By Cyrus A. Natividad
Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Alfie Jay Niquia and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Larry Petinglay present the certificate of recognition to Registered Social Worker Careen Panaguiton for being awarded as the Outstanding Social Welfare Officer by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. during their 25th National Forum.
On June 16, 2022, Careen Panaguiton, a Centralian Social Worker, was selected as the Outstanding Social Welfare Officer by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. during its National Forum.
Panaguiton is a Social Welfare Officer III of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Antique. She was named in the “Gawad Parangal” Award as one of the Outstanding Social Workers of the Philippines during the 25th LSWDOs National Welfare and Development Forum and General Assembly held at SMX Convention Center Pasay City last June 15, 2022.
The Gawad Parangal is awarded to an outstanding social welfare officer of the Philippines. This award is in grateful recognition of her consistent and efficient delivery of distinct and innovative social welfare and development programs, projects and activities of the Local Government Unit of the Province of Antique which contributed to the positive impact, quality and sustainable results to the lives of her fellow constituents.
According to Panaguiton, she was in-charge of the fifth and sixth Country Program for Children (CPC5 & 6- Protection component) funded by UNICEF for 10 years. She also facilitated the activities funded by the World Bank – Early Childhood Development (ECD) before it became a law, and is now Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), and the Violence Against Women (VAW) a country program that was also funded by the UNFPA.
She also underwent intensive trainings and other capacity-building activities to improve her ability as a social worker.
She said that, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was designated as division chief of the Technical Division. I did my part in the preparation of food for the haulers of sacks of rice, psychological wellness kits and sewed thousands of facemasks that were distributed for free to the Antiqueños all over the province. Moreover, I was also the center head of the ‘Pagsapupo Center’ which takes care of the children and women who are survivors of abuse.”
“Indeed, it is a joy to be appreciated. What I am today is my gift to the Almighty God for sustaining me despite the stress of life,” Panaguiton said. She relayed her gratitude to the provincial government through Governor Rhodora Cadiao, PSWD Officer Pastor Lazaro Petinglay (a fellow Centralian) and the PSWDO staff for their unwavering support to the programs and services which are beneficial to the Antiqueños.”
“Furthermore, I am thankful to have studied at Central Philippine University. My mother told me that CPU has a wholesome environment apart from her being an alumna. Most of my relatives are Centralians and the Central Spirit is really awesome wherever a Centralian goes and meets other Centralians. I chose BS in Social Work because the Math subjects are just few since I am not good in Math. I met smart teachers such as Mrs. Ruth Corvera, Mrs. Rose Camba, Mrs. Elizabeth Ferraris, Mrs. Feli Assin- Sustento and Ms. Lee Pineda. I began to come out of my shell and enhanced my knowledge about social work. My college days were full of surprises despite the economic condition of my family. God’s graces have been overflowing. I have been so grateful for my beloved Alma Mater. I will always be a proud Centralian.”