“These rites are a validation of your remarkable work which were contributory to the continued trust given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) by the public we serve. The citations that you received today, as awardees and nominees, are something to be proud of. But above this, let the lives you have served well, be the testament of your good work.”
This was the main message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian as he congratulated the awardees and nominees of the National Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) on Friday (March 14) at the Landbank’s Diosdado Macapagal Hall in Malate, Manila.
The DSWD chief, along with other agency executives, led the awarding of special citation; individual, group, and innovation awards; as well as ‘Angels in Red Vests’ special awards to winners from the DSWD’s Central Office and Field Offices nationwide.
The outstanding centers managed by the DSWD were also recognized and given their awards.
“Congratulations to all the winners. By working beyond what was expected, you epitomize what being a DSWD Angel in Red Vest is about,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
The PRAISE, according to the DSWD chief, is an annual tradition to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of the agency’s workforce, known as the ‘Angels in Red Vests.”
“Although the PRAISE awards is a competition, we must focus on its objective to set a standard befitting public servants, uniting us in providing extra love and extra care in the performance of our tasks,” the DSWD chief emphasized.
Secretary Gatchalian concluded his message by thanking the 40,000 employees of the DSWD for responding to the needs of the poor, vulnerable, marginalized and for leading them towards development.
“To the 40,000 employees of the DSWD, Angels in Red Vests, with your Executive and Management Committees, we look forward to making more milestones in the coming months and the coming years. Alam ko na kayang-kaya natin yan,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Joining Secretary Gatchalian in the event were Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay of the Peace and Development Group (PDG), who is also the Vice-Chairperson of the National PRAISE Awards; Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas of the DSWD’s Regulatory Services and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG); and Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the International Affairs and, Attached and Supervised Agencies.