The first regional general assembly for DSWD Field Office 5 staff was held last May 27-31, 2013 at Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City.

With 1,275 employees in attendance, the activity aimed to encourage the staff to work as one of the achievement of the department’s thrust and priorities. The activity also serves as a venue to enhance leadership skills as integral to great teamwork, reduce conflicts between and among staff and to enhance unity & camaraderie.

The regional general assembly was dubbed as “Staff Development cum Sports fest”

It was commenced by a motorcade along the main streets of Legazpi and ended at the Naval Station in Rawis, Legazpi City for the opening program.

The staff was organized into teams with different colors assigned to each group for recognition.

Each team unleashed their competitive sides over games of volleyball, bowling, badminton, basketball, scrabble, chess, and table tennis.

Furthermore, Semestral General Assembly was conducted with the DSWD Executive Committee as guests. Execom members present were Under Secretaries Mateo G. Montaño, Angelita Y. Gregorio-Medel, Assistant Secretaries Ma.Chona O. David-Casis, Javier R. Jimenez, Vilma B. Cabrera and Margarita Ana L. Perez( Head Executive Assistant).

The highlight of the assembly was the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between DSWD and University of Santa Isabel for the weekend program to the bachelor’s degree in Social Work paraprofessionals, a  contract between DSWD and Radyo Veritas Legazpi for partnership on the advocacy for Poverty Reduction and Social Protection Programs and Services.

A Trabahong Turismo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino was also inked with Department of Tourism represented by Director Maria Ong- Ravanilla and turnover of check worth 10 million to Local Government of Albay for the construction of pilot evacuation center in San Jose Elementary School, Malilipot Albay.

A fun walk and hataw dance was also done at Embarcadero de Legazpi which was fully participated by all staff.

The finale of the celebration was the Search for Mr. & Ms. Sports Fest 2013. It was Ms. Mary Grace Pellejera Abenia and Mr.Nico Nario Lomerio of the violet team won the Mr.  & Ms. Sports Fest titles while the neon green as the over-all champion.

“A well run DSWD is like a sports team , it makes the most of each crew members talent and takes advantage of split second opportunity to speed up service”, said DSWD Regional Director Arnel B.Garcia.

The sports fest aims to strengthen the bond between players and to imbue the value of convergence to everyone. In the same note, it hopes to develop the employees’ competitive character and determination to excel, Garcia added.###crbarrameda/eejerusalem