Marcos teases Gatchalian for not having ‘jowa’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos shared a lighthearted moment with the Department of Social Welfare and Development officials and employees during the agency’s 74th anniversary celebration yesterday, teasing DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for not having a love life.

Speaking at the event held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Marcos remarked that the 46-year-old Gatchalian might benefit from a “Sustainable Lovelife Program,” humorously referencing the department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Marcos made the joke as he commended the agency’s SLP, which provides individuals with skills and resources to enhance their economic opportunities.

“With the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program or SLP, we empower our fellow Filipinos with the skills, with the resources, most importantly, the knowledge to improve their livelihoods – whether through micro-enterprises or stable employment,” the President said.

He clarified that the SLP is designed to offer free technical-vocational and life skills training for vulnerable and marginalized sectors, not to address matters of the heart.

“This doesn’t mean ‘Sustainable Lovelife Program,’ OK? Someone might ask, ‘Sir, is there training for hearts that always lose?’ You know, those – those personalities without a significant other (jowa). Just like your secretary,” Marcos quipped in Filipino, drawing laughter from the crowd.

He continued his playful remarks, saying, “Our Secretary is too hardworking. He has no time for romance.”

Shifting focus, the President commended Gatchalian and DSWD personnel for their dedication, noting their round-the-clock commitment.

“All of you – the Secretary, the Undersecretaries – even if I call at three in the morning, you still answer. I don’t even think you sleep anymore,” Marcos said.

Aside from the SLP, Marcos highlighted other key DSWD programs in the past years, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens and the Quick Response Fund (QRF).

He reported that over four million households benefited from the 4Ps last year, while more than 270,000 households received aid through the SLP in 2024.

Additionally, he noted that the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens supported over 4.28 million elderly individuals, while more than 7.4 million families received aid through the QRF.

The DSWD anniversary celebration ended with Marcos expressing gratitude for the department’s relentless service to the Filipino people as he highlighted the agency’s ongoing commitment to social welfare and development in the country.