By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the job of social workers is vital and was further intensified by the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID- 19 pandemic.
Lacson on Thursday lauded all local social welfare and development officers of the province for their commitment to public service in responding to the urgent needs of several sectors amid the health crisis.
He underscored the importance of the function of social workers during the Local Social Welfare and Development Officers Program Review and Planning Workshop held at the Capitol Social Hall that was attended by social workers from the different cities and municipalities of the province.
The governor said that as a developing nation, everybody is aware of the vital roles of social and development work; and in the Philippines, there are more underprivileged and vulnerable constituents, as the country is also prone to natural calamities.
“Our social workers are confronted with greater struggles and challenges compared to our counterparts from other countries; and these pre-existing conditions were further intensified with the unexpected and sudden occurrence of COVID-19,” he added.
“To all our local social and development workers, I know that your job has become more arduous in this pandemic, in this complex and evolving state we are in. I truly appreciate your commitment and devotion.”
The governor also said that it takes a lot of heart and consistency of purpose to take on the job of responding to the exigent needs of several sectors, each with needs as important and urgent as the other; with added exacerbation brought about by personal fears and limitations.
He said he hopes the activity will make the PSWDO programs more responsive to the needs of the province and all Negrenses.
