The three best dressed employees in a make-believe world, with DSWD 8 Assistant Regional Director for Operation, Virginia Idano, and some of the judges.It was a fantasy – themed party to culminate the weeklong celebration of the region’s 62nd anniversary of the DSWD. The affair was not only a way of socializing and strengthening camaraderie among employees, but recognizing staff with exemplary performance, as well as valuable contributions of partners in the past year.

Leyte Provincial Governor Mimietta Bagulaya personally received the award in behalf of the provincem, for the Best New Social Technology Award – the introduction of the Biometrics System for use in the validation of PANTAWID PAMILYANG PILIPINO (PANTAWID PAMILYA) beneficiaries. On the other hand, the municipality of Javier, represented by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Olivia Mabanto,   got the Award as Model Local Government Unit Implementing any DSWD Project.

On the other hand, Executive Director Beverly Capiña of the South Pacific Agricultural Integrated Agricultural Development Foundation Inc. (SPIADFI) in District II of Hinundayan, Southern Leyte, accepted the award as best non-governmental organization.

Said recognition were in line with the PAGKIKILALA SA NATATANGING KONTRIBUSYON SA BAYAN (PANATA KO SA BAYAN) Awards, the DSWD’s way of acknowledging the efforts of individuals, groups and organizations whose “panata” or vow is to share their resources, time and selves in providing better opportunity for the disadvantaged sectors.

Meanwhile, for the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) for outstanding DSWD employees, Raquel Moralde got the Best Social Work category, and Ritzel Ann Caragos, for the Best Support Staff under the Professional Category.

On the other hand, some 22 employees received the Loyalty Awards to recognize officials and employees who have rendered 10 to 35 years of faithful service.

DSWD Field Office 8 Director Remia Tapispisan thanked the cooperation of the staff for a successful observance of the Department’s anniversary celebration.