President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for saving lives, bringing hope, and demonstrating the true power of compassion.

Speaking at the DSWD’s 74th-anniversary celebration in Pasay City on Tuesday, President Marcos cited the department’s crucial role in providing aid, hope, and resilience to individuals, families, and communities facing hardships.

“Your courage, particularly during the recent spate of calamities, has been nothing short of extraordinary,” the President said.

“’You are the first to respond but the last to sleep. While others sought shelter from the storm, you walked into the chaos to deliver relief. You have saved lives, brought hope, and demonstrated the true power of compassion,” he added.

The President highlighted key DSWD programs: the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and the Quick Response Fund (QRF).

He noted that over four million households benefited from the 4Ps last year, while over 270,000 households received aid through the SLP in 2024.

The Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program supported over 4.28 million elderly individuals, while more than 7.4 million families received assistance through the Quick Response Fund (QRF).

The President also called for collective action to build a resilient, inclusive “Bagong Pilipinas” where no one is left behind.

He launched new initiatives, including the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), designed to streamline applications within the department.

Newly introduced programs include the Minors Traveling Abroad System, which simplifies travel clearance for children, and the Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas Program, aimed at strengthening family welfare and development.

“These endeavors reflect a government that listens and that responds—a government that evolves to meet the needs of its people,” the President said. | PND