A saying “Calmness is a great source of strength” by the great Chinese Philosopher Lao Zu best describes the leadership of Ms. Anniely J. Ferrer, former Chief of the Policy and Plans Division (PPD) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1). Her humility as exemplified by her calmness and soft-spokenness creates a comfortable yet productive office environment.
Aside from being composed, Ms. Ferrer is also often described as intelligent, approachable, professional, and fair not only to her subordinates but to all her colleagues in DSWD FO 1. She is also a well-rounded person that oversees not only the operations of every Section/Program/Division (Policy Development and Planning Section, National Household Targeting Section, Regional Information Communication Technology Management Section, and Unconditional Cash Transfer Program Regional Project Management Office) that she handles but also the other tasks assigned to her by DSWD FO 1 Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo.
Juggling the demands of work can be quite stressful, but Ms. Ferrer manages to accomplish all her tasks. Apart from ensuring that all deliverables of the Section/Program under the said Division are objectively met, she also maintains her dedication to the other committees that she handles. She is an active member of the Core Group of Specialists on Child and Youth, Women and Policy and Plans, Field Office 1 Legislative Liaison Coordinator under the Department Legislative Liaison Office; the Focal Person of the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee 1 (RJJWC 1); the Focal Person of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction / Listahanan; the Vice-Chairperson of the Regional Gender and Development (GAD) Technical Working Group (RGAD-TWG) that ensures all programs and projects of the Agency are gender responsive; the Vice-Chairperson of the Regional Composite Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Team; and the Chairperson of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for almost 10 years.
As a PPD Chief for more than nine years, she is considered skilled in the overall operations of the Agency as she displays advance competence along administration, program management, and performance management. Her technical expertise in Development Planning, Policy Development, Quality Management System, Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), Gender and Development, among others, contributes to the achievement of the organizational outcomes of the Agency.
In order to accomplish all her tasks, she renders overtime services in the office, goes home late at night, and even brings her paper works at home. Her contribution in the smooth flow of the procurement process with her BAC Chairperson functions, providing assistance in the crafting of the Policy on Acceptable Use and Access to Internet Sites as Adopted & Aligned to Existing Policies & Guidelines, Gender Mainstreaming Efforts like the establishment of the Breastfeeding Area, GAD Corner, the use of the non-sexist language, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Attestation and Certification of DSWD FO 1 proves her excellence as an efficient employee and a leader of the DSWD.
Ms. Ferrer also maintains and supports the relationship with external partners/stakeholders while upholding public interest by ensuring that the needs of the local government units/private sectors for a Learning Service Provider, provision of technical assistance and accreditation, and releasing of the Listahanan data of poor households are facilitated on time.
An exemplary leader, affectionate mother, supportive co-employee, and helpful friend who is always there to guide not only her staff but other employees of the Agency is just a few characteristics of Ms. Anniely J. Ferrer that is worthy of emulation. She inspires and engages others to work for a common goal – a leader who seeks to enable members of her team to develop and achieve more. (by: Jaymante Pearl B. Apilado, Administrative Assistant III, NHTS-PR/Listahanan and Donna Michelle T. Buquing, Planning Officer I, PDPS)
