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 the Province of Leyte, 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:
1. WG Regional Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge
Jan Michael Gabon and Ruby Gabon of Jiabong, Samar won the regional title with their dish—tahong spring rolls and banana topped with malunggay bread crumbs. They took home cash prizes and a Sustainable Livelihood Program Grant. The duo will represent the region in the National Cook-Off Challenge this July 2025 in Manila.
2. Ceremonial Unveiling of the Bahay Kubo and Turnover of the Compendium
Usec. Punay and Mayor Torres-Gomez unveiled the Bahay-Kubo ng Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas, a powerful symbol of its shift toward a more family-centered, inclusive, and culturally grounded approach to social protection.
The DSWD also turned over the Compendium to Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez—a symbolic document that outlines key programs and services tailored to local needs, entrusting her with the responsibility of bringing these initiatives to life in the community
3. Productivity Fair
National government agencies (NGAs) showed full support by offering vital services to beneficiaries:
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided business consultancy, participant profiling, and business name registration
The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed vegetable seeds and IEC materials
The Department Of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) delivered health and nutrition education, IEC materials, and free vitamins
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) facilitated national ID registration, civil registry system, mobile outlets, and an IEC awareness forum and distribution
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offered program enrollment, with TESDA awarding certificates to 18 bookkeeping graduates
Private sector partners like First Balfour Inc., Toyota Motor Philippines, HC Consumer Finance Philippines, Inc., and Troworks Engineering Services also conducted job recruitment and hiring.
Meanwhile, TESDC Ormoc City opened opportunities for technical-vocational skills training.
