The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognized the Field Office V, Local Government Units of Dimasalang in Masbate, and Guinobatan in Albay during the Social Technology (ST) Expo 2024 at Park Inn by Radisson, Quezon City on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

This year’s theme, “Empowerment Evolution: Unleashing Potential Through Innovation” acknowledged the invaluable contributions of LGUs and partners in providing quality and innovative social welfare and development programs and projects from 2022 until 2024.

The LGU Guinobatan through Ana Mae Parcia-Duran, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) and Salvador B. Literal III, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager received the Transformative Innovation Award for its successful implementation of the Family Tracing and Reunification (FTR) System.

The FTR project is an initiative designed to assist separated families, especially during crisis, locate and reunite. It demonstrates DSWD’s commitment to social welfare and efficient disaster relief efforts.

On the other hand, the Sustainable Innovation Award was awarded to LGU Dimasalang accepted by Atty. Michael Demph-Naga, Municipal Mayor and Ghenlie Badillo, MSWDO for the sustained implementation of the Home Care Support Services for Senior Citizen (HCSSSC). The HCSSSC is a community-based program that aims to provide quality care for the sick, frail, bedridden senior citizens in their homes through their family or kinship carers and homecare volunteers.

The DSWD Field Office V was also recognized as 3^rd Place for the Innovation Excellence Award for achieving the highest physical accomplishment. The award was received by Gerlie L. Avila, Innovations Division Chief, Maria Christina So-Samson, Social Welfare Officer III/ST Unit Head, and Richard Espinosa, Project Development II.

Field Office V Regional Director Norman S. Laurio lauded the LGU Guinobatan, LGU Dimasalang, and Social Technology Unit for their achievements in the implementation of social welfare services and initiatives.

“The awards highlight the hard work and dedication of LGUs and Field Office staff in implementing projects that further improve the lives of the people, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged,” he said.

The event aims to raise awareness on the Department’s flagship programs, including Tara, Basa Tutoring Program, Walang Gutom Program, and Pag-abot Program, as well as the recently finished ST projects. It also aims to generate interest in upcoming projects and honor the vital roles played by LGUs and development partners in promoting positive change.