DSWD Caraga recognizes 2023 PaNaTa awardees
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga recognized the awardees from the different Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media, academe, and volunteers during the PaNaTa Ko sa Bayan Awards held recently at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.
PaNaTa or the Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan Awards is part of DSWD’s efforts to acknowledge and thank the individuals, groups, and organizations that support the Departments programs and services.
DSWD Caraga regional director Mari-Flor Dollaga, together with Undersecretary for Legislative Coordination and External Affairs Rowena NiΓ±a Taduran, and other DSWD officials, personally handed-over the awards and acknowledged the great contributions of all the awardees and partners that have made the DSWD’s programs and activities successful.
Being impressed of how active the Caraganon stakeholders are when it comes to public service, Usec. Taduran congratulated all the awardees and encouraged them to continuously serve the best interest of the marginalized sectors in the region.
"To all the awardees, my congratulations for the unrelenting efforts that you religiously provide to the people regardless of their affiliation and social standards. That is exactly what public service is. May your tribe continue to flourish," she said.
"Our Secretary Rex Gatchalian also acknowledges our partners from LGU, NGO, CSO as well as development partners. Truly you have shown exceptional performance in meeting the needs of the Department. This only proves that through our collaborative efforts to provide quality service, we will all surpass obstacles and move forward for the betterment of the people," added Taduran, who is also a veteran broadcast journalist.
Dir. Dollaga also encouraged the awardees to continue its support to the Department and work with them hand-in-hand to ensure that the basic social services are being served to the most vulnerable sectors of the region.
“May our recognition to all of our partners, be a humbling gesture from the Department – a simple gesture of thanksgiving for all your efforts and hard work. Let me take this opportunity to also invite you to continue journeying with the Department. Much has been given to us – much is expected from us,” Dollaga said.
Also, Mayor Shem Garay, Local Chief Executive of the municipality of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, also expressed his gratitude to the DSWD for recognizing the efforts of all the implementing agencies and partners of the department’s programs and projects in the localities. He acknowledged the department’s mandates of "extending critical help" to the people, especially in his town in Hinatuan. He also encouraged the Mayors present during the activity to "invest in the local counterpart, to ensure the impact of the implementation of the programs of the National Government."
Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Venus Garcia was one of the awardees. The Agency has received the plaque of recognition as Most DSWD-Supportive National Line Agency for Advocacy, and Best Partner in the Promotion of Advocacy Activities for the Sectors.
With the awards received by the Agency, Dir. Garcia vowed to continue its support and participation in all the programs and activities of DSWD. PIA continues to be an active member of all the regional committees chaired by the department, and mindfully provides communication support to DSWD Caraga. (JPG, PIA-Caraga/DSWD-Caraga)
