As it marks its 59th anniversary this January, the Department of Social Welfare and Development vows to continue its tradition of excellent public service by strengthening programs and services that address the needs of the poor and those most deserving of government assistance.

Social Welfare and Development Acting Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco said the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) project will be this year's banner programs of the DSWD. The 4Ps is the government's conditional cash program that provides as much as P1,400 per month to some 1 million households while the NHTS-PR establishes a database of poor households that will become the basis for the identification of beneficiaries of social protection programs.

This year's theme, "DSWD: Kaagapay at Gabay sa Kinabukasan" demonstrates the new paradigm that the DSWD will pursue in 2010.

"We will continue to be a partner of our disadvantaged countrymen in their quest for a better future, ready to lend a helping hand especially during critical times," Acting Secretary Yangco said.

Highlighting the anniversary celebration slated from January 25-29 is the awarding of DSWD's outstanding performers, as well as recognition of partners, donors and volunteers who assisted in serving the poor and disadvantaged.

Acting Secretary Yangco added that special recognition will be given to individuals and organizations who volunteered in the relief operations following the devastation wrought by typhoons 'Ondoy' and 'Pepeng,' saying "Thanks! we could have not done it without you."

Meanwhile, this year's excellent performers are Director Camilo G. Gudmalin of KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) from the DSWD-Central Office, Best Manager; Assistant Regional Director Gemma Rivera of Field Office XII, Best Assistant Manager; Ms. Ma. Vilia L. Vigil of Field Office XI,  Best Division Chief-Technical Category; Ms. Nora dela Paz of Field Office I, Best Division Chief-Support Category; Ms. Raquel E. Nuñez of Field Office XI, Best Technical Staff - Professional; Ms. Elesita A. dela Cruz, Best Technical Staff - Sub Professional;  Mr. Antonio R. Dolaota of Field Office VII, Best Support Staff - Professional; and Ms. Nida Bolilan of Field Office XI, Best Support Staff - Sub Professional.  

"All the awardees underwent a thorough selection process and were assessed based on work performance, managerial and leadership competencies, management of resources, networking and advocacy as well as professional contribution to the DSWD," Acting Secretary Yangco explained.

Other activities lined-up for the weeklong anniversary celebration are: Tribal Sports Fest to be participated in by DSWD employees, mounting of a photo exhibit  featuring the best practices in the delivery of social services by the Field Offices, Search for DSWD Ambassador and Ambassadress, SAYAWIT contest, 'Salamat Po' Awards, "Best SEA-K implementation," and the DSWD Family Fellowship Night. #