DSWD workers packing relief goods in November 2020. (Photo from DSWD Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — The new Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo has vowed to extend contracts of all employees nationwide under the Cost of Service (COS) employment.
Tulfo said this is one of the directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., focusing on pandemic recovery.
“Dahil gusto po ng ating Pangulo na walang maiiwan. Ang sinasabi po na pandemic recovery ang lahat po ay kasamang umangat, walang maiiwan. Kaya po kung may matatanggal po eh ‘di maiiwan po ‘yun. Kaya sisiguraduhin ko pong walang maiiwan, lalong lalo na po sa DSWD,” Tulfo said during DWSD’s official turnover ceremony to the new administration on Thursday.
(Our President said no one should be left behind. As part of the pandemic recovery, everyone should be uplifted and if employees are removed, they will be left behind. Hence, I will ensure that no one is left behind, especially in DSWD.)
Under the current program, COS workers in government may be tapped through individual contracts, which may last until Dec. 31.
Aside from the extension of contracts, Tulfo vowed to make efficient services that would aid the society’s poor, vulnerable, marginalized and disadvantaged sectors.
He also promised to look at the practicality and feasibility of decreasing documentary requirements for those seeking assistance.
Turnover ceremony
As part of the ceremony, outgoing DSWD secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista handed over the following:
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Transition Handbook as a symbol of duties and responsibilities
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Social Amelioration Program Coffee Table Book and Terminal Report as a symbol of the Department’s accomplishments despite challenging circumstances
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DSWD Red Vest which represents the dedication and compassionate service of DSWD employees
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DSWD Colors which represent the people served by the Agency across the country
Bautista thanked his DSWD team for their “unwavering commitment to the pursuit of maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo over the past three years of my leadership.”
“Secretary Erwin, I am now handing over to you the 29,000 strong personnel across the nation, ready to support you in performing the mandate of the DSWD,” he said.
In his first address as a DSWD secretary, Tulfo thanked Bautista for his service to the Filipinos amid the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural disasters.
He also went on to express his gratitude to President Marcos for entrusting him with the secretary post.
“Tinatanggap ko ang hamon, alam ko na ang trabahong ito ay trabaho para pagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan na mahihirap. Isa pong misyon, ika nga po gargantuan task, na we lead to succeed na hindi lang po gampanan ang misyon, kundi maging successful tayo sa misyon na ito. Bawat isa sa atin ay may misyon na paglingkuran ang mga mahihirap. Kailangan ko po ang tulong ninyong lahat,” Tulfo said.
(I accept this challenge. I know the work is to serve our poor fellowmen. This is a mission, a gargantuan task. The mission is not just to perform our mandate, but to lead to succeed in serving the poor.)
Tulfo previously worked as a broadcaster with the government media People’s Television Network. — Nicole Faye Agcaoili, INQUIRER.net trainee
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