The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 is urging its personnel to prepare beneficiaries and livelihood groups for possible El Niño impacts while strengthening the agency’s delivery of social welfare services across Central Visayas.
Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jiah L. Sayson raised the concern during the field office’s 2026 General Assembly on Saturday, Oct. 17, where she presented the outlook for areas at risk of dry conditions, dry spells and drought from October 2026 to February 2027.
Sayson urged program teams to conduct information campaigns to help beneficiaries prepare for possible water shortages and other effects of the weather phenomenon.
She also encouraged Sustainable Livelihood Program associations to plan for proper livestock management and consider disposing of animals when necessary.
To protect beneficiaries during payout activities, Sayson recommended holding distributions in cooler locations, deploying additional special disbursing officers and setting up standby cash assistance and first-aid desks.
The one-day assembly gathered hundreds of DSWD personnel, members of the Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP) and stakeholders of the Social Welfare Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (SWEMC), both onsite and online, to review accomplishments and discuss priorities.
DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero highlighted the field office’s achievements under her administration, including facility improvements, stronger partnerships and the development of digital tools to streamline operations.
Lucero said the office had transformed its facilities, including those of its centers and residential care facilities, into what she described as “5-star social laboratories.”
The field office also developed program-specific online portals for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Other digital initiatives include the Government Service Online Request and Tracking (GSORT) system of the General Services Section and the Information and Communications Technology Service’s online ticketing system.
The agency also expanded its social welfare services through the establishment of the Pag-Abot Center, the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth and the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which DSWD 7 described as the first of its kind outside Metro Manila.
Lucero credited employees for the field office’s progress, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and its culture of care, or “Pagpakabana.”
“The gains we have achieved over the past four years are not the accomplishments of one person; they are the results of your dedication, hard work, activity, and willingness to go the extra mile,” Lucero said.
She urged personnel to sustain a values-driven workplace culture, strengthen fiscal discipline and accountability, promote transparency, and maximize partnerships and interagency cooperation.
The assembly also highlighted “Alagang DSWD,” an initiative focused on supporting the agency’s workforce.
Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tonyson Luther Lee discussed opportunities for employees pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including study permits, as well as leave benefits available to personnel based on their eligibility.
Lee emphasized the importance of career development and competency-building, along with the responsible use of leave privileges.
The event, themed “Lambigit: 2026 DSWD General Assembly,” also featured an expo showcasing government services, SWEMC initiatives and products from the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Other activities included the SWEAP elections and the introduction of new cooperative initiatives, including a Facebook page, T-shirt printing and rice businesses, and the e-SALIG application, ahead of SWEAP’s 15th anniversary.
A Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Peter Monteron opened the gathering.
“If you belong to DSWD, you have to work hard and show love in your service,” Monteron said in his homily.
Lucero also encouraged personnel to join the DSWD Hapsay Viber community.
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