The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted the first-ever awarding ceremony of the annual search for outstanding Social Work Agencies (SWAs) and Auxiliary Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWADAs) on Wednesday (December 6) at SM City Novaliches in Quezon City. The annual search for outstanding SWAs and SWADAs is the newest initiative of the DSWD, through its Standards Bureau (SB), aimed at institutionalizing and promoting a culture of excellence in the field of social welfare and development by recognizing and providing incentives to its partner-implementers. “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to recognize outstanding contributions, and appreciate the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of organizations that stand at the forefront of social welfare and development,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his message read by Asst. Secretary for Standards and Capacity Building Group Janet Armas. Asst. Sec. Armas noted that these exemplary and outstanding SWAs and SWADAs serve as the DSWD’s partners in the promotion and delivery of social welfare services to the most vulnerable sector, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of social work in the country. “Indeed, they are the unsung heroes working tirelessly in communities, advocating for the vulnerable, and creating sustainable solutions to address societal issues,” Asst. Sec. Armas said. Five outstanding SWAs and five outstanding auxiliary SWADAs across the Philippines were recognized and awarded with a plaque and Php50,000 worth of cash incentives. A SWA is either a public or private SWDA that directly engages in Social Welfare and Development programs and services and could be center-based and/or community-based using social work interventions. An Auxiliary SWDA is a non-stock, non-profit organization or association, implementing or intending to implement either directly or indirectly social welfare and development programs and services in the Philippines. The Outstanding SWAs awardees were the Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion Foundation, Inc.; Little Children of the Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Unbound-Zamboanga Project Foundation, Inc.; Kasanag Daughters Foundation, Inc.; and the Mahintana Foundation, Inc. Conferred with the Outstanding Auxiliary SWADAs Award were Child’s Trust Is Ours To Nurture (ACTION), Inc.; Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc.; IPI Foundation, Inc.; Living New Philippines, Inc.; and the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPMAF). According to Asst. Sec. Armas, the annual search also intends to inspire more agencies to partake and excel in social impact, good housekeeping and governance and sustainability. “By acknowledging and honoring their outstanding efforts, we not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps,” Asst. Sec. Armas said. Joining Asst. Sec. Janet Armas in the awarding ceremony were SB Director Megan Therese Manahan, and SB Assistant Bureau Director Cynthia Ilano. The DSWD, through its SB, commits to improve its regulatory services so that more partners in social development will be encouraged to apply for registration, licensing, and accreditation from the agency that ensures a more accessible, efficient, effective and accountable service delivery.
Source: DSWD
By Manny D. Balbin
December 7, 2023
CITY OF MALOLOS – As a result of their significant contribution to the society, the Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion Foundation, Inc. in this city was honored by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office as one of the 10 Outstanding Social Work Agencies (SWAs) and Auxiliary Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWADAs) in the country during its awarding ceremony held at SM City Novaliches, Quezon City Wednesday (Dec. 6).
With their primary goal to offer shelter and comprehensive support to elderly women who are neglected, impoverished, homeless, disadvantaged, or unwell, the Tahanang Mapagpala is a center-based institution affiliated with the Diocese of Malolos managed by the Sisters of the Divine Shepherd (SDS).
Gladys Sta. Rita, President of Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion Foundation, Inc., told PNA thru phone interview on Thursday that they dedicated the recognition to their foundation’s sponsors, benefactors, workers and staff.
“Malaking bagay po ang napakahalagang pagkilalalang ito na may bonus pang P50k financial incentive sa mga nanalo. Nakakataba po ito ng puso sa aming lahat bagama’t nagtratrabaho po tayo ng kusang loob at walang hinihintay na kapalit. Salamat sa mga lola ng Tahanang Mapagpala, nang dahil sa kanila ay nabigyang pagkakataon kami na makapaglingkod sa Panginoon,” Sta. Rita said.
Further, all the awardees received plaques and P50,000 worth of cash incentives and among them were Little Children of the Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Unbound-Zamboanga Project Foundation, Inc.; Kasanag Daughters Foundation, Inc.; and the Mahintana Foundation, Inc. for Outstanding SWAs while the awardees for Outstanding Auxiliary SWADAs were Child’s Trust Is Ours To Nurture (ACTION), Inc.; Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc.; IPI Foundation, Inc.; Living New Philippines, Inc.; and the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Foundation, Inc. (UPMAF).
The Tahanang Mapagpala ng Immaculada Concepcion Foundation Inc. was established in 2001 by the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. led by then President Lourdes LL. Pimentel and the late Project Chairperson Susana B. Ople. (UnliNews Online)
Source: UnliNews Online