BACOLOD CITY — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian commended the City Government of Bacolod for its strengthened collaboration with the national government in delivering relief assistance and social protection programs to residents, particularly during calamities and other emergencies.

During a meeting with Mayor Greg Gasataya, city officials, and barangay captains on September 22, Gatchalian underscored the importance of the city’s support in ensuring that relief operations and the distribution of financial assistance under various DSWD programs are properly coordinated and reach intended beneficiaries on time.

The full attendance of the barangay captains further highlighted the strong partnership between the City Government of Bacolod and its barangays in ensuring that national government assistance, particularly during calamities and emergencies, reaches Bacolodnons efficiently and without delay.

Gatchalian, a former mayor himself, said he shares a similar career path with Mayor Gasataya, having served as a local chief executive before joining the Cabinet. He noted that his experience in local governance has helped him better understand the important role of local government units in implementing DSWD programs.

He emphasized that DSWD can effectively carry out its mandate through close coordination and cooperation with LGUs, which serve as the agency’s partners on the ground.

“My commitment to you: anytime the city or Negros needs any type of assistance, I am just a phone call away. And we will continue to make sure that the presence of DSWD is felt, from financial assistance all the way to food packs,” Gatchalian said.

He also thanked the City Government of Bacolod for its role in facilitating the implementation of DSWD programs, including emergency cash assistance and transport assistance during previous calamities and emergencies.

Gatchalian noted that while DSWD maintains its presence during emergencies, local governments play a crucial role in providing the logistics and coordination needed to ensure that assistance reaches communities efficiently.

For his part, Mayor Gasataya thanked Secretary Gatchalian for the agency’s continued support, particularly in expediting relief assistance for families affected by calamities and sectors impacted by rising fuel costs.

“Over the years, the innovations undertaken under the leadership of Secretary Gatchalian have ensured DSWD’s presence in communities ahead of calamities, as well as the department’s continuing digitalization efforts,” Gasataya said, expressing gratitude for DSWD’s continued support for the city. (BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)