The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Standards Bureau (SB), successfully concluded the 2025 Awarding Ceremony for Outstanding Social Work Agencies (SWAs) and Auxiliary Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) at the Sarrosa International Hotel And Residential Suites in Cebu City on September 26, 2025.

Ten exceptional SWAs and auxiliary SWDAs from across the country were recognized for their dedication to delivering comprehensive social welfare services to the most vulnerable populations, as well as for their innovative initiatives and exemplary best practices.

The ceremony was spearheaded by SB Assistant Director Cynthia V. Ilano and DSWD Field Office 7 Regional Director Shalaine S. Lucero, CESO III. Each awardee was presented with a plaque, a tarpaulin, and a Php 50,000 cash incentive.

The top five Outstanding SWAs recognized were: Unbound-Zamboanga Project Foundation, Inc., My Refuge House Ministry, Inc., Ako Ang Saklay, Inc., Mahintana Foundation, Inc., and White Cross, Inc. Meanwhile, the top five Outstanding Auxiliary SWDAs included: Open Heart Foundation Worldwide Inc., Honda Foundation, Inc., The Andres Soriano Foundation, Inc., Living NEW Philippines, and Felix G. Yusay Foundation, Inc.

In her keynote message, Undersecretary for RSIDG Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas, MD, RSW underscored the indispensable role of these agencies, emphasizing their critical contribution to nation-building, particularly within the country’s rapidly evolving social work environment. (PJE)