Santiago City—The city government of Santiago has continuously implemented social welfare, development programs, and services that have truly benefited its constituents amid the pandemic.
Mayor Joseph S. Tan dotingly called “Bespren ng Bayan,” said the city government has executed an increase in services and measures not only during this pandemic that has traumatized the lives of people across the globe.
“Our administration has been advocating the execution of the city’s social work undertakings for the past years. It has been our battle cry upon assumption of office in 2013,” Tan said.
“Relatively, I am grateful to all those behind the success of my administration paving it for me to receive such a prestigious distinction by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Incorporated (ALSWDOPI) as ‘Gawad Parangal’ awardee, 2020 Most Outstanding Local Chief Executive of the Philippines,” he added.
“This recognition has stimulated me further and likely for our employees in the local government, who have been untiringly supporting our frontline services ever since,” the mayor said.
Tan lauded all the social workers who have shown dedication and staunch observance to their obligations.
“We will continue to extend all the possible assistance to the different sectors in our locale especially those affected by this crisis,” Tan added.
Tan received the same award in 2019 and now is a back-to-back awardee of the Gawad Parangal.
In December 2017, the City of Santiago was awarded the Purple Ribbon Award for Responsible Parenthood for Reproductive Health Program at Outstanding LGUs for Local Health Systems.
Santiago City was also recognized as the best City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (Independent Category) for its Disaster Risk Reduction Management.
The annual award of 19th Gawad Kalasag is considered important to the Local Government for their exemplary accomplishments in 2017, during its National Awards in Pasig City.
The city placed 18th among the 112 component and independent component cities of the Philippines in the overall ranking of the latest Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index conducted by the National Competitiveness Council.
Santiago was number 1 in Local Economy Growth under the category of Economic Dynamism, which is evident in the business climate here in the city, Tan said.
Meanwhile, the City’s Social Welfare Officer Marilyn S. Calibuso was cited as the Most Outstanding Local Social Welfare Officer for her unique implementation of the national programs and local initiatives that gave an impact in the lives of the residents.
Tan was also recognized for pursuing accessible database administration for administrative, social, economic, environmental, and essentials of governance that encouraged open convergence among stakeholders and caused improved local government management and operations, especially in social services.
Gawad Parangal is an annual search for outstanding service in the field of social work among local leaders and social workers. It is conferred by the ALSWDOPI, a professional organization of provincial, city and municipal social welfare and development officers in the country.
The recognition is given to local chief executives in the country who have excelled in the implementation of their social welfare and development programs.