The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted its Innovations’ Caravan in Ormoc City on Thursday, June 19, 2025, bringing together government services, innovation, and community engagement.
Undersecretary Eduardo M. Punay of the Office for Innovations and Program Development led the activity, joined by Assistant Secretary for Innovations Atty. Baldr H. Bringas, Regional Director Grace Subong of DSWD Field Office VIII, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, other key DSWD officials, and representatives from TESDA, DOLE, and other national government agencies.
In his message, Usec. Punay highlighted DSWD’s shift from being known solely for providing dole-outs or “ayuda” to becoming an agency that actively invests in human capital. By preparing and training beneficiaries to stand on their own feet, DSWD empowers individuals and fulfills the President’s directive to bring services closer to the people.
The Caravan featured three major highlights: the Productivity Fair, where beneficiaries availed themselves of services and programs from partner NGAs and private sectors; Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas, which promoted strengthened family engagement; and the Regional Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge, where Jan Michael Gabon and Ruby Gabon of Jiabong, Samar emerged as regional winners with their dish, tahong spring rolls and banana topped with malunggay bread crumbs.
DSWD also formally unveiled the Bahay-Kubo ng Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas and turned over the Compendium to Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez. The compendium contains a catalog of DSWD programs and services tailored to meet the specific needs of the community.
