Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday (December 18) lauded various local government units (LGUs), agency partners, and stakeholders for putting premium on social technology in addressing hunger, homelessness, and scaling up approaches to fostering literacy.

The DSWD chief’s main message during the Social Technology (ST) Expo Awards Night paid tribute to LGUs partners and stakeholders which have extended invaluable contributions in the nationwide implementation of the agency’s innovative programs such as the Tara! Basa Tutoring Program, the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), and the Pag-Abot Program.

“We thank you for your unwavering support to the social technologies that the Department has developed. Knowing that you replicate these programs for your constituents is an inspiration for us to continue to craft more, innovate further, and level up to meet the evolving needs of our Kababayans,” Secretary Gatchalian told the attendees.

The awards night is part of the Social Technology (ST) Expo, a biennial activity spearheaded by the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau (STB). The initiative aims to institutionalize a culture of excellence by recognizing outstanding partners and implementers in line with their innovative solutions to hunger, illiteracy, people in street situations, among other social issues in the country.

Secretary Gatchalian assured the LGU partners and stakeholders that the Department will continue to strategize a whole-of-nation approach which is critical in the institutionalization of the Pag-Abot Program, WGP, and Tara! Basa.

“As we celebrate your achievements tonight, let us also remember that this is just the beginning. The institutionalization of our innovative programs is an opportunity for all of us to fortify our resolve and intensify our efforts,” the DSWD chief said.

The event gathered 160 awardees who were honored for their contributions and sustainable practices related to the three flagship social technology programs and other initiatives.

Awardees

The awardees expressed their gratitude not just for the recognition but also for the Department’s effort to unite both the private and public sectors toward high-impact, innovative, and sustainable solutions to prevalent social issues.

Jollibee Group Foundation President Ma. Gisela Tiongson, who delivered an inspirational message, lauded the DSWD for exhausting all means to catch up with the evolving needs of Filipinos.

“Sadyang mahalaga at kapaki-pakinabang ang inilunsad ng DSWD sa pamumuno ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian at sa pamamahala naman ng STB. These are initiatives that inspire collaboration, fostering a shared mission among stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions,” the Jollibee Group executive said.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), which won the Trailblazer Partnership Award for assisting in the implementation of the Tara! Basa, also commended the DSWD for revolutionizing the educational assistance for college students, and empowering them to become agents of change.

“It’s a win-win situation for us and the DSWD. Nakatulong si DSWD sa ating mga estudyante na magagaling pero limited ang budget. At the same time, nakatulong din yung mga students natin kahit papano, lalo na sa ating mga struggling and non-readers,” PUP Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development Anna Ruby Gapasin said.

“We commend the project of the DSWD kasi hindi ito dole-out, we are teaching these students that whatever na na-receive nila, pinaghirapan, hard-earned,” the PUP official added.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which was among the private partner-awardees, expressed excitement on the future of their collaboration with the DSWD.

PAWS Community Education Officer Sharon Yap referred to the group’s tie up project with the DSWD which is the Angel Pets. This is a program designed to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable groups by incorporating positive and enjoyable interactions with animals into therapeutic and supportive processes.

Apart from the awarding ceremony, the ST Expo also featured tradeshow booths and breakout sessions to stir interest in existing programs, as well as ways forward to improve and revolutionize social welfare services in the country.

Joining Secretary Gatchalian in the event were Innovations Group (IG) Undersecretary Eduardo Punay, Assistant Secretary Baldr Bringas, Program Development and Enhancement OIC-Assistant Secretary Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo, and Social Technology Bureau (STB) Director Helen Suzara.

Also present in the awarding ceremony were STB Asst. Director Marilyn Moral, who is also the Team Leader for the Pag-Abot program; and Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program National Program Management Office (NPMO) Director Elma Salamat. (LSJ)