Social Welfare Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo, stressing the firm commitment of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to bring social services directly to the communities, led the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed building, facilities, and other amenities of DSWD Field Office-CALABARZON today, September 2.

The 4-storey office building of Field Office IV-A will be constructed at Barangay Marawoy in Lipa City, Batangas, along with a 2-level warehouse facility, 3-storey supply and record building, 4-storey learning center, multi-purpose building, and a 2-storey motor pool with office room. The building designs were drafter by the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH).

Secretary Tulfo emphasized that the construction of the PHP 543.1 million-infrastructure project is another milestone for the Department as it continues to improve the delivery of its services, programs, and other interventions to its clients.

“With the ever-changing landscape of social work, as well as with the evolving crisis situations such as disasters and calamities in the country, it is significant that we continue to innovate ways and create spaces to bring the social welfare programs and services closer to our beneficiaries,” he added.

The Secretary also expressed his gratitude to Congressman Ralph Recto for his unwavering support for the transfer of the DSWD office; the local government unit (LGU) of Lipa City and the province of Batangas for the site and donated lot; and to other partner-government agencies which pushed for the realization of the project.

“Ang DSWD po ay inilapit ng mga taong ito sa inyo, mga taga-Batangas,” (The DSWD was brought by these people closer to all Batangueños) Secretary Tulfo said.

After the groundbreaking ceremony, Secretary Tulfo and Mayor Eric Africa signed a Memorandum of Agreement. As part of the partnership, a Usufruct Agreement was forged while the Deed of Exchange was facilitated by Lipa LGU and DA to rightfully allow the Department to utilize the site for the construction of its offices and eventually the Department of Agriculture (DA) will prepare the Deed of Donation transferring the ownership of the said lot to DSWD.

The MOA signifies the support of the concerned officials and offices in the 5-year implementation plan of the project. Congressman Recto, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Engr. Jovel Mendoza of DPWH and OIC-Regional Director Fidel Libao of DA served as witnesses to the ceremonial signing.

Meanwhile, aside from the said office in Lipa, the DSWD Field Office IV-A Complex Building is also set to rise at Barangay Malain in Ibaan, Batangas. The said complex will include a warehouse building and an office warehouse building.

With this initiative, the DSWD vows to continue to deliver social protection packages to every Filipino. ###