CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Luzon recognized its partners and stakeholders through its Pasasalamat Awards.
The event highlighted the crucial role of inter-agency collaboration, civil society engagement, and private sector contributions in the successful implementation of the agency’s core programs and services in the region.
These include disaster response, social protection, crisis intervention, and community development initiatives that continue to uplift the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.
DSWD Regional Director Venus Rebuldela thanked the awardees for standing up with the department in the noble mission of social welfare and development, citing that the event is a celebration of their shared commitment to serve and a renewal of their collective promise.
“The strength of the Department does not rest solely on policies and plans, but it rests in people—in you—who choose to care, to contribute, and to commit to the greater and common good. You are part of every success story we share,” she said.
Among the recognized partners were representatives from emergency response teams, health and education sectors, non-government organizations, and community-based advocates.
These include the Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command, Department of Public Work and Highways, Land Bank of the Philippines, and the Philippine Information Agency.
The event also featured success stories from beneficiaries and frontline workers, highlighting how partnerships have transformed lives on the ground.
Meanwhile, as part of his acceptance speech, DSWD Undersecretary for General Administration and Support Services Group Edward Justine Orden said that the award he received tells him that he must have done something right in public service and nation building.
“This award is not just for me. DSWD cannot function alone. The reason we’re all here from stakeholders, to the armed forces, national agencies, local government units, is because we need each other to reach and serve the vulnerable, the struggling, and the forgotten. This award is not just for the DSWD. This is for all of you,” he added.
DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration thanked their partners for making 2024 a year of transformation and urged them to further deepen their collaboration.
“May this spirit of bayanihan and assured service continue to guide us in the days ahead. Let us continue forward together, because the journey is far from over. And with partners like you by our side, there is no limit to what we can achieve,” she concluded. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
