Davao Occidental, June 20, 2024 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD XI) celebrated a significant milestone with the official turnover of its Provincial Operation Office in Davao Occidental donated by the Provincial Government of Davao Occidental. The event was attended by DSWD XI Regional Director Atty. Vanessa G. Goc-ong, Chief of Protective Services Division Gemma D. Dela Cruz, Provincial Governor Hon. Franklin P. Bautista, Vice Governor Hon. Lorna Bautista-Bandigan, Congressman Claude P. Bautista, and representatives of different national government agencies (NGAs). 

The ceremony began with a blessing of the new Provincial Operation Office officiated by Rev. Father Rogelio A. Albite. This was followed by an indigenous offering dance performed by the Kasinag Sidlakan Performing Ensemble. The symbolic unveiling of the engraved plate marked the official inauguration of the new office. A formal program followed, featuring the ceremonial turnover of the office and the handing over of the symbolic key from Provincial Governor Hon. Bautista to Director Atty. Goc-ong.

In her message, Director Goc-ong emphasized the irreplaceable nature of social work, highlighting that serving people with heart and compassion is a noble endeavor that cannot be supplanted by artificial intelligence. 

“Social work remains an indispensable profession in our AI-driven world as it uniquely demands heart and compassion. Kung atua tan-awon ang world karon, halos lahat ng trabaho ay pwede ng gawin ng AI, lalo na sa mga bansang modernized and embracing a robotics system. Pero, ang pagiging social worker ay puso ang puhunan at pinanghahawakan, at iyan ay kailangan sa pagbibigay ng tunay na serbisyo sa komunidad,” stated Director Atty. Goc-ong. 

The event showcased DSWD XI and its partners’ unwavering commitment to providing essential services to the community in a conducive and inspiring environment. The new operational office, nestled amid the scenic beauty of Davao Occidental, stands as a testament to this dedication. (DSWD XI/RSD)

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