DSWD-NCR officials and employees brought their A-game as they paraded their glamorous selves along with the black-and-white motif of the Department’s 41st Founding Anniversary on November 15, 2019 at Swiss-Belthotel Blulane, Manila.
Honorable Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, Undersecretary Danilo G. Pamona, and Regional Director Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas graced the event.
Director Tomas in his welcome remarks shared his gratitude to Field Office (FO) NCR family who helped him serve the public after his retirement in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“I just would like to welcome everybody who are part of this very notable event –the men and women of Field Office NCR,” Mr. Tomas said. He also included his sincerest appreciation to the National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations, Social Welfare and Development Agencies, and other partners, stakeholders, and friends of the Department who are “those with the heart to help the Filipinos who are in need,” as described by Director Tomas. Notable stakeholders were hailed in the anniversary for their continuous and untiring support to the programs and services of the Department.
With the theme, “Ika-41 Taon ng Pinatatag, Pinalawak, at Pinasayang Ahensya na patuloy na Maglilingkod sa Kapwa at sa Bayan”, the FO NCR family recognized its outstanding employees through the 2019 DSWD-NCR Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards.
“Ni minsan po hindi nasagi sa isip ko na makatanggap ng ganitong karangalan, pero ito’y isang pagpapala na ipinagkaloob sa akin ng Maykapal. Ang propesyon pong ito ay hindi ko pinangarap ngunit naniniwala po ako na dinala ako sa gawaing ito na may dahilan. Patuloy po tayong mangangarap para sa ating mga kliyente na may kasamang dasal upang tayo ay magabayan sa paghahatid ng pagpapala sa mga taong ating tinutulungan.” Said Ms. Manilyn Gamboa, Social Worker of the Year awardee, in her heartwarming testimony as she received her recognition.
Another highlight of the event was the film-showing for the DSWD-NCR History video-making competition, wherein Secretary Bautista, Undersecretary Pamonag, and Director Tomas judged and awarded the entries of several offices of FO NCR. With the final score of 90%, Sustainable Livelihood Program Management Office won, followed by the Finance Management Unit with 89%, then the Policy and Plans Division with 83%.
Following the awarding, an intermission number by the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center Chorale awed the audiences with their medley of old hits. Adding to the performers was Mr. Efren C. Gonzales, Sr of NVRC who gave his heartfelt rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘Young at Heart’.
Also entertained the guests were Mr. Christian Mercado, Admin Aide IV of the Finance Management Division who performed his rendition of Ikaw Lamang and The Prayer, followed by the medley of Nayon ng Kabataan’s Rondalla Members.
In his keynote address, Secretary Bautista congratulated the FO NCR’s employees for the success of the event. “Kanina pagpasok ko dito, sabi ko mali ‘ata ‘yong pinasukan ko, parang napasukan ko yung ABS-CBN Star Magic Ball.” he jests as he thanked the Field Office for inviting him in the prestigious event.
“Let us continue to improve the services and find innovative ways to provide solutions in improving the well-being of our fellow Filipinos; to reduce and release them from vulnerability. Through continued support, our Programs and Services will be providing more effective ways to the deliver services to the public.” said Secretary Bautista as he emphasized the most important ingredient of any organization: teamwork.
Officially concluded the program was Ms. Glenda M. Derla, Division Chief of Protective Services Division and chairperson of the 41st Anniversary Committee, as she gave her warmest closing remarks and greeted the department a gleeful anniversary celebration and thanked everyone who attended. ###
