The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V – Bicol Region, through the Walang Gutom Program Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) of the Innovations Division, welcomes 140 new staff to the program in a series of staff onboarding orientation from 17-27 March 2026. 

Under the helm of Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, two batches of new Angels in Red Vests participated in the onboarding process facilitated by the Human Resource Management and Development Division (HRMDD) and WGP RPMO.

This increase of number of staff comes with the expansion of the program to six provinces of the region, including the islands of Masbate and Catanduanes, and Camarines Norte, which are also the new implementing provinces of the program, along with Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon.

In addition to field staff, the onboarding also covered new personnel assigned to the Walang Gutom Program RPMO, further reinforcing the office’s capacity to manage and oversee program implementation in the region.

During the orientation, RD Laurio also delivers an inspiring message, which did not just serve as an igniting fuel to the spirits of the new staff, but also serves as a reminder to the critical role they will play in the development of the program and betterment of delivery of service to its beneficiaries. 

In his speech, he put emphasis on the work ethics for public service, citing the importance of integrity, accountability, and compassion, reminding the new hires that their work directly contributes to improving the lives of vulnerable families across the region.

To better understand the program implementation, WGP RPMO team also conducted a series of workshops and simulation activity to gauge each staff in the on-site activities being conducted under the program such as the food redemption activity. 

By conducting such workshops, the agency ensures that the newly hired staff are equipped in performing their main function and task, delivering a quality of service that is receptive to the real-life challenges encountered in the field.