The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 – Central Visayas honored its outstanding partners during the Regional Culmination and Awarding Ceremony held at Mandani Bay in Mandaue City on Friday, April 4, 2025.

This year’s theme: “Bawat Pamilya ay Mahalaga sa Bagong Pilipinas,” centers on the agency’s mission to provide a comprehensive social protection program for the Filipino people.

The culmination and award ceremony was graced by DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero and Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay, who represented DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

In her welcome address, Director Lucero highlighted the regional agency’s milestones for 2024 and emphasized the importance of support from partners across various sectors.

“DSWD is privileged to have partner organizations and individuals who have contributed to the realization of the shared vision of empowering individuals, families, and communities,” Director Lucero said.

Usec. Tanjusay also emphasized that the strong partnership of the DSWD 7 and other stakeholders has been able to create better opportunities for the marginalized sectors.

“Through the resources, time, and expertise shared by our partners and stakeholders across Central Visayas, we have been able to create better opportunities for the disadvantaged, empowering them to become self-sufficient and productive members of society,” he said.

Milestones

Director Lucero reported that 2024 has been a remarkable year for the DSWD Field Office VII. It achieved 100 percent of all its targets within the set timeline and utilized 99.99 percent or P11.1 billion funds allocated for the region.

“We were recognized as the best region implementing Kalahi-CIDSS in all modalities, innovators of various strategies and systems in monitoring, data management, and Saulog Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ceremonial graduation of 4Ps HHs with self-sufficiency level of well-being,” she said.

“We were also rated excellent in the ARTA RCS award together with 6 other FOs and CO last October 2024. Other recognition includes Best in implementation of the WGP under the Innovations group, Best in Social Technology Excellence award and Transformative innovation award during the Social Technology expo of the Department,” she added.

The DSWD Field Office 7 also received a certificate of excellence in Maagap Award for the exemplary performance in resolving all 8888 tickets within 24 hours.

PANATA, Praise awards

DSWD-7 awards various partners through the Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan (PaNata ko sa Bayan) award.

The award aims to acknowledge the efforts of our partners, whose panata, or vow, is to share their resources, time, and selves in providing a better opportunity for the disadvantaged sectors to have equal access to opportunities enabled by a fair, just, and peaceful society.

Local Chief Executives and heads from partner local government units, civil society organizations, and the media were recognized for their exceptional contributions in supporting DSWD’s mission to serve and uplift families and communities.

Among this year’s Panata Awardees are Mitchelle Palaubsanon of The Freeman who was awarded as the Most DSWD-supportive reporter for print media, Superbalita Cebu as the Most DSWD-Supportive Newspaper (Cebuano), and Cebu Province for the Gawad Listahanan (Province category).

The Municipality of Guindulman in Bohol has also been awarded as first placer for the Gawad Serbisyong Masigasig, along with the municipalities of Balilihan and Danao in Bohol.

Likewise, DSWD-7 recognized its internal staff through the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards.

The PRAISE Award aims to encourage, acknowledge, and reward DSWD employees—either individually or in groups—for their innovative ideas, outstanding achievements, heroic actions, and exemplary conduct that contribute to the department’s productivity. This includes recognizing loyalty and service milestones.

Attendees at Friday’s awards ceremony were also entertained by various performances, including a musical production featuring employees from DSWD 7, who performed as part of the Red, Green, and Blue teams.

The following is the complete set of awardees under various categories:

PANATA AWARDS

1. Hall of Fame (This award is given to awardees of the same category who have been awarded for three consecutive years):

• Gawad Ulat: Most DSWD-Supportive TV Station: GMA 7 Regional TV
• Gawad Ulat: Most DSWD-Supportive Newspaper (English): The Freeman
• Gawad Ulat: Most DSWD-Supportive Newspaper (Cebuano): Superbalita
• Gawad Ulat: Most DSWD-Supportive Online News: Cebu Daily News (CDN) Digital
• Gawad Ulat: Most DSWD-Supportive Reporter – Broadcast Media: Carmel Loise M. Pedroza from DYMR Radyo Pilipinas Cebu.
• Gawad Ulat: Most DSWD-Supportive Reporter – Print Media: Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon from The Freeman.

1. Gawad Ulat (This award is given to media organizations and practitioners who have given solid support to DSWD through publication in print and online media and airing in broadcast media of positive and balanced stories on top of their commitment to advance the promotion, publicity and advocacy efforts of the Department.)

• Most Supportive Radio Station: DYMR Radyo Pilipinas Cebu
• Most DSWD-Supportive Reporter – Broadcast Media: Gian I. Navarro from Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN)

1. Gawad Listahanan

• Province of Cebu

1. Salamat Po Award (This is a commendation to development partners and volunteers who helped DSWD deliver its social protection services. The award is also in recognition of its achieved goals and the established best practices of various partner NGOs.)

• Development Partner: The World Food Programme
• Best Volunteer for the Group/CSO Category: World Vision Foundation, Inc.
• Best Volunteer for the Individual Category: Ms. Janeth M. Montecalvo
• Best Non-Government Organization: My Refuge House Ministry, Inc.

1. Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan (GAPAS) Award. (This award is a commendation given to Local Government Units or LGUs implementing DSWD’s programs and services.)

