DSWD Field Office Eight Director Leticia Corillo announced today that the Department has launched an awards program that will “ acknowledge the efforts of individuals, groups and organizations whose ‘panata’ or vow is to share their resources, time and selves in providing for a better opportunity for the disadvantaged sectors.”

The “Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan” or “Panata ko sa Bayan Awards” is a consequence of the “Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sabayanan” (GAPAS) which was started in 2000, and gave honors to “stakeholders and employees who have contributed to the realization of the shared vision of empowering individuals, families, and communities.”

The DSWD Regional Director said the current awards confers additional rewards to DSWD partners and stakeholders, under four sub-awards.

The “Salamat Po Award is a commendation of donors or resource agencies and volunteers who provided assistance in the Department’s delivery of services as well as a recognition to non-government organizations (NGOs) with best practices.” On the other hand, the “ Gawad sa Makabagong Teknolohiyang Panlipunan is an award given to either a local government unit (LGU), NGO, or DSWD Field Office who has introduced a new and effective social technology deemed as best practice based on the standards set.

The “GAPAS Awards is a commendation given to a LGU implementing DSWD programs and services such as Day Care Services, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, the Model Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran/Kabayan, and the best People’s Organization like the PAG-ASA Youth Association, Kapisanan ng mga Liping Pilipina Nasyonal, National Day Care Workers Federation, Inc., Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines.

Lastly, the Gawad Ulat is a recognition of media organizations and media practitioners who were committed to advance the advocacy, promotion and publicity of the Department’s programs.

Every year, the winners will be awarded during the DSWD anniversary celebration at the DSWD Central Office in Manila, and will be invited to participate in activities organized by the anniversary committee to advocate the principles of the award and vision of the Department as well.