DSWD-7 Kicks Off Its 69th Week-long Anniversary

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII kicked off its celebration of the Department 69th Founding Anniversary celebration with the theme, “Social Integration: DSWD’s Major Thrust in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.”

During the opening salvo on February 3, 2020, DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca Geamala called for unified action of everyone in order to achieve the goal of the Department.

“This is the challenge, not only to the regional directors but to everyone in the DSWD. Whatever our contributions are, let us act with sincerity, commitment, kindness and love. Let us work with our assignments with perfect love acted in justice and with favors of mercy,” underscored Director Geamala in her message.

After the DSWD anniversary message of Director Geamala, the song “Katatagan” was also officially launched.

This original composition is written by Leah Quintana, regional information officer of DSWD-7. The musical arrangement is done by Niño Bautista, clerk at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC II) and Gem Malaza, Project Development Officer of Standards Section. It is performed by the DSWD-7 Chorale.

The original song composition is an ode to the resiliency of the DSWD workers that despite the challenges that they face, they continue to provide the sincere and compassionate service to the poor, vulnerable and marginalized sector in the society.

A trade fair exhibit dubbed “Tabo sa SLP” was also opened showcasing the different livelihood products from Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor which are now displayed at the DSWD-7 grounds from February 3 to February 11, 2020.

On February 4, a Knowledge Exchange was conducted in coordination with the Social Welfare Development Learning Network (SWDL-Net) and on February 5, a Wellness Program Symposium, which aims to promote the overall health and wellness of employees in recognition of their valuable contribution to the accomplishments and success of the Department will be done. A blood-letting activity will also be facilitated in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH).

There will be also be sports activities like basketball and volleyball, indoor fun games, and trivia games during the duration of the week-long celebration.

On February 10, the DSWD-7 Chorale will offer songs to the clients of the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) who will avail the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Highlighting the celebration is the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards and the PaNata Ko (Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon) sa Bayan Awards on February 11.

The PRAISE Award is given annually to exemplary performers in DSWD. It is designed to encourage creativity, innovativeness, efficiency, integrity and productivity in the public service by recognizing and rewarding officials and employees for their contributions in the improvement of government operations while the PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards is a recognition to stakeholders and partners who have supported and contributed to the implementation of DSWD’s programs, projects and services.

During the awarding ceremony, the Department will also confer Loyalty Awards to employees and officials who have rendered 10 years or more of faithful government service.