The DSWD FO 1 successfully conducted its annual Knowledge Fair at Hotel Ariana in Bauang, La Union on 12 December 2024. This event brought together local government units (LGUs), social welfare development agencies (SWDAs), and various offices, divisions, units, and sections (ODSUs) from the Field Office to showcase their initiatives that have positively impacted different sectors, social service delivery, and community development. The fair was led by Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan, along with the Executive Committee and Ms. Norilix M. Razalan, the Officer-in-Charge of the Knowledge Management Division of the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau. The event highlighted the significance of documenting and sharing best practices.
Awardees from the previous year presented their Good Practice Documents (GPDs). Notably, LGU Asingan, Pangasinan (3rd place) showcased its initiative for children with disabilities, while LGU San Juan, La Union (2nd place) presented its Ginhawa Community-Based Rehabilitation Program.
The event also recognized outstanding documentation efforts and innovative services through various awards, including Best Good Practice Documentation under Internal Office, SWDA, and LGU Categories; and the Regional PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards under Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga and Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay Categories for 2024.
Here are the winners under the different categories:
- Best Good Practice Documentation
- LGU Binalonan, Pangasinan: Arapaap Ken Namnama: Ready Go Tayo! School Supply Support Initiative for Children in Need of Special Protection (Children's Sector)
- LGU Solsona, Ilocos Norte: Dur-as Ti Barangay (Family and Community Sector)
- LGU Urdaneta City, Pangasinan: Empowering Urdaneta City’s Elderly: Comprehensive Programs and Services (Older Persons Sector)
- LGU Asingan, Pangasinan: Breaking Boundaries, Creating Futures: Empowering Persons with Disability in the Municipality of Asingan (Persons with Disability Sector)
- LGU San Juan, La Union: ART (Ayat, Rang-ay ken Tarabay) and “Artistically Reinforcing Tourism” Junior Police: San Juan’s Youth Community Initiative (Youth Sector)
- Parola Santuwaryo Inc. Ilocos Norte: 12 Week Healing Program for Girl Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (SWDA Category)
- 4Ps Division: Sulong Management Information System (MIS): Pagtatala at Pagsusuri ng Pagbabago sa 4Ps (DSWD Internal Office Category )
- Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga
- LGU Basista, Pangasinan: Strengthening Women's Empowerment: Sustainable Support Systems in Basista (Women Sector)
- Gawad Serbisyong Mahusay
- LGU Manaoag, Pangasinan (First Place)
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Lynie F. Abar, the MSWDO of Manaoag, Pangasinan said, “... yung continues education po talaga is very important dahil doon ka po talaga humuhugot kung paano imanage ang isang office, paano mo po ma-implement ang mga programs and services. Ang aim po talaga is paano pa naming mapapaganda at maayos ang aming serbisyo sa aming mga constituent sa amin sa LGU Manaoag.”
- LGU City of Candon, Ilocos Sur (Second Place)
- LGU Bangar, La Union (Third Place)
LGU Bauang, La Union (Third Place)
The Knowledge Fair 2024 emphasized the importance of documentation and knowledge sharing. By recognizing exemplary efforts, LGUs, SWDAs, and ODSUs are encouraged to continue innovating and sharing best practices, paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future.