The City Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Ivy Amor C. Urbina sponsored the second Monday convocation on April 17, 2023, held at the Peoples’ Hall wherein they featured inspiring and success stories from various sectors they have served and worked with per their office mandate

In his opening remarks, project development officer Reynaldo Valdez welcomed the City Government officials and employees, as well as the invited guests. For her part in introducing the sharers from various sectors, Urbina reiterated that social welfare “covers practically everything that men do for the good of human society.” She emphasized that contrary to their office being perceived as a giver of “dole outs,” and that we need to capacitate the people in addressing their own needs. Urbina said that to show the face of social welfare today and how they have empowered the citizens, they opted to invite representatives from the various sectors to share their experiences.

From the youth sector, Sheree Ann Porlares from Bgry. Maligaya, who joined the PAG-ASA Youth Association almost a decade ago. She shared her learnings and guidance of the CSWD officers over the years, and how PYEAP has helped many other youths in the City.

Zoraida E. Montero, a person with disability/differently-abled individual, recounted how she benefited from the programs of the City Government. On the other hand, livelihood beneficiary Artenio Doldol of Brgy. Busdi recounted how they were affected by the pandemic. He went on to express gratitude for the livelihood support which helped his family with their day-to-day living. Doldol proudly shared that even after the pandemic, his small-scale ice cream business has flourished, and he now supplies ice cream to some 13 stores in Upper Pulangi.

Lea Cahucom who is a solo parent stressed the empowering experience of being in their organization. She extended her gratitude to the CSWDO and the City Government for the various projects for their group. Cahucom shared how she was able to cope well with the challenges and responsibilities as a mother all on her own raising her child. After the heartwarming sharing came another from 4Ps beneficiary, Alma Berayon. Apart from the consistent financial assistance she received, she also shared how the program gave her confidence and positivity in life.

As an additional highlight of the program, the Sangguniang Panlungsod handed a resolution recognizing the recent success of Joselino “Yoyong” Sacayle. He is the third placer in the 100-kilometer international trail running competition, Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths, in Vietnam. The SP Resolution expressed congratulations to Sacayle in the field of trail running, including his outstanding feats in Mt. Apo and Rizal provinces’ mountain races.

In his message, City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran stressed the importance of hard work even amid the social benefits people get from the government. He also provided updates on the City Government initiatives for the whole daycare program. He cited the efforts of the CSWDO staff who attend to the daily flow of requests for medical assistance, and hospital billing, among others.

Closing the program was social welfare officer Hilsam Quemada who thanked the officials and employees present for the convocation. (LGU Malaybalay)