30/07/2026
Maraming salamat po, Secretary REX Gatchalian at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Department of Social Welfare and Development - DSWD DSWD Negros Island Region ☺️
𝐃𝐒𝐖𝐃 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐣𝐨𝐫
From July 29 to 30, 2026, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, together with Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Irene Dumlao and Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Paul Ledesma, visited the Province of Siquijor to engage with Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) associations, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, field implementers, and local government officials, reaffirming the Department's commitment to responsive, inclusive, and people-centered social protection.
During his visit, Secretary Gatchalian met with members of the Upper Cabangcalan Women's Association in Lazi, where he conducted a kumustahan session and witnessed firsthand the association's thriving tailoring enterprise. Established in 2019 through the support of the SLP, the association has empowered women by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, enhancing their skills in dressmaking and tailoring, and promoting entrepreneurship.
Expressing her gratitude for the Secretary's visit, Lorna A. Sumalpong, President of the Upper Cabangcalan Women's Association, said:
"Nakatanggap po kami ng grant noong 2019. Ngayon, nagpapasalamat po kami na nabisita kami ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian."
Secretary Gatchalian also met with the Nonoc Women's Association, where he engaged in a kumustahan session with members and learned about their thriving cassava chips production enterprise. Through the SLP, the association has strengthened its entrepreneurial capabilities, expanded market opportunities through initiatives such as KADIWA ng Pangulo, and created a sustainable source of income for women in the community.
The visit likewise included separate focus group discussions with 4Ps parent leaders and field implementers to gather firsthand insights and recommendations for strengthening program implementation. During the dialogue with parent leaders, Secretary Gatchalian discussed recent updates to the 7-Year Limit policy, the UPLIFT Assistance initiative, available program grants and assistance, and enhancements to the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) health and nutrition support. The session also provided beneficiaries with the opportunity to raise concerns, share their experiences, and offer recommendations to further improve the delivery of services.
In a separate dialogue with 4Ps field implementers, the Secretary conducted a morale check and discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at improving service delivery. The discussion covered procurement initiatives to better equip field personnel, the implementation of the Enhanced Social Welfare and Development Indicator (E-SWDI), and updates on the Department's regularization initiatives for qualified personnel. The exchange also served as a venue for implementers to share operational challenges, best practices, and recommendations to further strengthen program implementation and better serve partner-beneficiaries.
The day's activities concluded with a dinner meeting between Secretary Gatchalian and the Local Chief Executives of Siquijor, led by Governor Jake Vincent S. Villa. Also present were Atty. Fabio S. Lapada Jr., Chief of Staff of Representative Zaldy Villa; Mayor Adam S. Duhaylungsod of Siquijor; Mayor Rubilyn M. Ragay of San Juan; Mayor Phil Moore D. Largo of Lazi; and Mayor Roselyn T. Asok of Maria. The meeting served as a venue to discuss priority social protection initiatives, strengthen coordination between DSWD and local government units, and reaffirm their shared commitment to delivering responsive and inclusive social welfare services to the people of Siquijor. DSWD NIR also extends its sincere appreciation to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Ma. Nida A. Saplot and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of Lazi Aivory Jane Managing for their support in facilitating the Secretary's visit.
On July 30, Secretary Gatchalian concluded his visit with a live guesting on K5 News FM Siquijor, where he discussed the purpose of his visit, highlighted the Department's priority programs and initiatives, and addressed current issues concerning DSWD. The radio interview also served as an opportunity to reaffirm the Department's commitment to ensuring that government services remain accessible to communities across the province.
Expressing his appreciation to the people of Siquijor, Secretary Gatchalian said:
"Sa mga taga-Siquijor, maraming salamat sa mainit na pagtanggap. Tulad ng nasabi ko, nasa taas kayo lagi sa listahan ng DSWD. Kasi malayo man kayo, maliit man kayo, napakaimportante ninyo sa pamahalaang nasyonal at sa Pangulo."
Secretary Gatchalian's visit underscored the Department's commitment to listening to communities, strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders, and continuously improving the delivery of social protection programs. Through sustained collaboration with beneficiaries, local government units, and field implementers, DSWD remains steadfast in ensuring that no Filipino family is left behind in the pursuit of inclusive, responsive, and people-centered social welfare services.
