“We would never be able to succeed in our work of helping Filipinos in need without our partners. In all advocacy campaigns and operations, we work with so many others to meet common goals: help those in need and serve with compassion.”
This is the core message of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as it prepares to give recognition to its various partners and stakeholders through the “Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan (PaNata Ko sa Bayan) Awards” on March 8 at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
DSWD Officer-In-Charge Emmanuel A. Leyco said that the awards are “the Department’s way to thank the various groups and individuals who have helped us in providing programs and services for the vulnerable sectors that we serve, such as older persons, persons with disabilities, poor families, disadvantaged and abused women, children and youth.”
“As the government’s lead welfare agency, the DSWD faces the massive challenge of responding to the needs of thousands of Filipinos who do not have the immediate means to address sudden emergencies such as emergency financial assistance for medical and hospital needs; educational assistance, Balik Probinsya, among others,” OIC Leyco explained.
OIC Leyco also emphasized, “Given the tremendous needs of the various sectors we are mandated to serve, DSWD needs all the help that it can get so that it can perform all its duties and responsibilities to help the Filipino people. We would never be able to accomplish all that we need to do for our beneficiaries without the help and support of our various partners. We hold the annual PaNata awards to thank them and to give tribute to their own efforts to help Filipinos and improve their lives.”
Various awards will be given on March 8. These are:
Salamat Po Awards – a commendation of development partners and volunteers who helped the DSWD deliver its social protection services. The award is also in recognition of achieved goals and the established best practices of various NGO partners.
GAPAS Awards – a commendation given to Local Government Units (LGUs) implementing DSWD programs and services such as Day Care Services, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and Sustainable Livelihood Program micro enterprise and employment facilitation models, as well as to LGUs effectively implementing a convergence initiative, and the Best People’s Organization that has significant contribution in their respective communities.
Gawad Serbisyo – a recognition to partners in government service who provide significant assistance and unwavering commitment during emergencies.
Gawad Ulat – an award given to media organizations and practitioners who have given solid support to the DSWD through publication in print media and airing in broadcast media of positive and balanced stories on top of their commitment to advance the promotion, publicity and advocacy efforts of the Department. #
