Aquino lauds DSWD for continued service amid criticisms

President Benigno Aquino III comes to the defense of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and hits back at critics of the agency. The DSWD marked its 63rd anniversary Thursday. Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday lauded the employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for continuing to serve the public despite criticisms.

“Madalas, mas marami ang batikos kaysa pasasalamat. Mas mahaba ang listahan ng reklamo kaysa papuri. Sa kabila nito, natutuwa ako, nabibilib ako, na wala akong nababalitaang isa man sa inyo na nagwagayway ng puting bandila para sabihing sumusuko na kami (Often, there are more criticisms than expressions of gratitude, the list of complaints is longer than that of praises. But I’m glad I’ve not heard of anyone waving the white flag to say, ‘I’m giving up’),” the President said during the agency’s 63rd anniversary.

He praised the employees for facing numerous national calamities, including the Bohol earthquake and the Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” and being able to serve millions of families needing food, medicine and care.

President Benigno Aquino III. Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

Aquino said that despite the DSWD’s dedication, there are some who cannot resist criticizing the agency.

“Alam ko na habang nagpapatulo kayo ng pawis, luha, at minsan dugo para makatulong sa nangangailangan, may ilan tayong kababayan—at talagang mangilan-ngilan lang naman—na kung magsalita ay akala mo wala na tayong kayang gawing tama,” he said.

(I know that while you are shedding sweat, tears and even blood to help those in need, there are people – just a handful – who talk as if we cannot do something right.)

He joked that DSWD employees are now even afraid to take a rest as somebody might photograph them to show they are not doing their job.

The President went on about the administration’s critics, even mentioning Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla who did his job but was still pressured to resign.

Aquino, in the end, personally thanked the DSWD employees for their “courage and dedication.”

During the event, the state welfare agency recognized its top employees, including two regional personnel who were injured in a helicopter crash on their way to relief work in typhoon-devastated Leyte.

Danny Franco Bitara and Noemi Mongaya, together with a group of soldiers, were about to land in La Paz, Leyte when their helicopter encountered engine problems.

Mongaya said she agreed with the President, pointing out that they are working hard to help other people.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman also lauded their field employees, who continue to lead relief operations in areas devastated by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

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