Quezon City
January 12, 2024

“You are the country’s social welfare forces, always on red alert, in a country where distress calls from disaster victims and disadvantaged sectors never end. As you put our people out of harm’s way, and on to the road to recovery and a better life, always serve your clientele with care and compassion as you have been doing,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he underscored the importance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the government’s war against poverty, noting the countless programs of the Department that has helped many Filipinos for the past seven (7) decades.

The President made these remarks during DSWD’s 73rd founding anniversary celebration where he highlighted the Department’s crucial role in amplifying the Administration’s drive in achieving inclusive community development across the country.

“Yes this may be the compassion central that dispenses help to the needy, but what DSWD offers goes beyond easing the pain of victims of misfortune – it ends the roots of their vulnerability,” he said.

President Marcos Jr. recognized the workforce of the Department, which he described as ‘outnumbered but never outfought’ because of the thousand clients they cater to everyday. He also mentioned the number of programs that DSWD continues to carry out for the welfare of many Filipinos.

“Kaya sa ika-pitumpu’t tatlong anibersaryo ng inyong pagkakatatag, inaasahan kong ‘di lamang ninyo ipagpapatuloy, kungdi pag-iibayuhin pa ang tatak DSWD na paglilingkod,” the President urged.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, ‘DSWD Angels in Red Vests: Empathy on Action, Integrity in Service, Unity in Community,’ which marks the Department’s various programs in line with the government’s efforts to improve disaster response and management system in the country.

These include the launching of the Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) and the ‘Buong Bansa Handa’ program, which are all geared toward the Chief Executive’s directives to accelerate the provision of service to Filipinos affected by calamities.

“Treat them with kindness, understanding and compassion because customer care is a hallmark of public service too. Iyan ang diwa ng pagtulong at pagkalinga sa itinatatag nating Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.

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