By Mikee Natinga Norico
Chloe Dawn G. Lagarto, a part-time professor at the CPU College of Arts and Sciences, Social Work Department, and Social Welfare Officer IV at DSWD Field Office VI, receives the PRAISE Award 2024 on stage, recognizing her as the Regional Winner for Best Technical Social Worker and 2nd Place at the National Level.
Central Philippine University (CPU) proudly celebrates the achievements of one of its esteemed faculty members, Chloe Dawn G. Lagarto, a part-time professor at the CPU College of Arts and Sciences, Social Work Department, and a Social Welfare Officer IV at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI. Lagarto was recently recognized with the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Award 2024, securing the Regional Winner title for Best Technical Social Worker and 2nd Place at the National Level.
The National Awarding Ceremony took place on March 14, 2025, at Landbank Plaza, Malate, Manila, while the Regional Awarding was held on March 27, 2025, at Punta Villa Resort, Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City. Notably, the PRAISE Award 2024 was given in 2025 as part of the program’s anniversary celebration, recognizing outstanding performances over three consecutive years (2022-2024). The PRAISE Award 2025 awardees will be honored in 2026 during the next anniversary celebration.
Reflecting on her recognition, Lagarto shared that the award is a testament to God’s faithfulness in her life. “This is a reward given to those who serve with dedication and compassion, with excellence and perseverance, with joy in service and love in action,” she stated.
The PRAISE Award acknowledges exceptional public service contributions, promoting innovation, efficiency, integrity, and productivity within government agencies. Lagarto’s selection was based on several key factors, including her exemplary work performance, commendable contributions, networking and advocacy efforts, and pursuit of professional and personal development.
Her role as Social Welfare Officer IV/Section Head of Case Management and Social Services Section, as well as her designation as Regional Case Management Focal Person, has been instrumental in ensuring the effective implementation of national program operations at the regional level. She provides technical assistance to Provincial Operations Offices, ensuring national guidelines are clearly translated into regional memorandums. Despite the challenges of her position, Lagarto sees this award as a testament to God’s grace and guidance in her career.
When asked about her advice to CPU students aspiring to enter the field of social work, Lagarto emphasized the importance of faith, quoting Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” She encouraged students to always put God first in their endeavors, especially in serving marginalized communities.
Passionate about mentoring future social workers, she remains committed to educating and inspiring young minds at CPU, sharing her expertise and experiences to shape socially responsible professionals. She also revealed her plan to pursue further education specializing in Social Work Case Management to enhance her contributions to the field.
Lagarto attributes much of her success to the values instilled in her by CPU. “As a Centralian Social Worker, I was honed to live the Christian faith based on the Gospel. The university inculcated the values that Christ is the center of my life, and my purpose is to serve Him through my work,” she shared. Her education at CPU has equipped her with the knowledge and passion to serve society’s most vulnerable sectors through DSWD while also fulfilling her calling as an educator.
Her remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to the CPU community and aspiring social workers, demonstrating the impact of faith-driven service and unwavering dedication to social welfare.