Upholding its commitment to transparency, accountability, and high-quality service, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) took part in the nationwide simultaneous rollout of the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, at the DSWD FO 1 Regional Operations Center in the City of San Fernando, La Union. This is following President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to highlight the government’s accomplishments at the regional level.
DSWD FO 1 Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan served as the resource person of the kapihan session’s third leg featuring the DSWD wherein she comprehensively shared the accomplishments and milestones of the region. She was also joined by the Assistant Regional Director for Operations Anniely J. Ferrer, and Assistant Regional Director for Administration Melecio C. Ubilas, Jr. to give further details on the operations and implementation of the Field Office’s programs and services.
One of the high points of the kapihan session was the open forum. The onsite and online media partners inquired about the urget public concerns of some of the Agency’s key programs – like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Social Pension Program, and the Field Office’s disaster response preparedness.
The Division Chiefs of the abovementioned programs present were adept in addressing the expressed issues, and provided explanations on topics that have left the public perplexed and skeptical.
Dir. Gopalan, in her closing statement, reassured that the Department will always be dedicated to providing high-quality services to all Ilocanos and Pangasinenses. She also stated that criticisms and complaints are encouraged in order to enhance DSWD FO 1’s ability to meet Region 1’s demands for social protection.
“Sa ating mga tagapakinig. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagtangkilik sa amin. Itong mga darating na panahon, nandiyan po ang mga hamon, nandiyan ang la niña, nandiyan din ang epekto ng climate change, at umaasa po kami na makita ang continuous na partnership with other agencies para maihatid ang mga programa at serbisyo na kailangan nating tugunan. We do appreciate and we are one with the administration in the whole of government approach para supilin ang kahirapan dahil bawat buhay ay mahalaga,” she exclaimed.
Organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Region 1 was hosted by PIA Ilocos Region Regional Director Jennilyne C. Role and was livestreamed through the Facebook page of PIA Ilocos Region. By: Kristine Sheila T. Amoroso, Regional Information Officer
