By Miriam G. Desacada
Tacloban City–Governor Edwin C. Ongchuan of Northern Samar announced to the media of Eastern Visayas that he received the Most Outstanding Governor of the Philippines recognition of the 2023 Gawad Parangal Award in a ceremony held in Davao City on Tuesday (August 15).
The Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. (ALSWDOPI), during its 26th National Convention and General Assembly, conferred the award to Ongchuan, citing his outstanding accomplishment in the delivery of social services to his constituents in the province.
The Gawad Parangal is a prestigious award conferred on local chief executives (mayors and governors) who have done exceptional achievements in implementing social welfare and development programs.
Ongchuan, in sharing to the local media the conferment of the national award, said: “The provincial government of Northern Samar has consistently championed notable social work initiatives over the years. It has been our flagship program since we assumed office in 2019.”
Expressing his gratitude to the award-giving body for recognizing his efforts in governance, also said: “This recognition will not only inspire me but also our dedicated employees in the provincial government who have tirelessly supported our frontline services. I dedicate this award to all government workers, particularly our social workers, who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to their mandates.”
Among the most notable accomplishments of Ongchuan is his 8-point development agenda, known as “sustained PROGRESS,” which focus on the delivery of social services to the public, such as social welfare, health, and nutrition.
Some of his deserving achievements are: the establishment of the Darangpan Center, a half-way house for former rebels; the enhancement of the Lingap Center that serves as a home for children and adolescents; and the creation of the Bahay Pag-asa that provides short-term sanctuary for at-risk children (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL).
The provincial government, under the Ongchuan administration, further carried out the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) on top of the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to help surrendering rebels start a new life as they return to the fold of the law.
Also commended was Northern Samar’s construction of Kauswagan Village, which provides free housing for identified former rebels who choose not to return to their respective communities.
In addition was Ongchuan’s effective implementation of the Kauswagan Caravan, a one-stop-shop of services for Nortehanons, particularly those living in remote areas. This was done by the provincial government in collaboration with national government agencies, non-government organizations, and other partners.
ALSWDOPI further recognized Ongchuan’s vital support for the Gender and Development Office (GAD), which attends to the concerns of women and CICLs.
The Gawad Parangal Awards event was spearheaded by Gawad committee chairperson Mesalina Lagrimas-Dulfo and ALSWDOPI national president Marybeth Ortiz.
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, the guest of honor and speaker, emphasized in her speech that “all local chief executives should emulate the leadership of our awardees, that is, giving premium on the social welfare and development programs of each LGUs.”
Besides Ongchuan, other Gawad Parangal awardees were Governors Daniel Fernando of Bulacan, Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte, and Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas of Batangas. —Miriam G. Desacada