By Amabelle B. De Los Santos, BSSW 4

JSWAP CPU Chapter receives an Award of Recognition from DSWD.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region VI (DSWD 6) recently commended its partners and the Quick Response Team (QRT) last August 18, 2023, at J7 Plaza Hotel for their exceptional efforts in disaster response. Among the attendees was the Junior Social Worker’s Association of the Philippines-CPU Chapter (JSWAP-CPU), represented by the incumbent President and Vice President of External Affairs for School Year 2023-2024, Amabelle B. De Los Santos, and Anthony B. Lorca, the sole academic organization present, which was honored as an awardee for the organization’s active and collaborative efforts with the agency last year, as led by President, Jameela Rose O. Deluso.

The event aimed to recognize the invaluable contributions of its partners and QRT in providing immediate relief and assistance to the whole region. Through this event, the agency also showcased and emphasized the significance of coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure the success of disaster response efforts.

The presence of esteemed officials and representatives from partner agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), volunteers, and Quick Response Teams made the activity more meaningful and significant. The attendance of the Assistant Bureau Director of the Disaster Response Management Bureau, Director Rey E. Martija, DSWD Field Office VI Regional Director Atty. Carmelo N. Nochete, Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Joselito G. Estember, and Disaster Response Management Division OIC Chief Judith T. Barredo were greatly appreciated. This was an exemplary demonstration of the power of collaboration and community spirit.

The only academic organization in attendance, the Junior Social Worker’s Association of the Philippines-CPU Chapter represented by its President and Vice President expressed gratitude for being recognized and awarded by DSWD for its active participation in disaster response and recovery initiatives. We look forward to more opportunities that shall allow us, social work aspirants, to render our service. Above all, this exemplary award will not be made possible without the guidance of our Social Work Department faculty and the active participation and involvement of our fellow Social Work aspirants who tirelessly and willingly volunteer to help, serve, and work with and for the people – the core of our profession.