Director Arnel B. Garcia was installed as the new Regional Director of DSWD Field Office 5, during a simple turn-over ceremony on January 8, 2013 at the DSWD Conference room, Legazpi City.

He was installed by Asst. Secretary Javier Jimenez, Chief of staff, Office of the Secretary Garcia will assume the post vice Director Remia Tapispisan who will be transferred to Region VIII.

In his acceptance speech, Director Garcia said that the success of the implementation of the department’s programs and projects is the efficient implementation of the staff and the support of the DSWD partners. Hence, he would sustain the strong partnership of the field office with the DSWD partners. “We need convergence”, he said. He also envisions having a pre-devolution relationship in a devolution scenario with the Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers.

“We do not pray for lesser targets but we pray for a broader shoulder”, Director Garcia said.

A psychology and social work graduate, Director Garcia has been with the department for about 29 years. He rose from the ranks and started as a Project Assistant under the SEA Foundation. He became a Social Welfare Analyst, Social Welfare Officer IV and Director III. Because of hard work, commitment and love of work, he acquired the plum post as Regional Director for almost five years now.

The turn-over ceremony was attended by partners’ Regional Directors, Civic Society Organization, NGO’s, and some local chief executives from the province of Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte. Catanduanes Governor Cua was also present. ###eejerusalem-dswdfo5-smu