The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) kicked off its 75th anniversary celebration with a trade fair that featured products of Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) participants across the country and generated thousands of pesos in donations for children in residential care facilities.

The fair, which was participated by all 18 DSWD regional offices, ran from January 18 to 23, 2026 at the DSWD Central Office, Quezon City. Over P21,000 worth of Bicolano SLP products were sold by the DSWD Field Office V – Bicol Region on a consignment basis throughout the activity.

These products include various types of handicrafts, such as keychains, shoulder bags, wallets, and even abaca-made backpacks, as well as popular Bicolano delicacies like pandecillos, carmelado, and ready-to-eat dilis snacks.

Aside from showcasing the said goods on a national platform, the DSWD Bicol also facilitated linkages between SLP participants and customers for potential bulk orders.

In her message during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo of the Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Group described the agency’s 75th year as a “diamond jubilee,” reflecting on the transformative and inclusive impact of its social welfare services to Filipinos in need.

“A diamond is forged under immense pressure; it is enduring, it is clear, it reflects light into the darkest corners. For 75 years, from the protective walls of our centers, to the life-changing support of Filipinos in crises, our social welfare programs reflect back to [Filipinos] their own dignity,” she said.

Usec Dimaporo also said that the bazaar is only the first in an extensive series of activities focused on protection and social inclusion, which the agency will be holding throughout the year as part of the commemoration.

“This milestone year, the DSWD anniversary will extend across 12 months, ensuring the theme ‘Henerasyon Ngayon, Para sa Henerasyon ng Kinabukasan’ is a sustained movement. The year-long affair will highlight transformative care that places our vulnerable sectors at the heart of national development,” she added.

Aside from boosting the income of SLP participants by providing them with an auxiliary sales channel, the said bazaar will also benefit children in need, as a portion of the total proceeds will be funneled into the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) and Home for Girls managed by the DSWD Field Office 7, and the RSCC of DSWD Field Office 8.

The said facilities provide protection, temporary care, shelter, and/or rehabilitation and other essential services to vulnerable children.

“Every time you participate, every item bought, and every booth visited is a contribution to the healing and development of children currently under our care,” Usec. Dimaporo said in her message.

The DSWD celebrates its founding anniversary on January 3 every year. The inception of the agency dates back to 1951, when the Social Welfare Administration, the DSWD’s precursor and the first established national agency for social welfare, was formed.

Under the leadership of Regional Director Norman Laurio, the DSWD Bicol through the SLP and its other social welfare and protection programs continues to blaze a trail for underprivileged Bicolanos towards financial stability, socioeconomic progress, and a better quality of life.

These efforts follow the directives of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and are anchored on the country’s current socioeconomic agenda as laid forth by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

𝙎𝙪𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙝𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣, 𝙏𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙤 𝙨𝙖 𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙮𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙜!