The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD NCR) joins the celebration of the 68th Founding Anniversary of DSWD with the theme, “DSWD Katuwang sa Pagbabago” last February 22, 2019 held at Ramada Hotel Manila.
The activity started with the invocation led by Ms. Michelle Addatu followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. The opening remarks was given by the Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Ms. Maria Rosario C. Cuaresma as she welcomed the retirees and loyalty awardees in this momentous event as their untiring efforts and passion to serve the clients are recognized and appreciated, “I am very much impressed on the long years that you chose to stay in DSWD. Thank you for all the efforts and Serbisyong May Malasakit that you rendered through the years,” Cuaresma said.
On behalf of the Secretary, the inspirational message was delivered by the Chief Administrative Officer, Retired Colonel Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas. He emphasized the significance of the services given by the retirees and awardees which surely served as an inspiration to other employees of the Department. He said, “This is a rare moment that we are all gathered to celebrate and give gratitude to all our colleagues whose services change and transform many lives. It is a moment to look back how Teamwork, Camaraderie and Friendship bring success to our work“.
Intermission numbers were showcased by Mr. Ariel Gopela, Administrative Assistant III of Unconditional Cash Transfer; Ms. Arianne Chua, an award-winning child performer from RSCC and the GRACES dancers. Their music and performances serenaded the awardees, retirees, officials and DSWD NCR staff who participated in the activity.
The awarding ceremonies gave way to recognize 17 awardees for rendering 10 years in service, nine (9) awardees who served for 15 years, 17 awardees for 20 years in service, eight (8) awardees for 25 years in service, five (5) awardees for 30 years in service, three (3) awardees for 35 years in service and 12 retired awardees.
Ms. Marissa O. Ballon, Social Welfare Officer II at Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) and Loyalty Awardee shared her precious and memorable experiences with the Department as one of the loyalty awardees who served for 35 years. She expressed gratitude and happiness to the Department as her professional journey touched her and her family’s lives.
“Marami akong mga pinagdaanan bago ako napunta sa EGV ngunit masaya ako sa lahat ng aking pinagdaanan at nagpapaslamat sa lahat ng tumulong at sa pomunuan ng DSWD na nagtiwala at patuloy na nagtitiwala sa aking serbisyo”. Ballon stated.
On the other hand, Mr. Ernesto Adriano Sr., Project Development Officer II of the Sustainable Livelihood Program shared his stories and the challenges he experienced throughout his 38 years.
The program ended with the closing remarks delivered by Ms. Maridol Licerio, 68th Anniversary Chairperson and Social Welfare Officer V of GRACES. She expressed her gratitude to the members of the committees as well as to all the staff who made the event and activity successful. “Maraming salamat sa lahat ng tumulong upang mapaayos ang event na ito at sa lahat ng ating retirees at awardees, magsisislbi kayong inspirasyon sa aming lahat sa inyong mga karansasan na inyong ibinahagi”. Licerio said.
This annual activity is celebrated to give appreciation to all the retirees and loyalty awardees who untiringly share themselves to deliver Serbisyong May Kalinga at Pagmamahal. ###