The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region III will observe its 69^th Anniversary through a week-long celebration from February 18-21, 2020. This year’s theme is “Social Integration: DSWD’s Major Thrust in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.”

According to Pulse Asia’s survey conducted last year, DSWD is one of the top performing government agencies with an 85 percent approval rate. This only means that the department’s prompt and caring delivery of programs and services are being felt down to the community level. 

In addition, the department’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Social Pension, and Unconditional Cash Transfer Program were recognized by the National Economic Development Authority as contributors to the reduction of poverty incidence from 23.3 percent in 2015 to 16.6 percent in 2018.

The department continues to deliver its social protection programs and services to Region 3 through its 1,714 employees that are designated in the regional and provincial offices.

One of the highlights of the celebration is the Regional Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards, which aims 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. 

Last week, the opening ceremony for the ball games commenced.  Different and various activities ranging from wellness services, quiz bee, relay game, and dance competition will be conducted on the week-long celebration. 

Story by Alexine Bianca RdS. Castaneda