Marcos names Valenzuela Rep. Gatchalian as DSWD chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Rex Gatchalian as the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a video posted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Tuesday, Marcos led the oathtaking of Gatchalian at Malacañang.

He was accompanied by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, and special assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.

Gatchalian replaced broadcast personality Erwin Tulfo after his confirmation was bypassed twice by the Commission on Appointments due to questions about his citizenship and a libel conviction.

The DSWD on Tuesday said it welcomes the appointment of Gatchalian, committing to work with him “in ensuring that the mandate of the Department is carried out effectively, efficiently and economically.”

“The DSWD community supports the President in appointing Secretary Gatchalian to lead the Department in its pursuit of compassionate public service with respect for human dignity, integrity and service excellence,” the agency said in a statement.

Gatchalian was mayor of Valenzuela City after being elected as a lawmaker in 2022.

According to the PCO, Gatchalian was known for his programs on social protection and disaster response during his stint as a local chief executive.

In a tweet, Gatchalian thanked Marcos for giving him the “opportunity to be able to serve the country in a much larger capacity.”

He also assured his constituents in Valenzuela that a caretaker lawmaker will be soon appointed by the House of Representatives.

I just took my oath as head of DSWD.

Mr. President, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be able to serve the country in a much larger capacity.

Valenzuelanos, the services of our Congress and district offices will not change. Tuloy tuloy po ang serbisyo. https://t.co/n5jJjIhrdq

— Rex (@rex_gatchalian) January 31, 2023

JMS