Ms. Lyndra Aytona Villareal is one among the 13 awardees for the Outstanding DSWD Worker as a Public Servant for 2015. She received the award on January 27, 2016 at the DSWD Central Office during the 65th anniversary celebration of the agency.

This award is given to a DSWD employee who is able to render extraordinary work performance or service and an exemplary demonstration of the three competencies of a DSWD employee in his/her work execution thereby significantly contributing to the achievement of the strategic goals of the department. Ms. Villareal is now in her 27 years in the department. A social worker by profession, she started her stint as Social Welfare Officer II and later promoted to Social Welfare Officer III (SWO III). At present, she is the OIC – Head of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY, at Our Lady’s Village, Pangpang, Sorsogon City.

Ms. Villareal was recognized for her innovation and adopting various strategies in center management. She is a person who even goes beyond the call of duty when the need arise. To ensure the total rehabilitation of the residents and prepare them for a fulfilling and productive life outside the center, Ms. Villareal has strengthened her coordination, networking, and collaboration with partner agencies and other service providers who could help in providing intervention to the residents. She was able to sustain the implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS). The residents are given the opportunity to acquire basic education outside school. The support of Ms. Villareal and her staff to the program is evident as one of the residents got the 3rd place among 108 passers in the province of Sorsogon while two boys were accelerated from elementary to secondary.

To prepare the boys for independent living Ms. Villareal had a strong partnership with TESDA. The boys were able to acquire skills training on carpentry, service small engine component and baking/pastries production. They are now able to have income from the bread and pastries produced.

What is noteworthy is that aside from the vocational skills acquired by the boys, Ms. Villareal had set a day for the residents to experience the work of the staff. There were those who were assigned as a houseparent, cook, social workers, center head and security guard. This activity was a venue to realize and appreciate each one’s responsibility in the center.

She was also recognized by the Presiding Judge in Virac, Catanduanes for the unwavering service and continuous dedication in cooperating with the court in the administration of justice.

Ms. Villareal is a humble, simple and a person with integrity.# # #