Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian is set to recognize and honor the agency’s personnel also known as ‘Angels in Red Vests’, who have shown exemplary performance in 2024 through the National Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) ceremonies to be held on Friday (March 14) at the Landbank’s Diosdado Macapagal Hall in Malate, Manila.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency spokesperson, said the annual celebration aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of DSWD personnel who implement programs and services that uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable communities.

“The PRAISE Award is the agency’s mechanism to thank and commend our DSWD personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve the public, with extra love and extra care,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

Among the awards to be given are Best Community-Based Social Worker; Best Technical and Administrative Staff; Best Houseparent; Best Operations Office; and Best Center.

The Central Office and the different DSWD Field Offices across the country nominated their bets for each category with different sets of criteria.

Finalists also underwent a final interview with a semi-structured process and standard questionnaire, which constituted 15 percent of their total score.

The National PRAISE winners will receive cash incentives and plaques from the DSWD. (YADP)