The Kapit-Bisig Laban saKahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, a community empowerment program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development hailed a new batch of outstanding community volunteers, civil society organization (CSO), and local government unit(LGU) during the 2nd Regional BayaniKa Awards held at The Harvest Hotel, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, October 15.

“Hindi ko inaakalang matatanggap ako ng award na ganito. Maraming salamat sa pag-kilala sa aming dedikasyon at mabuhay ang lahat ng volunteers,” said Apolonio de Guzman, Barangay Chairman of Picaleon, General Mamerto Natividad, as he accepted his plaque of recognition for Bayan Category (Barangay LGU).

Along with de Guzman, the following also received awards in different categories: Josephina Zamora of Talugtug, Nueva Ecija (Gender Category), Anita Fernando of Quezon, Nueva Ecija (Improved Local Governance Category), Jomar Santiago of Quezon, Nueva Ecija (Peace Promotion Category), Ruben Abiang of Talugtug, NuevaEcija and Jerome Sinay of General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija (PWD Category), and TeresitaGaculais of Talugtug, Nueva Ecija (Environmental Protection Category). For the Bayanihan category, the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP) of Quezon brought home the award.

The Department recognized and gave awards to volunteers and local government units (LGU) who showed unwavering commitment and dedication to community service and promoted community driven-development (CDD).
Regional Director Gemma Gabuya and Assistant Regional Director Irene Crespo of DSWD Field Office III graced the event and gave messages of inspiration, as well.

Validated by an inter-agency technical working group which includes representatives from the DSWD, DENR, PIA, DILG, and PNP, the said winners will represent Central Luzon in the National BayaniKa Awards.### (Ma. Dennielle M. Lomboy)