LGU Implementing an Outstanding SLP Microenterprise Development Model:

• Municipality of Dauis, Bohol
• Municipality of Valencia, Bohol
• Municipality of Garcia Hernandez, Bohol
• Municipality of Tuburan, Cebu
• Municipality of Madridejos, Cebu

Model LGU Supporting the Implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program:

• Municipality of Valencia, Bohol
• City of Carcar, Cebu
• Municipality of Ronda
• Municipality of Pamplona, Negros Oriental

Model LGU Implementing KALAHI-CIDSS:

• Municipality of Balamban, Cebu

Model LGU Implementing Day Care Services:

• City of Talisay, Cebu

Good Convergence Initiative:

• Municipality of Tuburan, Cebu
• Municipality of Pamplona, Negros Oriental

Model LGU implementing Protective Programs and Services

• Municipality of Ubay, Bohol

Best People’s Organization

• Banlasan Rural Improvement Association

1. Regional Level Awards and Incentives (TAAORSS). These awards recognize the outstanding efforts and achievements in service delivery and capacity in providing SWD programs, highlighting the dedication and commitment of our partner LGUs who have made a significant impact in the region.

• Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga

1st placer: City of Talisay, Cebu

2nd: City of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental

• Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay: SWD Programs and Services for Children – Municipality of Tudela, Cebu
• Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay: SWD Programs and Services for Youth – Municipality of Loay, Bohol
• Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay: SWD Programs and Services for Women – City of Talisay, Cebu
• Gawad Serbisyong Masigasig

MUNICIPAL CATEGORY: BOHOL

• 1st placer: Municipality of Guindulman, Bohol
• 2nd placer: Municipality of Balilihan, Bohol
• 3rd placer: Municipality of Danao, Bohol

MUNICIPAL CATEGORY: CEBU

• 1st placer: Municipality of Asturias, Cebu
• 2nd placer: Municipality of Alegria, Cebu
• 3rd placer: Municipality of Consolacion, Cebu

MUNICIPAL CATEGORY: NEGROS ORIENTAL

• 1st placer: Municipality of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental
• 2nd placer: Municipality of Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental
• 3rd placer: Municipality of Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental

MUNICIPAL CATEGORY: SIQUIJOR

• 1st placer: Municipality of Siquijor, Siquijor
• 2nd placer: Municipality of Larena, Siquijor
• 3rd placer: Municipality of Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor

CITY CATEGORY:

• 1st placer: City of Cebu
• 2nd placer: City of Danao, Cebu
• 3rd placer: City of Lapu-Lapu, Cebu

PROVINCIAL CATEGORY:

• 1st placer: Province of Cebu
• 2nd placer: Province of Bohol
• 3rd placer: Province of Siquijor

This is given as an appreciation for the unwavering support, dedication, and commitment as a partner in providing service and technical assistance to its constituents. This is also given to partners who have exemplary commitment and strong support in the joint efforts of empowering communities, ensuring people’s inclusive participation, and sustaining the gains of the Department’s partnership.

• Municipality of Antequera, Bohol
• Municipality of Santa Fe, Cebu
• Jesus G. Salarda, Volunteer
• Donald U. Narvasa, Volunteer
• Lucille B. Dinampo, Volunteer
• Maria Ophelia I. Urot, Volunteer
• Alfonsia A. Migueso, Volunteer
• Louella J. Simacio
• Irish G. Escauso
• Pastor Alberto A. Tobias, Volunteer
• Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc.
• Seven Sisters of Servants of Mary Elderly Home, Inc.
• The Lingap Children’s Development Center, Inc.
• Children’s Shelter of Cebu, Inc. (CSC)
• Little Children of the Philippines Foundation, Inc.
• Speech Language and Beyond Therapy Inc.
• International Care Ministries Foundation, Inc.
• Municipality of Sikatuna, Bohol
• Municipality of Tubigon, Bohol
• Municipality of Calape, Bohol
• Municipality of Catigbian, Bohol
• Municipality of Clarin, Bohol
• Municipality of Buenavista, Bohol
• Municipality of Getafe, Bohol
• City of Talisay, Cebu
• Municipality of Samboan, Cebu
• Municipality of San Remigio, Cebu
• Municipality of San Francisco, Cebu
• Municipality of Cordova, Cebu
• Municipality of Badian, Cebu
• Municipality of Ayungon, Negros Oriental
• Municipality of San Jose, Negros Oriental
• Municipality of Amlan, Negros Oriental
• Municipality of Dauin, Negros Oriental
• Municipality of Siaton, Negros Oriental
• Municipality of Larena, Siquijor
• City of Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
• City of Danao, Cebu
• Municipality of Antequera, Bohol
• Municipality of Ronda, Cebu
• Catug-an Water Service Cooperative (CAWASCO)
• Carcar Communities and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CCFMPC)

PRAISE AWARDS

Individual award:

• Best Community-based Social Worker: Jocelyn Balansag
• Best Technical Social Worker: Raquel Daria
• Best Technical staff: Andrew Paul S. Lauglaug
• Best Administrative Staff: Raymond E. Pepito
• Best Division Chief: Jiah L. Sayson

Group Award:

• Best Center – Regional Haven for Women
• Best Crisis Intervention Section – Crisis Intervention Section
• Best Convergence Action Team – Pamplona Municipal Action Team

Innovation Award

• HEARTS Award under the Central Office Awards – DSWD FO VII

Special Citations:

• Pusong Mahusay – Anti-Red Tape Unit
• Pusong Maagap at Mapagkalinga – Disaster Response Information and Management Section
• Pusong Magiting – Jerwin Bacaling

A total of 334 employees who served DSWD 7 for at least 10 years were also presented with the PRAISE Loyalty Award. ###

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