Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, together with DSWD officials paid tribute to partners from government, non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), media, as well as foreign donors during the PaNata Ko sa Bayan awarding ceremony held on 26 January 2012 at the DSWD Central Office, Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

The  PaNata Ko sa Bayan or Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan  Awards is given by the DSWD in recognition of the invaluable support of its partners and stakeholders in the implementation of DSWD programs, projects, and services. The PaNata Awards highlighted the month-long celebration of DSWD’s 61st Foundation Anniversary with the theme, “DSWD @61: Tuloy-tuloy sa Kaunlaran.”

PaNata awardees posed with DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, guest of honor. SOS Children’s Village Inc., represented by Congressman Mel Senen S. Sarmiento (middle), Chairman, Board of Directors was adjudged Best NGO, and  Ms. Antonietta Lagare (right photo), president of the Angat Kabuhayan SEA-Kabayan winner of the Best SEA-K association, received their awards. Also in photo are (from left) Mayor Melchor F. Nacario of Calbiga, Samar; Ms. Eva R. Ranas, MSWDO of Calbiga and DSWD-Field Office VIII Director Leticia Diokno.

Mr. Joseph Aguillar, Executive Director of Yes Pinoy Foundation, Inc., one of the Civil Society Organizations given recognition, receives the award on behalf of Mr. Dingdong Dantes, Founder and President of Yes Pinoy Foundation, Inc.

Special citations were also given to organizations and personalities for their invaluable contributions during the relief operations for victims of tropical storm ‘Sendong.’  Photos show (from left) Mr. Dipayan Bhattacharyya of the United Nations World Food Programme,  Col. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Chief of Operations, J3, AFP; General Roland Amarille, Assistant Division Commander of the First Infantry Division and Head of Task Force Makalintal, and representatives of the Commanding General, Philippine Army, and the Commanding General, Philippine Air Force, receiving their awards. ### (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) 05 February 2012