“This building shall stand as a symbol of the agency’s core value of Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo,” expressed Aisyl A. Sagoso, Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) leader during the inauguration of the two-storey SWADT Building on July 24 at Brgy. Sunrise, Isabela City, Basilan.

“Finally, our clients, beneficiaries, and partner stakeholders will no longer take a deep breath and take the stairs only to reach the 3rd floor of the infirmary building where we used to have our office,” added Sagoso.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director, Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo led the official ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO), Carmencita S. Luna.

In her inaugural speech, Atty. Solamillo expressed her gratitude to the City Government of Isabela for the donation of the 100 square meter-lot in 2015.

“I am very grateful to the local government for the support they have been giving us especially to Vice Mayor Cherrylyn S. Akbar,” she said.

According to Atty. Solamillo, the construction of the P2.3 million building began on October 13, 2016 and ended on March 13, this year.

The new SWADT building is a manifestation of the agency’s commitment to provide a conducive working environment to its workers and to bring closer to the people the different social welfare programs and services of the department, especially to the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged.

Furthermore, aside from reminiscing the developmental years of the field office, Atty. Solamillo also revealed that her best years in life are spent with the agency.  “Although I am a lawyer but I must say that I am a full-blooded social worker. I do not practice Law because I love my profession,” she said.

Other personalities present during the event were Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Anwary Akalun, City Councilor Abner Rodriguez, and City Administrator Engr. Edgardo Halasan, among others. ###