Posted on by Jaymante Pearl Apilado

Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan shares felicitation to the Child Development Workers  (CDWs) of  Region 1 through an audiovisual message.

This year’s Child Development Worker’s week celebration featured the Search for Best Child Development Workers, Dance Craze Challenge, CDW Jingle, and loyalty awardees.

Mayor Raphael Ralph Benemirito II represented by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Racquel Isidora De Guzman welcomed the participants to the event as it was recently hosted at Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

In partnership with the President of the RFDCW, Blanchelyne Duldulao, the face to face activity was attended by some 40 CDWs from Burgos, Pagudpud, and Batac City, Ilocos Norte. There were also online participants composed of 58 CDW groups from different cities and municipalities in region 1.

As part of the celebration, the first Regional Search for the Best Child Development Worker was launched with the following criteria: innovations and initiatives (25%); community participation (20%); resource generation (20%) and awards and citations (20%). The first placer Leonila N. Casipit  is from Luna, La Union; second placer  Salvacion Pacetes from Bacnotan, La Union; and third placer Marites Valdez  Sagun  of Candon City. 

First Placer of the Dance Craze Challenge, Laoag City  featured the City’s tourist destinations, while presenting the many activities of the CDWs. This was followed by  the graceful CDW dancers of Candon  City as second place,  and  the Province of Pangasinan as third place.

Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan in her message said, “I congratulate you for doing the job that you do. Most of you are doing this out of love for children as most of you are still volunteers. We believe in the DSWD that you play a crucial role in the formative years of children that this will spell their success in the future.To the RFDCW, I look forward to continuously work with you on this endeavor for the enhancement of children’s capacities and capabilities.”

Chief Administrative Officer  and Policy and Plans Division Melecio C. Ubilas, Jr.

In his message, Policy and Plans Division Chief Melecio C. Ubilas, Jr.  emphasized the importance of the CDWs in building the right foundation of moral values and character  among the children. “Sa kabila ng pandemya, nais pa rin nating makapagbigay ng magandang serbisyo para sa mga bata, hindi tumigil ang mga Child Development Workers (CDWs) kahit sa panahon ng pandemya (The CDWs did not stop to serve the learners inspite of the pandemic).”

Chief Ubilas also mentioned to give an extra CARE to learners that will ensure impact of services in their lives. This means to check on the children on their modules and activities; adapt alternatives to better services as the situation calls; respond to their needs and the children; and evaluate and reflect on the things that CDWs  have done. (By: Iryn D. Cubangbang, IO II, Social Marketing Unit)