The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was among the ‘Champions of the Urban Poor’ recognized by the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP) during the culminating activity of the Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW) celebration held on December 7 at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Attached and Supervised Agencies (ASAs) Atty. Elaine Fallarcuna received the award recognizing the significant contribution of the DSWD in improving the well-being of urban poor communities through the agency’s programs and services.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized, in his message the strong ties between the lead social protection agency and the PCUP in assisting poor families living in the cities.

“The DSWD is one with the Commission in ensuring the welfare of our fellow Filipinos through the implementation of various social welfare programs and services,” Asst. Sec. Fallarcuna said as she read the DSWD chief’s message.

Asst. Sec. Fallarcuna said the celebration of UPSW served as a reminder both for the government and the public sector of their significant role in shaping the urban centers.

“This solidarity week for the urban poor is not just a celebration, but also a commitment to building a nation where no one is left behind,” the DSWD official said.

Aside from the DSWD, PCUP Chairperson and CEO, Undersecretary Elpidio Jordan Jr., also gave recognition to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which was represented by DENR-National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Executive Director Jacqueline Caancan, CESO III.

The DSWD and the DENR are the first recipients of the ‘Champions of the Urban Poor’ award conferred by the PCUP, which aimed at acknowledging the strong collaboration formed between the Commission and the two agencies in line with the poverty reduction program of the Marcos administration under its 8-point socio-economic agenda.

The Solidarity Week for the urban poor is celebrated from December 2 to 8 every year under Presidential Proclamation No. 367, which calls for the promotion of unity, dialogue, and collaboration among government agencies, non-government organizations, and urban poor communities in specific programs and projects aimed at combating poverty in the urban areas. #