Some one hundred fifty employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX attended the 1^st Semester Regional General Assembly at Dakak Beach Resort, Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte on June 6-8, 2017.

DSWD Regional Director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo inspired all participants during her opening speech expressing her gratitude for coming as one together as family.  She said, “It is true that our desire is to provide our employees the best opportunities to improve work habits, increase productivity and develop capacity to engage in the call for “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo”.

“Our high demand of work is needed to help those who are challenged by circumstances, and we as workers whose hands can make difference in the fulfilment of quality of life and well-being of our clients, need to be developed and be given with exposure such as this to boost high morale.” , she added.

Salient topics were discussed during the activity to include a talk on Personality Enhancement delivered by Institutional Development Division Chief, Carmencita Luna. The newly elected President of the Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP), Ma.Corazon Sumicad, presented the overview of the association and future plans for all members. A bingo social was hosted after the talk to provide opportunity among participants to promote solidarity and fellowship.

The RGA is conducted twice every year purposely to gather employees and provide updates on the current policies, and activities undertaken by the department in the region.

Meanwhile, Municipal and City Social Welfare Officers coming from the different municipalities and cities in Zamboanga Peninsula convened during the 1^st Semester Social Welfare and Development Forum held on June 8-9, 2017 on the same venue.

The gathering is an opportunity for the participants to be abreast in the programs and services of DSWD and how can the activity serve as a dialogue between the regional management committee and the participants where concerns, suggestions and recommendations are raised to improve its delivery to the clients in the grassroots.

“It is therefore proven that our bond of commitment has become stronger. These have provided our Programs and Services with solid and resilient support from the ground and with that, we in the DSWD are grateful of your contributions as our allies in the delivery of programs and services. With pride and value, I am honoured to see your indefatigable support”, expressed Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo during her opening message