By Prince Golez
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday recognized the reliability of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in assisting distressed and disadvantaged Filipinos over the last seven decades.
“We recognize and take pride in this institution’s stability and reliability. For over 70 years, the DSWD has remained unwavering in your mission to improve the lives of every Filipino especially those who are in distress, those who are in danger, and those who we can see are disadvantaged,” Marcos Jr. said during the 72nd anniversary event of DSWD in Quezon City.
The President enjoined the public in expressing gratitude to the department for its continued excellence in providing public service, noting that the DSWD served as the “lifeline” for millions of Filipinos during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Alam ko na kung minsan, ang pakiramdam ninyo, dahil kayo ay kung nasaan pinapapunta na malalayo na hindi kinikilala ang inyong trabaho, wag niyo pong isipin yun, kinikilala at nagpapasalamat ang madlang Pilipino sa inyong mga ginagawa,” according to him.
“Sa inyong sipag, sa inyong trabaho, ang dami ninyong natulungan. Kung hindi sa tulong ng DSWD, kung hindi sa ating mga ibinigay na TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), na AICS (Assistance to individuals in crisis situations) na hanggang ngayon ay binibigay pa rin natin, yung 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), kung hindi diyan ay marami siguro sa ating mga kababayan ang nasawi ng pandemiya,” he added.
Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. directed the DSWD to continue assisting the marginalized who are struggling to cope with rising living costs.
“Remain steadfast in your commitment to ensuring that more Filipinos will be provided with quality service in the coming years. The work that you do is crucial and I am sure that with your dedication and hard work, we will continue to make progress in uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” the chief executive said.
He also committed to provide social welfare personnel with the necessary skills, opportunities, and resources to enable them to continue performing their duties.
“You deserve not only our gratitude but also our highest esteem and deepest appreciation. With the latest developments that we welcome in your department, I am confident we can further boost the skills, provide you with multiple opportunities to promote your professional growth, and strengthen your roles as public servants,” said Marcos Jr.
