DSWD Gives "Salamat Po!" Award to CDO Stake (Diocese)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 (DSWD ) celebrated its 63rd  Founding Anniversary on January 27 - 30, 2014 with the theme “DSWD @ 63: Kaagapay sa Pagbangon at Bagong Simula”.  

A Culmination Night was held at Pearlmont Inn and as highlight of the founding anniversary the agency gave recognition to organizations and agencies who contributed in helping DSWD fulfill its mandate as well as in keeping the good image of DSWD. The anniversary and awards night was also a celebration of the resiliency of the victims of last year’s disasters and the spirit of volunteerism among Filipinos for doing their share in helping others rebuild their lives.

There were four recipients of the “Salamat Po!” Awards.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through its Mormon Helping Hands in Cagayan de Oro City was one of the awardees.  Other awardees were the Social Action Center Mt. Carmel Church, the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 10, and the Honorable Maximino B. Seno, Municipal Mayor of Opol, Misamis Oriental.

The award was received by Dr. Maximo Saavedra Jr. (2nd from left), Stake President of the Cagayan de Oro Philippines Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Ma. Christina Itchon-Concepcion (1st from left) , Multistake Public Affairs Director. Presenting the awards were Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, CESO III (3rd from left) and Ms. Purita M. Santa (in red gown), Assistant Regional Director for Administration.

Last year in November, more than 400 Mormon Helping Hand Volunteers in Cagayan de Oro helped DSWD Field Office X repack goods for the typhoon Yolanda victims. In two days, the volunteers were able to pack 2,840 Family Food Packs which were shipped immediately to Visayas. The 2-day repacking activity was done at the LDS Meetinghouse in Ramon Chaves Street, Cagayan de Oro City.   Other partnerships regularly done with DSWD includes the National Family Week Celebration and other community related initiatives.