Quezon city: As the country celebrates National Volunteers Month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its General Administration and Support Services Group (GASSG), conducted its first-ever large-scale medical and legal mission for employees on Tuesday at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the event, themed "Health and Legal Well-Being on Wheels: Strengthening DSWD Personnel Well-Being and Legal Access," was held in partnership with the Hospital on Wheels (HOW) and Friends Who Care LLC (FWC). It offered comprehensive medical, surgical, dental, optical, and legal services directly to agency employees. HOW, founded by Dr. Jim Sanchez and established by RP Healthcraft Carrier Foundation in 2007, brought its mobile hospital to the DSWD Central Office, providing medical consultations, surgical screenings, minor surgical procedures, dental services, and optical assessments through its volunteer doctors, nurses, and health professionals. FWC, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, extended its surgical and medical care services to DSWD employees.
GASSG Undersecretary Edward Justine Orden noted that this initiative reflects the leadership of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, whose priority is to institutionalize programs that directly support agency personnel. "Isa po ito sa magiging legacy ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, ito po ay manifestation ng kanyang pagmamahal sa DSWD (This will be one of the legacies of Sec. Gatchalian, this is a manifestation of his love for the DSWD)," Orden stated.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized the broader significance of the mission, highlighting how it showcases the department's care for its own people. "This mission reflects how the DSWD family cares for its own people because when our workers are healthy, supported, and protected, they are better able to serve the public," she remarked. Dumlao also underscored the importance of investing in the health of DSWD personnel, noting their crucial role as frontline responders in social protection.
DSWD personnel who availed themselves of the medical and legal services expressed their gratitude for the event being held at their workplace. Cecil Belara, a janitorial staff member who received free optical consultation and reading glasses, shared, "Maganda na pumunta sila mismo sa work namin. Malaking tulong po sa mga tulad namin na hindi nakakapagpa-checkup kasi busy sa trabaho (It's good that they came to our workplace. It is a big help to somebody like us who cannot go to checkups because we are busy at work)."
Administrative Officer Sheila Adao, who received legal consultation, also praised the mission. "Minsan wala na talaga tayong time kapag may mga concern tayo so minsan parang gusto ko na lang siyang hayaan kasi wala nga akong time. Dahil sa merong ganito, malaki talagang tulong kasi sila na yung lumalapit sayo. Hindi ko kailangan umabsent, hindi ko kailangan mag-file ng leave. Sana magkaroon pa ulit ng ganitong serbisyo (Sometimes, we don't really have time for our concerns, and just let it go. This is a big help because they are the ones who came to us. I don't need to go absent; I don't need to file a leave. I hope that these services will be made available again)," she said.
The DSWD continues to strengthen employee welfare initiatives as part of Gatchalian's thrust to support, protect, and empower the Department's workforce.
