DSWD explores partnership with New Zealand gov’t
On program digitalization, streamlining
TRUE to its commitment to provide innovative ways to implement social welfare services and developmental interventions to the public, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell on Monday, March 20, to explore possible partnership opportunities.
During the courtesy visit of the New Zealand official to the DSWD Central Office, Secretary Gatchalian and Ambassador Kell exchanged ideas on how to utilize the GovTech Accelerator Programme, a program being run globally by the Creative HQ, New Zealand. The GovTech Accelerator helps government agencies and public servants to identify challenges and create a positive impact in their communities by introducing them to proven innovation principles and processes.
Through the GovTech Accelerator Programme of the Creative HQ, the Secretary plans to develop artificial intelligence (AI) messaging platform to answer frequently asked questions of DSWD clients in order to avoid long queues and to minimize waiting time; create an online portal for the social welfare programs and services such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations; and to digitalize the provision of financial assistance to its beneficiaries.
Other areas for potential collaboration include increasing the capabilities of the DSWD personnel and ensuring continuous professional development through a variety of training programs and other learning exchange platforms.
Joining the Secretary during the meeting were Special Projects Undersecretary Eduardo M. Punay; Operations Group Undersecretary Jerico Francis L. Javier; Social Welfare Institutional Development Assistant Bureau Director Edna Sacedor; and Resource Generation and Management Office (RGMO) Head Catherine Grace M. Lagunday.
Secretary Gatchalian congratulates DSWD Loyalty Awardees
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian congratulated the 2022 DSWD Loyalty Awardees during the agency’s flag ceremony on March 20, 2023.
The Loyalty Awards are conferred to permanent, contractual, and casual DSWD employees who have rendered faithful public service for 10 to 40 years.
“I would like to again recognize the passion and sense of responsibility of all these awardees who continuously perform excellent performances despite the different challenges that they have endured throughout their years of service in the Department. Loyalty is something that we should value because it requires service, sacrifice, perseverance, and, most importantly, love,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
DSWD employees who have served continuously and satisfactorily in the DSWD for at least ten (10) years will receive a cash incentive of not less than Php 500.00 but not more than Php 1,000.00 per year during the first ten (10) years, and succeeding awards shall be given every five years thereafter.
Aside from the cash incentives, a PRAISE (Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence) Loyalty Plaque shall be given to the awardees during the 2022 PRAISE Awards Rites that will be held on April 19, 2023 at Landbank Diosdado Macapagal Hall, Malate. Manila.
