHI-CIDSS Program.
“Kung hindi dahil sa tulong ng mga programa ng DSWD FO 1 para sa aming mga maralita, lalo na sa Governance Initiatives na isinusulong ng programang KALAHI-CIDSS ay hindi namin maibababa ang aming poverty threshold mula 26% hanggang 10%. Malaking tulong ang mga programa ng DSWD sa aming bayan, kaya naman buong-buo rin ang aming suporta sa mga programa at serbisyo ng Departamento (If not for the programs of DSWD FO 1 for the poor, especially the KALAHI-CIDSS’ Governance Initiative programs, we would not be able to lower the 26% poverty threshold of our municipality to 10%. Our town has benefited immensely from the implementation of DSWD programs, so we fully support the Department’s initiatives and services.), ” Laño uttered.
Regional Director Gopalan, furthermore, warmly received the words of commendation from La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, expressed through a message delivered on her behalf by La Union Board Member Geraldine Ortega. She read, “For 72 years, DSWD and all the people behind it have remained unwavering in its mission to improve the lives of our kaprobinsiaan and kababayan, especially those who are in distress, those who are in danger, and those who are disadvantaged. Kadagiti banuar ti DSWD, sa inyo pong mga kawani, saludo po ako sa dedikasyong ipinamalas niyo sa trabaho. Huwag po kayong magsasawang tumulong (To the all heroes of DSWD, to your staff, I salute your dedication in your work. Do not get weary of helping).”
The celebration continued in the afternoon with a competition of the staff’s artistic and creative skills, the Broadway Dancing Contest, and the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. DSWD 2023 pageant.
“This is what I want to see, that aside from work is we also find time to enjoy. I hope that in our future events, more staff can come and attend to celebrate with us. May this event remind us to be happy and always find joy in our work, because doing so, we can better serve and provide our clients and beneficiaries with a maagap, mapagkalinga at may buong pusong serbisyo,” RD Gopalan exclaimed. ### (By: Kristine Sheila T. Amoroso, Regional Information Officer, Social Marketing Unit)
