QUEZON CITY -- In recognition of their valuable contributions in the delivery of the programs and services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista led the awarding of the Salamat Po Awards to the uniformed officers of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on March 25.

The Salamat Po Awards is given to the Department’s development partners and volunteers in recognition of their assistance in the delivery of the social protection services of the DSWD. The award is also in acknowledgement of achieved goals and the established best practices of various partners.

The members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Navy (PN), and Philippine Air Force (PAF) have been among the allies and partners of the Department in promoting its advocacies and initiatives. Their major contributions are the provision of storage facilities and warehouses for food and non-food items (FNFIs), logistical support during disasters and calamities, assistance during rescue operations, and security during payout activities, especially in the geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas in Mindanao.

In his message, Secretary Bautista expressed his gratitude to the uniformed personnel who shared the same goal of uplifting the conditions of the marginalized and vulnerable sectors, and for working tirelessly in helping the Department to ensure that services reached the intended recipients.

“All our accomplishments in 2021 would not have been possible without the support and help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Office of the Civil Defense, and other security agencies in protecting and assisting the DSWD payouts in all our programs, especially the Social Amelioration Program, Conditional Cash Transfer, and the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, during his visit to the regional office, Secretary Bautista also led the unveiling of the marker of the 4-storey newly constructed Kalambuan building that will prevent workspace congestion and address the basic health and safety protocols during the pandemic.

In addition, DSWD Field Office X launched its first-ever Digital Citizen’s Charter, a digital-friendly kiosk that will allow the Field Office’s clients to easily navigate their needed information.

These activities were the highlights of the Field Office’s 71st Anniversary celebration with the theme “Napapanahon na Pagtugon sa Suliranin ng Taong 2022 Kabalikat ng Katatagan ng Bawat Pilipino.” (DSWD)