The Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP) recognized the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7—Central Visayas as this year’s Best Government Agency, earning the prestigious Natatanging Lingkod Maralita Awardee 2025 title for the entire Visayas Region. This recognition celebrates the agency’s exceptional dedication to serving the urban poor sector and its pivotal role as an unwavering partner to the PCUP.

DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero received the award on December 5, 2025, during the celebration of Urban Poor Solidarity Week, with the theme “Sama-sama sa Pag-Alpas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

PCUP cited that with the ongoing and successful programs, DSWD Field Office 7 succeeded in directly uplifting thousands of urban poor families and has consistently supported PCUP in critical areas, including social preparation activities and just and humane demolition and eviction initiatives. By continuously engaging with PCUP, the DSWD Field Office 7 effectively delivers vital programs and services designed to strengthen and uplift vulnerable communities throughout the region.

In her solidarity message, Director Lucero emphasized that the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program provides livelihood to the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors.

She detailed the collaborative effort known as the Zero Hunger Program Convergence Budgeting (PCB) No. 8 Urban Projects on Livelihood and Initiatives for the Transformative Change (UPLIFT Change).

This PCB project is a joint initiative involving the DSWD, PCUP, NAPC, and DTI to provide harmonized capability-building and livelihood interventions for urban poor households and to improve their socio-economic conditions by linking the participating CBOs to prospective private and/or government markets.

PCUP underscores that the key highlight of DSWD’s commitment to inclusive development is the substantial financial support provided to beneficiaries. It said the DSWD Field Office 7 provided a total of P5,775,000 in seed capital. The DSWD also allocated an additional P400,000 for product diversification and advancement, which is crucial for creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and significantly improving the economic resilience of urban poor beneficiaries.

“Through our Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), we also provide equitable access to basic social services, including medical assistance, funeral and cadaver transfer assistance, educational assistance, food assistance, and material assistance, without discrimination,” said Director Lucero.

The PCUP acknowledged DSWD Field Office 7 for its dedication to supporting the most vulnerable members of society, its exceptional service, transformative programs, and unwavering support. ###