CAPIZ-In the opening ceremony of Capiztahan (April 10, 2015), provincial officials here lauded the leadership and personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in their efforts for the rehabilitation of victims of typhoon Yolanda, internationally known Haiyan.

“In November 2013, Yolanda devastated us. Today, we are deeply humbled, as one of the persons who rendered assistance is joining us. We extend our special thanks to Secretary Corazon `Dinky’ Soliman and to the members of her office for reaching out to Capizenos,” said Tanco.

Resolution 076-2015 was passed by the officials of the province “to convey profound gratitude to DSWD for the invaluable support” to the province particularly in rehabilitation efforts for the supertyphoon survivors.

Tanco said that the Capiztahan is an opportune time to celebrate the “collective resiliency, perseverance and the attitude of the Capizenos to never surrender.”

“Gone are the days of Yolanda. As we celebrate Capiztahan, our faith, our sheer will to live has shown what true Capizenos are,” he said.

COMMENDATION GIVES STRENGTH

Secretary Soliman who personally received a plaque of appreciation and her copy of the resolution thanked the Tanco and his people for the recognition.

“Thank you for the recognition. Ginagawa po namin ito dahil kami ay lingkod-bayan tulad din nga ibang nagtratrabaho sa gobyerno. Pangalawa, salamat dahil ito lang pinagkukunan naming ng lakas upang tuloy na makapaglingkod na may ngiti,” said Soliman.

Soliman said that aside from rehabilitation efforts for Yolanda survivors, the agency continues in the implementation of programs like Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kalahi-CIDSS, Sustainable Livelihood, Social Pension and Supplementary Feeding.

“Tumataba po ang puso namin sa pagkilala. Tuluy-tuloy po ang pagtulong naming sa nangangailangan,”she said.

ESA RECEPIENTS SAY ‘THANK YOU’ TOO

Aside from government officials, beneficiaries of Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) also expressed gratitude for DSWD’s assistance.

Igleceria Bulquerin of Roxas City said, “Thank you Secretary Soliman. Thank you DSWD for responding to our needs. We used the ESA, amounting to P30,000, to repair our house,” she said.

Bulaclac Jardiolin of Panay, Capiz, likewise said, “Thank you for helping us so we could recover from the devastation of the typhoon. You did not just repair our house. You also restored our belief in the government. Also, we have learned to hope for the future again.”/dswd6/May Rago-Castillo