Region Eight has seven nominees to vie in this year’s PANATA KO SA BAYAN Awards, that consist of five local government units (LGUs) and two non-governmental organizations (NGOs), who poured out selflessly their resources, time, and energy to help the DSWD carry out its mandate as leader in Social Protection.

The Federation of Omega Beneficiaries of Maasin City, an active member of the ABSNET or the Area Based Standards Network, is one of the two regional nominees for Best NGO, under the SALAMAT PO AWARD, a sub-award of the PANATA KO SA BAYAN.   The ABSNET is a nationwide organization of registered, licensed and accredited social welfare and development agencies, as well as DSWD and LGU – run centers and institutions promoting social welfare and development. The other entry for same award is the SOS Children’s Village in Calbayog City.

Under the GAPAS AWARD, two LGUs of Leyte and one in Eastern Samar are highly recommended for their noteworthy achievements in the implementation of one of the DSWD’s programs – the KAPIT-BISIG LABAN SA KAHIRAPAN : COMPREHENSIVE AND INTEGRATED DELIVERY OF SOCIAL SERVICES : KAUNLARAN AT KAPANGYARIHAN SA BARANGAY (KALAHI-CIDSS : KKB).   These are Balangiga, Kananga, and Leyte-Leyte.

Calbiga in Samar province is also a GAPAS AWARD nominee for its model SEA-K KABAYAN or the Self-Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran Level II livelihood program implementation.

Said DSWD Field Office Eight Regional Director Leticia Diokno, “ we cannot do the job alone. We are even looking for more development partners, with civil society organizations as well. The PANATA KO SA BAYAN AWARDS is our way of saying “thank you“ for their wondrous contributions towards making a big difference in the lives of the disadvantaged sectors of society.

The awarding will be done in January next year at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City during the anniversary celebration. The awardee for each category will receive cash and a plaque, and invited to join the anniversary celebration in Manila and other special events to advocate the principles of the award and the Department’s vision as well.