The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) marks its 75th anniversary this year with a purpose-driven celebration that underscores the department’s renewed focus on child-centered development and future-ready social protection.
Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee on Jan. 3, the DSWD will roll out 75 activities anchored on the theme, “Henerasyon Ngayon, para sa Henerasyon ng Kinabukasan (Generation Today, Generation for Tomorrow)” spread throughout the entire year.
Assistant Secretary for Planning Juan Carlo Marquez, who is also the DSWD 75th Anniversary Committee vice chairperson, said the theme reflects the department’s forward-looking approach to policy, programs, and services.
“At tulad nga ng diamond, forge na forge sa pressure at talagang naging mas matatag at matibay ang department base na rin sa ating mga experiences for the past years sa pag i-implement ng mga programs and services para sa pamilyang Pilipino (Like the diamond, the DSWD was forged in pressure and became strong and durable through our experiences for the past years in implementing programs and services for Filipino families),” Marquez said in a media forum at the DSWD Central Office on Thursday.
Marquez told reporters the 75th anniversary celebration places particular emphasis on child care and child-centered social architecture, recognizing that today’s social challenges have long-term implications for the next generation.
He said the DSWD is advancing efforts to future-proof its programs, strengthen social protection delivery, and ensure that children –especially those who are poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged– are given priority in development planning.
“Sa ngayon, patuloy na kumikinang at nagbibigay liwanag ang DSWD at nagbibigay pag-asa sa bawat mamamayang Pilipino, partikular yung poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged sectors sa ating society (The DSWD continues to shine and bring hope to every Filipino, especially the poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged sector of society),” the DSWD official said.
Among the activities for the anniversary is the trade fair and bazaar, featuring products of the Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) from different regions.
The bazaar, which will run until Jan. 23 at the DSWD Central Office, showcases regional delicacies and local craftsmanship, with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for selected DSWD centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) for children.
The DSWD will also feature the institutionalization of Project Riayah, a social protection initiative intended to support vulnerable, abandoned and orphaned children living in torils in Marawi City.
Another key initiative is the Kasama Katutubo, a forthcoming report intended to guide the design of more inclusive and culturally responsive social protection programs for indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs), while respecting and preserving their unique cultural identities.
Marquez said the celebration will also serve as a tribute to the contributions of its workforce, known as the Angels’ in Red Vests, whose dedication has shaped its legacy across generations.
“The anniversary is not only a commemoration of past achievements but also a reaffirmation of its long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability, and people-centered service delivery. Through its year-long activities and child-focused initiatives, the DSWD aims to continue protecting, nurturing, and empowering Filipinos of all ages, while building a stronger, future-ready social welfare system for the years ahead,” he said. (PNA)