CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council officially approved the appointment of a new City Government Department Head II for the City Social Welfare and Services Office (CSWSO) yesterday.
Dr. Michael Allan Pielago has been officially appointed as the head of the CSWSO in his concurrence before the council without any objection.
Prior to his concurrence, Pielago served as an officer in charge of the same office since October 2024.
Pielago told reporters after his appearance in the regular session yesterday that his first priority upon assuming office will be to hire additional social workers to expedite assistance to those in need across the city’s 27 barangays.
He said that at present, only 13 social workers are serving the office, which is relatively few compared to the population of Mandaue City.
The new CSWSO head said they might start hiring 27 social workers so that each barangay will have someone to oversee it.
“I believe social workers really help the office in planning, implementation, and even in the assessment of determining whether or not the programs really alleviate the living condition of our clients,” said Pielago.
Pielago assured that under his leadership, Mandauehanons will be provided with the best services they deserve.
In addition to hiring more workers, he also plans to develop and enhance the division offices under the CSWSO. He mentioned plans to expand the office by establishing a senior citizens' center and a separate office for solo parents.
Additionally, he plans to advocate for hazard pay for CSWSO personnel, recognizing their efforts in assisting clients during disasters.
The Mandaue CSWSO is currently composed of 11 divisions: the Home Children’s Center, Child and Youth Welfare Programs, Early Childhood Care and Development, Administrative, Office for Senior Citizens Affairs, Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, Family and Women Welfare Programs, Livelihood Programs, Disaster Management and Crisis Intervention, Recovery Drug Dependence, and Relief Operation.
As a person with a disability himself after surviving polio, Pielago emphasized that his contributions he can make for the city are not about his disability but about his abilities.
“Usahay man gud kung mo-ingon ta og PWD murag nasirad-an na dili na makita ang iyahang inner self kung unsa iyang potential,” said Pielago.
“Murag pagtan-aw nato, disability dili ni ka-perform, wala ni siyay potential, wala ni siyay kapasidad. So, gusto nato nga tangtangon na nga barrier nga ang concept nga even if you have this disability, you can also perform even better,” he added.
As the new head, Pielago said his role is to celebrate abilities and empower lives, working together with the collective efforts of his team and the community to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.
He also conveyed a message to the councilors, stating that his plans, through the creation of laws, can help make the office fully functional.
“With this, may I ask the help of our honorable city officials to help me in my vision to providing legislative support to realize my vision,” he said.
In response, Councilors Joel Seno, Cynthia Cinco-Remedio, and Jennifer del Mar assured the new head that the council would assist, especially in improving the welfare of the constituents.
“Congratulations, sir and we look forward to witnessing positive changes,” Seno said.
“We look forward to working with you,” Remedio said.
Meanwhile, Del Mar hopes that the challenges and concerns of the CSWSO will be discussed perhaps in the next budget hearing so they can be addressed and budgeted for. — (FREEMAN)