For years now, DSWD employees have been branded as the “Angels in RED Vests.” But today, as we celebrate the culmination of the PRIDE month this June, we proudly introduce you to an “Angel in RAINBOW Vest”, someone who brings colors, joy, and hope to the lives of DSWD clientele.

In celebration of the Department-wide observance of the Pride Month this June, the Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs undertakes an initiative to recognize the contributions of LGBTQIA+ personnel, promote visibility and representation, and foster an inclusive and respectful workplace within the Department through a recognition-activity dubbed as PRIDE Spotlight.

This year, the DSWD regional PRIDE Spotlight shines bright for RAMIL A. BANGALANDO.

 

From Red to Rainbow

Ramil used to work in an industry that involved testing blood for HIV and/or AIDS. Before DSWD, he was part of a non-government organization that provides education, monitor activities, and conduct outreach programs especially related to mitigation of the virus. In his line of work, he saw many red lights being crossed by people because of lack of education.

It was then that he realized that education plays a pivotal role in advancing certain advocacies.

In 2015, Ramil joined the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a poverty-alleviation program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The focus of the program is on education and health of children. And at the same time, empowering poor families by providing them information and awareness on diverse causes.

“Bilang isang Angel in Red Vest, ang aking trabaho ay mahalaga dahil nagsisilbi akong katuwang ng mga pamilya sa pagharap sa kanilang mga hamon sa buhay. Hindi lamang ako nagbibigay ng serbisyo, kundi nagbibigay din ako ng gabay, pag-asa, at suporta upang matulungan silang magkaroon ng mas magandang kinabukasan,” Ramil said.

[As an Angel in Red Vest, my job is important because I serve as a partner of (poor) families in facing their hardships in life. I do not just provide services, rather I provide direction, hope, and support to help them achieve a better future.]

With his dedication and compassion for poor families, Ramil is considered as the rainbow of the families that he helped. A rainbow that is not only beautiful in sight, but more importantly, something that adds color to one’s life and gives a ray of hope.

Because of this brand of service, his rays of colors led him to a pot of gold. In the span of his service in the DSWD, he has received several recognitions that validate his worth in the Spotlight.

Last 2019, he was part of the group that was awarded the Best Convergence Action Team. He also received 2 Kislap Bayani Awards in 2024, and the latest, an award from the Hero Ka 2025.

 

When Job Turns Into Passion

As a Community Facilitator, Ramil has numerous unforgettable experiences that, in one way or another, make his job worth doing.

In one of his home visits to assess the well-being of the family-beneficiary, he had quite a unique and funny story. As he was passing through pebbles and rocks on the way to the beneficiary’s house, on his back was a suspicious-looking dog that looked like it was ready to attack, just waiting for the right moment. In his fear, he strutted faster than he ever did before to get ahead of the growling furry beast. Alas, it only made the dog madder and started running towards him. And the rest is now a funny history to tell.

Although funny as it may sound, but the experience also gave him a deep realization about the job that he was doing.

“Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok sa trabaho, nagsilbi itong paalala sa akin na ang pagiging isang 4Ps worker ay nangangailangan ng dedikasyon, tapang, at malasakit upang maabot at matulungan ang mga pamilya kahit gaano pa kahirap ang sitwasyon.”

[Beyond the challenges in my line of work, this reminds me that being a 4Ps Social Worker needs dedication, courage, and compassion to reach out to the needy families, no matter how difficult the road is.]

With this inspiring story, Ramil is truly deserving of the PRIDE Spotlight.

“Kabilang ang aking paglalakbay bilang miyembro ng LGBTQIA+, nais kong patunayan na ang pagkakaiba ay hindi hadlang upang makapaglingkod at makapagbigay ng inspirasyon sa kapwa,” Ramil ended.

[Along with my journey as a member of the LGBTQIA+, I want to prove that our differences is not a hindrance to be of service and shed a burst of inspiration to others.]