Outgoing Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista turned over the leadership of the Agency to incoming Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo in a simple ceremony held at the DSWD Central Office today, June 30.

In his last address to the employees, outgoing Secretary Bautista expressed his deepest gratitude to team DSWD for “your unwavering commitment to the pursuit of maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo over the past three years of my leadership.”

He also added, “Secretary Erwin, I am now handing over to you the 29,000 strong personnel across the nation, ready to support you in performing the mandate of the DSWD.”

Symbolic turn-over of DSWD leadership

As part of the ceremony, Secretary Bautista handed over the following to the incoming leader of DSWD:  the Transition Handbook as a symbol of duties and responsibilities;  the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) Coffee Table Book and Terminal Report as a symbol of the Department’s accomplishments despite challenging circumstances; the DSWD Red Vest which represents the dedication and compassionate service of DSWD employees; and the DSWD Colors which represent the people served by the Agency across the country.

Secretary Tulfo’s first address to DSWD employees

For his part, Secretary Tulfo gave his first address to the employees.  He emphasized his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for giving him the opportunity to serve through the DSWD.

Secretary Tulfo added, “Tinatanggap ko ang hamon, alam ko na ang trabahong ito ay trabaho para pagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan na mahihirap.  Isa pong misyon, ika nga po gargantuan task, na we lead to succeed na hindi lang po gampanan ang misyon, kundi maging successful tayo sa misyon na ito.  Bawat isa sa atin ay may misyon na paglingkuran ang mga mahihirap. Kailangan ko po ang tulong ninyong lahat,” (I accept this challenge.  I know the work is to serve our poor fellowmen.  This is a mission, a gargantuan task.  The mission is not just to perform our mandate, but to lead to succeed in serving the Filipino poor).

He also expressed his appreciation for outgoing Secretary Bautista for his leadership in the Department and in responding to the needs of the Filipinos, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic and other disasters.

First order

As his first action in DSWD, Secretary Tulfo said he will extend all contracts of all employees nationwide who are under Cost of Service (COS) employment.

Secretary Tulfo emphasized, “Dahil gusto po ng ating Pangulo na walang maiiwan.  Ang sinasabi po na pandemic recovery ang lahat po ay kasamang umangat, walang maiiwan. Kaya po kung may matatatanggal po eh di maiiwan po yun. Kaya sisiguraduhin ko pong walang maiiwan, lalong lalo na po sa DSWD,” (Our President said no one should be left behind.  As part of the pandemic recovery, everyone should be uplifted and if employees will be removed, then it means they will be left behind.  Hence, I will ensure that no one is left behind, especially in DSWD.)

The Secretary also vowed to streamline services which would help expedite the provision of much needed assistance to the poor, vulnerable, marginalized and disadvantaged sectors in society.  He said he will look at the practicality and feasibility of decreasing documentary requirements for those seeking assistance. ###