When you arrive early at work (around 6 or 7 AM), you would definitely encounter Kuya Ireneo, trying to finish off his routine in his designated area. He would definitely greet you with a warm smile and a sweet “Good morning Sir/Ma’am.”
Kuya Ireneo Malaki is one of the Administrative Aide staff at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga – he has been serving the Field Office since November 15, 2015.
“Mag 9 years na ko karon November – ako ra gyud gihuna-huna nga mabuhat nako ako trabaho. Akong inspirasyon akong pamilya sa pagtrabaho, kay ug mawad-an ko ug trabaho, unsa nalang akong ika-suporta sa akong pamilya. Mao nga Wala ko nagdahum nga mapili ko sa Regional Director’s Choice. Isip usa ka Utility Worker, wala na sa akong huna-huna nga maapil ko sa mga hatagan ana nga award. Basta ako, akong focus naa ra gyud na sa akong trabaho – nga mabuhat nako ug sakto (I will be with DSWD for 9 years this coming November – all I ever think of at work is that I do my job right. My inspiration at work is my family – if I lose my job, what will happen to my family. That is why I never expected to be one of the Regional Director’s Choice (during the anniversary celebration). As a utility worker, I never think of being included in such conversation of being an awardee. All I ever think of is my function – that I be able to do my work well,” Kuya Ireneo shares.
The Regional Director’s Choice is among the top awards vested to a DSWD worker during the Regional conduct of the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) held during the agency’s anniversary. DSWD Field Office Caraga Director Mari-Flor Dollaga shocked guests and participants during 73rd Anniversary Celebration with an unprecedented decision of acknowledging the contributions of Kuya Ireneo, a utility staff. Dir. Dollaga said that Kuya Ireneo deserved such award regardless of his position – what mattered was his contributions to the Field Office.
Kuya Ireneo is a perfect example of An Angel in Red Vest – someone who always considers the welfare of others. We all hope that the story of Kuya Ireneo inspires the rest of the DSWD workforce. Kuya Ireneo works without expecting praises and acknowledgement, he works because he sees it as his responsibility. Thankfully, the Agency acknowledges those who excel in their work.
