The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is celebrating this year’s Social Welfare Week through a mix of traditional and digital activities that aim to spotlight the crucial role of social workers in nation-building.

In a memorandum issued by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Department will observe the week-long celebration from November 25 to December 2.

This is pursuant to Proclamation No. 1205, series of 1973 which declared the annual celebration of Social Welfare Week In recognition of the vital role of social workers and individuals engaged in socio-economic development efforts within the country.

“The Department, as the lead in the implementation and coordination of social welfare and development policies and programs for and with the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged, adheres and supports the proclamation,” Secretary Gatchalian said in a memorandum dated November 26.

Anchored on the theme of “Manggagawa Para sa Kapakanang Panlipunan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the observance encouraged the use of digital platforms to raise awareness of social welfare and its importance in working toward a society that drives people’s socioeconomic development.

To promote solidarity with the social welfare community, a special Facebook profile frame has been created for the use of DSWD employees.

Personnel are also urged to actively engage on social media by sharing personal reflections, messages of gratitude, and feature social welfare activities using the official hashtag #SocialWelfareWeek2024.

Internal communications have been boosted through email campaigns, with regular email blasts sent to employees. These emails serve to inform, inspire, and motivate staff, and encourage their participation in the week’s observances.

Aside from the digital campaign, the DSWD also held an awarding ceremony to pay tribute to various agencies, organizations that continue to raise the standard for social welfare and development (SWD) services in the country.

The Paglaray Awards was held last November 22, and hailed various DSWD Field Offices and Local Government Units (LGUs). The awardees were recognized for their efforts in upholding and localizing SWD laws while showcasing innovative practices, accountability and excellence in service delivery.

Meanwhile, the DSWD’s Standards Bureau (SB) led this year’s Awarding Ceremony for Outstanding Social Work Agencies (SWAs) and Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs).

A total of six SWAs and three SWDAs – both from the private and public sector, each received a plaque and cash incentive in recognition of their dedication in helping and empowering the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged populations.

These activities, according to the memorandum signed by the DSWD chief, are pursued with the broader objectives of building a more equitable society, where every Filipino is empowered to lead a life marked by purpose, dignity, and true fulfillment. # (LSJ)