BAGUIO CITY — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista lauded volunteers and donors for their significant contributions to the DSWD Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in its response operations against the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the “lyaman” event held at Baguio City today, October 9, 2020, Secretary Bautista commended the combined efforts of the Department’s partners and stakeholders in helping Filipino families severely affected by the community quarantine.

“lyaman is the most appropriate word to express our sincerest gratitude to all our awardees and guests this morning. We are very thankful for all your contributions, especially to the DSWD Field Office CAR operations, for facilitating the provision of social services to those mostly affected by the pandemic,” Secretary Bautista expressed.

Secretary Bautista added that tough the support of various stakeholders, the DSWD was able to help around 1.6 million affected individuals in the region, with around PhP1.8 billion worth of assistance; PhP1.6 million from the Department, PhP150 million from LocaI Government Units (LGUs), and more than PhP9 million from the private sector.

The DSWD chief also expressed his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the pro | ion of land and air assets in reaching beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) residing in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

With the ongoing  COVID-19  pandemic, Secretary  Bautista urged partners and Stakeholders to continue to work together  as allies in serving the poor and vulnerable sector.

‘Marami pa tayong kailangang gawin, at sa paglipas ng bawa’t araw ng pagsisilbi, mas kakailangan natin ang isa’t-isa,” Secretary Bautista added.’ ###