DSWD workers in Iloilo condemn Taguiwalo rejection

DSWD employees in Western Visayas show their support for former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo by holding protest actions in front of the agency’s regional office in Iloilo City (Photo from Facebook page of DSWD Western Visayas)

ILOILO CITY—Employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Iloilo wore black as they held protest actions to condemn the rejection by legislators of the appointment of outgoing Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

READ: CA rejects Taguiwalo’s appointment

At least 200 DSWD employees of the agency’s Western Visayas office and from other national government departments joined a picket in front of the DSWD regional office from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday.

“This is to express our condemnation of the decision of the Commission on Appointments to reject (Taguiwalo’s) confirmation,” said Leo Quintilla, president of the regional chapter of the Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines, the employees union of the DSWD.

Quintilla said the employees also wanted to express sadness over Taguiwalo’s non-confirmation.

“She initiated and enhanced programs that benefited the poor. She also streamlined our services for quicker and more effective delivery and response.

Quintilla said employees have also appreciated the policy instituted by Taguiwalo upholding the role and primacy of social workers in assessing and determining those that will be given services by the department over those recommended or pushed by legislators and other politicians.

The employees were scheduled to continue their protest by lighting candles in front of the regional office after 5 p.m. JPV