ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. was honored with the Outstanding Local Chief Executive of the Philippines Award (Provincial Category, Visayas).
The award, bestowed by the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ALSWDOPI), recognized Defensor’s effective management and delivery of social welfare programs.
The accolade was presented by ALSWDOPI national president Jhunleymar D. Abella during the opening of the 27th National Social Welfare and Development Forum and General Assembly at the Iloilo Convention Center yesterday morning.
Joined by Ann Rapunzel Ganzon and Rani Melvi Cuarte of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Defensor accepted the award amidst praise for his leadership in implementing various social welfare initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of marginalized and vulnerable communities in Iloilo. These initiatives were led by Sarah Barayuga, head of the PSWDO.
This selective award is granted to only one local chief executive per category per island, underscoring its exclusivity and prestige.
From 2021 to 2023, Defensor’s administration launched innovative programs that have significantly improved local social welfare.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Defensor dedicated the award to the social workers, municipalities, and barangay functionaries who have collaborated with his administration to build a better community.
“This award is not only mine. This is yours, too,” he said.
Defensor also expressed gratitude to social workers who have been on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging their critical role in implementing social welfare programs.
Throughout his tenure, Defensor has been recognized for his dedication to social welfare, including an award from the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Region 6 in 2022 as a Social Protection Executive Champion.
Additionally, his efforts in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities have been acknowledged by the National Council on Disability Affairs.
Under Defensor’s leadership, Iloilo province was also recertified by the Philippine Commission on Women and Development as a Local Learning Hub for 2023-2026.
The award ceremony yesterday was part of a larger gathering that included more than 2,000 local social welfare officers and social workers from across the nation, convened under this year’s theme: “Unifying Forces: Local Government Units’ Catalyst for Collective Action, Social Movements, and Social Change.”
Former Iloilo PSWDO head Dr. Neneth Pador served as the keynote speaker, while DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who praised the enduring patience and hard work of social workers during the pandemic, also addressed the attendees./PN