Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista commended the DSWD-Cordillera and its partners for the effective delivery of social protection services as he called for continuing partnership for social integration, especially those in geographically isolated and displaced areas of the region.
In his keynote message during DSWD’s 69th anniversary program at Newtown Plaza Hotel last week, Bautista said the delivery of social welfare programs and services have been contributing to the improvement of the lives of the Filipinos with the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority that poverty rate in the country improved from the 23.3 percent in 2015 to 16.6 percent in 2018.
DSWD is also gaining the trust of the people in terms of service delivery as shown by a 2019 Pulse Asia survey giving the department 85 percent performance rating, one of the highest among government agencies, Bautista added.
The Secretary commended DSWD-CAR under the leadership of Regional Director Leo Quintilla for their contribution in attaining the department’s goal of improving the life of the Filipinos in the region despite its challenging terrain.
“Here in Cordillera, I believe it takes a certain level of dedication, passion, and strength of will to be able to conquer perilous mountains and crossing ice cold rivers to be able deliver social protection services,” he said.
Enjoining DSWD personnel for more intensified and higher quality of service delivery Bautista also reminded them to remain grounded and do their work well to satisfy their clients.
He also lauded DSWD-CAR’s partners in the delivery of social welfare programs. “DSWD will not be able to continue to fulfill its mandate without your solid support and valuable assistance,” Bautista said.
The 69th anniversary program was highlighted by the “Panata ko sa bayan (Pagkilala sa natatanging kontribusyon sa bayan)” awarding ceremony, where DSWD-CAR recognized its partners and stakeholders who have contributed to the smooth implementation of the department’s programs and services.
DSWD-CAR also recognized their outstanding employees, character and loyalty awardees, as well as the Gawad Ulat for information and media partners who have provided support and commitment in the advocacy, promotion, and publicity of DSWD programs and services.
Quintilla said is also aimed at renewing commitment and partnership in continuously improving and intensifying the delivery of service to Filipinos. – Carlito C. Dar
April 26, 2024
