[Davao City] – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI hosted the Regional Child Development Workers Day/Day Care Workers Week Celebration on July 21, 2023 at the Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases.

The event, organized by the Standards Section of the Policy and Plans Division (PPD), brought together 84 passionate Child Development Workers (CDWs) from all over Davao region. The main goal was to equip these dedicated professionals with essential knowledge and skills for effectively caring for children in Child Development Centers.

City Councilor Wilberto E. Al-ag, representing City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, praised the workers as modern-day heroes in his heartfelt message. 

“Your role is vital in laying the foundation for the early education of children. You are very important in this community,” Councilor Al-ag said.

The celebration also served as a moment to recognize outstanding workers in the field. The following personnel were honored as Best Child Development Workers: Helen P. Bontrostro for Davao de Oro, Clarita P. Bausta for Davao Oriental, Alma M. Almerez for Davao del Sur, Junito Tumanding for Davao City, Monaliza C. Caballes for Davao Occidental, and Nenita A. Doquila for Davao del Norte. Their dedication and service have positively impacted countless young lives, making them role models for others.

OIC-Chief of Policy and Plans Division , Lorela M. Ramos, on behalf of the Department, extended her sincere gratitude to all CDWs, recognizing them as invaluable assets to society’s future. 

“Their unwavering commitment to nurturing and molding the potential of young minds exemplifies the spirit of service that drives the Department’s mission to create a more caring and inclusive society for all,” Ms. Ramos said.

Dr. Melanie G. Arcillas, Executive Director of the DMIRIE Foundation, Inc. and Mr. Renee Boy O. Binondo, Regional Coordinator of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children served as resource persons during the activity. 

A Sayawitan Competition was also organized where the workers representing the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental emerged victorious.

This year’s theme, “Child Development Workers: Katuwang ng Pamayanan sa Paghubog ng Batang Maka-Diyos, Makabayan, Makatao, at Maka-Kalikasan,” highlights the core values of these devoted child development/day care workers who tirelessly work to shape children into well-rounded, compassionate, patriotic, and environmentally conscious individuals. ###