Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday (July 31) emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering client-centered services, as he led the opening of the new DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) Satellite Office in Commonwealth, Quezon City.
“Dati-rati ‘yung mga lumalapit sa amin sa Central Office ay nasisikipan, naliliitan, nauulanan, naiinitan pero ngayon dahil dito sa bago nating opisina, bagong satellite office, mas malaki, mas maluwag, mas maaliwalas at higit sa lahat mas malamig para sa ating kliyente,” Secretary Gatchalian said in an interview with the media during the inauguration of the CIU satellite office located at the Paragon Place, adjacent to the Ever Gotesco Mall along Commonwealth Road.
Prior to the opening of the new satellite office, all walk-in and scheduled clients under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) were served at the DSWD’s Central Office in Batasan Road.
Now, they will be accommodated at the new office inside a mall that offers a safer, more comfortable experience with air-conditioned spaces, elevators, escalators, and more spacious waiting areas.
“Alinsunod ito sa utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na kung magse-service delivery tayo sa paglilingkod natin sa ating taumbayan, dapat komportable din sila. Hindi sapat ‘yung tinulungan mo lang sila pero kailangan mabilis, episyente, at higit sa lahat komportable at kaaya-aya ‘yung tanggapan ng pamahalaan,” Secretary Gatchalian told reporters.
After the formal opening, Secretary Gatchalian toured the newly-opened facility, where he met some of the clients who gave their positive feedback while a number of them had selfies with the DSWD chief using their mobile phones.
“Lahat ng mga nangangailangan nating mga kababayan na may pinagdadaanan na krisis, welcome po kayo na pumunta dito sa bagong satellite office,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Edna Piolo, a senior citizen who used to frequent the DSWD Central Office every three months to seek help for her maintenance medicine, was pleased with the transfer of the CIU as it will ease her travel woes.
“Hindi na masyadong mahirap sumakay. May elevator at escalator din, napakaganda para sa mga senior nito,” Edna said.
Another happy client was Leonard Lamparas from Paranaque who sought assistance from the DSWD for the very first time.
“Sa loob medyo maaliwalas naman kasi bago ata eh, maganda at komportable naman kasi may aircon marami namang nag a-assist na taga-DSWD. Mabilis at maganda,” Leonard pointed out.
The CIU, as the oversight unit for the implementation of the AICS and AKAP, will take charge of the operation of the satellite office covering the two floors of the 3-storey mall. (LSJ)