The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office honored its dedicated officials and staff for their 10 to 40 years of loyal service, along with outstanding employees, during the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) and Loyalty Awards held on Thursday (March 13) at the Landbank’s Diosdado Macapagal Hall in Malate, Manila.

In the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, which was delivered by Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera, the PRAISE Central Office Committee Chairperson, the agency chief thanked the awardees for their notable contributions to the Department.

\”In over seven decades of service, the DSWD is often referred to as the heart of government, providing reliable service to the sectors it is mandated to serve. This was made possible by the tireless work of its employees, always extending extra love and extra care despite many challenges,\” Secretary Gatchalian said in his message.

The DSWD chief also expressed his sincerest gratitude to all the Loyalty Awardees, and PRAISE nominees and awardees for their continued service to the Department.

“As the head of the Department, I am fully aware that the mandate of the DSWD is not easy. Thus, I know first-hand the hard work and sincere service that the employees contribute to the agency,\” Secretary Gatchalian said.

During the ceremony, DSWD executives conferred the Service Awards to employees who are set to retire, whether through optional or compulsory retirement.

The PRAISE Awards is an annual recognition given to exceptional DSWD employees and offices for their significant contributions to enhancing the Department’s systems, processes, and operations. It aims to promote creativity, innovation, efficiency, integrity, and productivity in public service.

The Loyalty Awards are granted to permanent, contractual, and casual employees who have dedicated 10 to 40 years of faithful service to the agency. (AKDL)