Davao: The newly installed head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) has pledged to strengthen existing systems, preserve best practices, and introduce innovations to enhance the agency's responsiveness, efficiency, compassion, and accountability.

According to Philippines News Agency, in his inaugural address Monday at the DSWD-11 office, Regional Director Benchie Gonzales outlined four guiding principles for his leadership: fostering unity and compassion as one DSWD family; upholding transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service; embracing innovation and digital transformation to improve service delivery; and ensuring that policies and guidelines remain the compass in carrying out the agency's mandate.

"I did not come to Davao Region to start from scratch. I came here to build upon the strong foundation that all of you have worked so hard to establish," Gonzales said, stressing that his leadership will build on the agency's established programs to deliver more responsive and people-centered social welfare services.

He urged personnel to work with unity and compassion, while emphasizing the importance of integrity in public service. "Public office is a public trust. Every peso entrusted to this field office belongs to the Filipino people. Every decision we make affects lives," he added.

The installation ceremony marked a renewed commitment by DSWD-11 to strengthen its leadership, uphold organizational excellence, and continuously improve the delivery of social welfare and development programs for communities across the Davao Region.