On its 59th Anniversary this January, the Department of Social Welfare and Development gives recognition to individuals and organizations which have selflessly dedicated their time, energy and resources to help fellow Filipinos affected by typhoons 'Ondoy' and 'Pepeng.'

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral will award certificates of appreciation to more than 100 organizations for their invaluable contribution in disaster operations, such as distribution of relief goods, psychosocial counseling and repacking at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC), the DSWD's central warehouse in Pasay City and regional warehouses. The awarding ceremony will be held at the DSWD Auditorium at Batasan Hills, Quezon City on January 28, 2010.

Among the organizations which will be given recognition are Singles for Christ - OLA Chapter, Single Young Adults of San Agustin Parish, Rock Ed Philippines, St. Francis School, Magsaysay Institute for Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Singles for Christ-Riverside Chapter, Singles for Christ-SSS Chapter, and Accenture Philippines. 

"Thanks! We could have not done it without you," Secretary Cabral said.

Some 3,483 volunteers assisted the DSWD in repacking and labeling of food, clothes and medicine kits for the victims of both typhoons. The volunteers were composed of 953 individuals, 913 employees of corporations, 718 students of various schools, 404 government personnel, 355 staff of non-government organizations, and 140 representatives of international organizations.

"It is truly heartwarming to see all the people who flocked to the NROC, churches, media establishments and other places to donate relief goods, as well as to volunteer their services. Filipinos all over the country, and those living and working abroad, all pitched in to contribute whatever they could to alleviate the suffering of typhoon victims," Secretary Cabral explained.

"It is this resiliency, the determination to bounce back after a tragedy that sustains the spirit of Filipinos. On the occasion of our 59th Anniversary, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers who rallied to help their countrymen in their time of need," Secretary Cabral enthused.

The DSWD fosters the spirit of volunteerism through its National Volunteer Program, the Department's version of the Bayanihang Bayan Program (BBP) which provides opportunities for individuals, groups and organizations to extend voluntary service in the implementation of social welfare and development programs, as well as in disaster operations.

Memorandum Order No. 45 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in December 2001 mandates all government agencies to implement the Bayanihang Bayan Program (BBP) for Government Service. # (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) January 11, 2010