Taskforce PAg-ASA

📢 ATTENTION: EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR PWD AND IP COLLEGE STUDENTS!

The Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO) will begin accepting applications for its Educational Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) for Academic Year 2025–2026 starting August 11, 2025 until August 22, 2025.

This program aims to support economically marginalized but deserving PWD and IP students who wish to pursue higher education in state colleges and universities within the Province of Iloilo.

📌 For complete details, kindly refer to the brochure below.

🌟 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐰𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐀ñ𝐞𝐬 - 𝐕𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐒𝐖𝐃𝐎 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨

Precious Gwyneth Añes, a remarkable 24-year-old from Brgy. Jibao-an, Pavia, Iloilo! A proud graduate of Iloilo National High School, Precious embodies resilience and strength, thanks to her supportive family, including her devoted parents, Mary Jane and Jennifred Añes, and her inspiring younger sister, Pauline Jewel.

As a Deaf individual, Precious has faced numerous challenges, but rather than letting them define her, she transformed them into opportunities for growth. Her journey has taught her invaluable lessons in resilience, patience, and hard work, turning her outlook into a beacon of determination.

💼 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

For the past five months, Precious has been volunteering at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) through the Volunteer Opportunity for Iloilo Community Engagements (VOICE). Her commitment shines as she organizes files, supports outreach programs, and assists the team, showcasing her strong work ethic and dedication to community service.

“I am thankful for this opportunity from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development that I was able to share my skills in this organization and the support being shown by the people around in making my stay productive and rewarding on my part. I am forever grateful to be a part of this volunteer program and for the space given to me to improve myself and be a better version.” - Precious Gwyneth Añes

💡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Outside of her volunteer work, Precious has a profound interest in technology and organization. She thrives in managing digital files and exploring new tools that boost productivity. With a keen desire for professional growth, Precious is open to new training opportunities that will allow her to thrive and contribute positively to any team.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is incredibly proud of her and is committed to supporting her journey in her professional career. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering willingness to serve are making a genuine difference in the lives of those she assists, spreading hope and positivity for all PWDs.

✨ 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬! 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬! ✨

L😍VE knows no limits! Happy PRIDE everyone! Keep pushing for that space you deserve!

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office recently joined the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Carles headed by Ms. Trina Antonio in the conduct of “Responsible use of Social Media Platform and Mental Health Awareness” in Brgy. Granada and Brgy. Gabi, Isla Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo last June 13-14, 2025. The activity was attended by Children and Youth.

Social media has revolutionized communication, enabling people to connect, share, and access information instantly. However, its pervasive use has raised concerns about its impact on mental health. Promoting responsible use is essential to harness social media's benefits while minimizing its adverse effects. Responsible social media use plays a vital role in safeguarding mental health. By practicing mindful engagement and fostering a supportive online environment, users can enjoy social media's benefits while minimizing its potential harms.

Resource Persons includes PMAJ Shella Marie A. Sangrines of Iloilo City Police Office and Mr. Don F. Sasu, PRIME focal person of PSWDO. In his message, Punong Barangay Mr. Rex Magallanes lauded the office of MSWDO for reaching communities in Isla de Gigantes and timely topics such as Mental Health and Social Media Awareness which can provide knowledge among their youth towards responsible use of online platforms and normalizing taking care of our mental health.

The team also provided Psychological First Aid (PFA) to a family who experienced recent crisis in life. The team is composed of PSWDO, MSWDO, BHW, and DSWD. PFA is designed to provide immediate support to individuals affected by crises, disasters, or traumatic events.

For the month of June, we celebrate and honor fathers and father figures for their unwavering love, guidance, and countless sacrifices they make every day.

To all fathers- biological, adoptive, stepfathers, grandfathers, and those who have stepped into the role- thank you for the strength, support, and wisdom you bring into our lives.

Happy Father's Day! Your impact is lasting and deeply appreciated.

The Unilab Foundation, through Heads Up PH, had a productive planning meeting with partner-representatives from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Population Office, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Local Social Welfare and Development Office, SK Federation, Philippine National Red Cross, colleges and universities, and hospitals in the Province of Iloilo.

Through this collaborative workshop, integration points from various organization for a comprehensive mental health referral system have been identified and mapped out. We’re excited to work hand in hand with these key institutions for a mentally healthy Iloilo!

The Unilab Foundation in partnership with Iloilo Provincial Government recently conducted an Action Planning with key stakeholders in mapping the referral services and in developing the referral system of the province along Mental Health last May 30, 2025 at Seda Hotel, Iloilo City. Key aspect of this activity is the integration of vital and related work of other agencies and stakeholders, including Deped, DSWD, PHO, PSWDO, PPO, PPSK, IPPO, Colleges and Universities (Central Philippine University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and University of San Agustin) LGU Dumangas, Oton, Barotac Viejo, Zarraga, Concepcion, and Leon.

This is part of the continued support of Unilab Foundation in its partnership with the province of Iloilo.

Photo credit Unilab Foundation