The city government has won three national Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay awards for its outstanding implementation of social welfare and development programs for older persons, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Liza Bulayungan said the recognitions are under the Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan (PANATA Ko sa Bayan) awards program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) where the city emerged as among the awardees from 267 nominations nationwide.
Bulayungan and social workers Racquel Madlon and Ellen William received the awards on behalf of the city during a ceremony held in Quezon City on October 28, 2026.
The city was recognized for having the best implementation of programs and services for three sectors: older persons, persons with disabilities and IDPs. IDPs refer to persons forced to flee their home due to conflict, violence, human rights violations or disasters but who remain within the city.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong welcomed the recognition saying it bolsters the city’s thrust to sustain inclusive governance by providing responsive social welfare services particularly to vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors of the community.
The awarding ceremony was led by the DSWD Academy and Standards Bureau.
As the DSWD’s major rewards and incentives program, PANATA Ko sa Bayan recognizes exemplary social welfare programs and services of local government units and Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs).
It aims to encourage more effective and meaningful delivery of social services for the welfare of Filipinos.
For this year, the DSWD said it recognized seven outstanding SWDAs.
The ceremony was attended by DSWD Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas, Assistant Secretary Janet Armas, Director Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe and Director Anna Maria Ledesma, along with representatives of local governments and social welfare and development officers from various regions. **Aileen P. Refuerzo
