DSWD says goodbye to 'Manay' Judy Taguiwalo

MANILA, Philippines — Employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Tuesday morning organized a send-off activity for Judy Taguiwalo, whose appointment a bicameral congressional panel rejected on undisclosed grounds.

Emotional employees offered messages, a performance of “Do You Hear the People Sing,” and framed caricatures for Taguiwalo, whom they fondly call “Manay.”

Some messages for here were posted on a freedom wall.

Last Wednesday, the congressional Commission on Appointments rejected the ad interim appoinment of Taguiwalo. The same panel had already bypassed her appointment twice.

Duterte regrets CA decision on Taguiwalo

Duterte on Monday evening said he regrets the commission’s decision but he said it is the CA’s duty for the country.

“Sayang…That is the job of Congress as part of the check and balances of the government. Check and balance iyan, so wala tayong magawa kung i-reject,” Duterte said at a press briefing on Monday night.

“It's (their) discretion and they voted secretly,” he added.

The administration PDP Laban party leads the majority blocs of the House of Representatives and of the Senate.

READ: Makabayan lawmakers condemn Taguiwalo rejection

Meanwhile, DSWD officials recognized Taguiwalo's hard work  and service in her short stay in the agency.

“Secretary Judy taught me to serve anyone whatever your political leanings are. Pagmamahal at pasasalamat ang handog natin kay Manay Judy. She will never be forgotten,” Assistant Secretary Lorraine Badoy was quoted as saying during the send-off activity.

DSWD Undersecretary Malou Turalde-Jarabe and Regional Director Alice Bonoan said they were disheartened that Taguiwalo was rejected by the CA but said they see this as an inspiration to serve.

Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco, designated officer-in-charge, said the former Social Welfare chief left lessons that will guide them in their public service.

“Sikapin nating maipagpatuloy ang serbisyong bayan na iniwan ni Secretary Judy,” Leyco was quoted as saying.

Halo-halong mensahe ng pakikiisa at pagmamahal ang ibinahagi ng mga kawani para sa huling araw ni Manay Judy sa DSWD. #SalamatManayJudy pic.twitter.com/AFbfSbu3GV

— DSWD (@dswdserves) August 22, 2017

Inihandog po kay Manay Judy ang ilang mga caricatures para sa huling araw nya sa DSWD. #SalamatManayJudy pic.twitter.com/WcTXngkQq5

— DSWD (@dswdserves) August 22, 2017

Taguiwalo thankful for DSWD stint

For her part, Taguiwalo said she is grateful that she was able to serve DSWD. She said she protected it from corruption and abuse and asked the employees to “go beyond the symptoms and check the root causes of deep poverty.”

Taguiwalo, a nominee of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, said: “Alam kong malabong tatagal ako. Pero aalis ako with a heart so full from your love and affection.”

“I keep my faith with President Duterte. The president knew from the beginning where I stand, but he still appointed me,” she was quoted as saying.

"Mr. President I kept faith with you. Nalulungkot lang ako kasi I don't think you kept faith with me at the end," she also said. "But, still, thank you for allowing me to serve the Filipino people as a member of your Cabinet."

Aside from the DSWD employees, Taguiwalo's supporters, including the Solo Parents Federation, participated in the send-off activity at the DSWD Central Office.