The Freeman team recognized in DSWD awarding

CEBU, Philippines — Highlighting the importance of building strong media partnerships to get the message of the government’s services to the public, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 recently acknowledged several entities and personalities in the region.

DSWD-7 recently held its first-ever Media Pasalamat with the theme “Keeping People Informed on Social Welfare and Development in the Ever-Changing Media Landscape” in Cebu City on February 22, 2024.

The Media Pasalamat event highlighted an awarding ceremony for the field office's outstanding media partners, including the Freeman reporter Mitchelle Palaubsanon, The Freeman photojournalist Aldonelbert Banaynal, and The Freeman online editor Dale Israel.

These awards served as DSWD-7’s appreciation for Central Visayas’ media industry for being reliable partners in combating fake news; sharing correct information and updates; and helping educate the public about DSWD.

In her message, DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero also presented the field office’s accomplishments in 2023.

She gave a brief yet comprehensive introduction to new and innovative programs that will soon be implemented, such as the Oplan Pag-abot Program; Tara, Basa Program; Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program, and Buong Bansa Handa.

While they have a lot of programs in the pipeline, Lucero assured that they will continue to implement its existing projects and services with the utmost competence, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Also present during the awarding were DSWD-7 assistant director for operations Juanito Cantero, assistant regional director for administration Tonyson Luther Lee, and members of the Management Committee: Protective Services Division chief Emma Patalinghug, Promotive Services Division chief Rosemarie Salazar, Disaster Response Management Division chief Lilibeth Cabiara, and Financial Management Division chief Patricia Megalbio.

The first-ever DSWD-7 Media Pasalamat was spearheaded by the Social Marketing Unit of DSWD field office, which is their advocacy, promotions, education, and communications arm. — /ATO (FREEMAN)