DSWD-7 commends 2 outstanding employees

CEBU – In line with its 58th year anniversary, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 awarded two of its employees who have made a significant contribution in public service. 

Under the professional category, Social Worker and Training Officer Lilibeth Ayag was awarded as Best Support Staff for 2008 while Social Welfare Officer Shalaine Marie Lucero was awarded as Best Technical Staff.

Ayag said her 12 years of “joyful and fruitful” stay in the department made her realize that public service is her true calling.

She said she never thought twice of working in government because she knew it would be the faster way for her to be able to help many people. She said DSWD has made her years “fruitful, challenging and fulfilling” and that she would continue working with the department for as long as she would be allowed to do so.

Meanwhile, Lucero said serving people has always been her passion, as helping people is something that she has learned early on in life. She said this passion was what made her decide to work in government 20 years ago.

Lucero attributed her passion and conviction to help her fellowmen to the examples her family has shown her. Her mother, she said, was a teacher who found joy in helping and placing children in school.

Awarding its outstanding employees is a way for DSWD to “share its various triumphs” after it has been declared the number one performing agency with a 100 percent awareness rating from the public.

The Ulat ng Bayan and Pulse Asia surveys have placed DSWD on top with its awareness and approval ratings among government agencies for the sixth time in a row.

To recall, DSWD’s accounting division was awarded Most Outstanding Government Accounting Office in 2007 by the Commission on Audit.

The Department of Budget and Management also chose DSWD as one of the top agencies adhering to the covenant on procurement of Republic Act 9184 or the act providing for the modernization, standardization and regulation of the procurement activities of the government.

The Civil Service Commission also recognized DSWD for its efficient and prompt delivery of social services through its latest programs the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program,” “Katas ng VAT para kay Lolo at Lola,” Kalahi-CIDSS” and “Food for the School,” among others.

DSWD hopes that these awards and recognitions will inspire its employees to work harder in the delivery of services to the least advantaged and most needy sector of the community. — Jessica Ann Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)