The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, together with two Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region, garnered recognition during the DSWD SocTech Expo 2025 held at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati City on December 10, 2025.

The Social Technology Unit (STU) of DSWD Caraga received the Gawad ng Kakaibang Kakayahang Maparaan for its exceptional resourcefulness and creativity in addressing challenges and delivering meaningful results. LGU Basilisa in the Province of Dinagat Islands was honored as a Champion for its implementation of the Yakap Bayan Program, a comprehensive support initiative for individuals and families in need. Meanwhile, LGU Claver of Surigao del Norte was named Champion for the Walang Gutom Program, recognizing its community-driven interventions to reduce hunger and strengthen local food security.

FO Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, and STU Head Cristal Urot, together with Claver Vice Mayor Leah Patan and Shalymar Bangcore, Social Welfare Officer from Basilisa, personally received the awards on behalf of their respective offices.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary for Innovations and Program Development Edu Punay, and other key officials of the Department were present to personally confer the awards and acknowledge the accomplishments of participating regions and LGUs.

These milestones highlight the current progress of DSWD Caraga and its partner LGUs in implementing the agency’s roll-out of programs and services, bringing them closer to the communities. Moving forward, this will serve as a reference point for continuing to refine program implementation and aligning upcoming initiatives.