The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognized the exceptional work of social work-centered agencies and organizations at the 2024 Awarding Ceremony for Outstanding Social Work Agencies (SWAs) and Auxiliary Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs).

Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas of the DSWD’s Standards and Capacity Building Group commended the awardees for their dedication to serving vulnerable populations.

“Treading the field of social work and making a difference in other people’s lives is no easy task,” Bragas said.

“Yet, you are all here because you have been exemplary in upholding innovative and best practices as you look after the welfare of people who need your guidance most,” she added.

The annual search and awarding program, initiated by the DSWD’s Standards Bureau, aims to recognize and incentivize outstanding social welfare and development practices.

Six SWAs and three Auxiliary SWDAs from various regions received plaques and cash incentives worth P50,000 each which include Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc.; Unbound Zamboanga Project Foundation Inc.; Kasanag Daughters Foundation Inc.; Asilo De Molo Inc.; Mahintana Foundation Inc.; Pag-Asa Social Center Foundation Inc.; Open Heart Foundation Worldwide Inc.; Living New Philippines and the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation Inc.

SWAs are public or private organizations that directly engage in social welfare and development programs and services, while Auxiliary SWDAs are non-profit organizations that implement or intend to implement social welfare and development programs.