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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senators: 'Mayor Rex' Gatchalian fit to assume DSWD top post

Senators: 'Mayor Rex' Gatchalian fit to assume DSWD top post

Published Jan 31, 2023 07:37 pm

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is in good hands.

That was how Senator Grace Poe said described the appointment of Rexlon "Rex" Gatchalian, 44, as the 28th DSWD secretary.

Gatchalian is the first district congressman of Valenzuela city; he was also a former mayor of the city.

"We are fortunate to have worked with Secretary Rex and we saw firsthand how sincere, competent and committed he is as a public servant,’’ Poe said.

"He has a genuine heart for the poor and an untiring passion to make a difference in uplifting their lives,’’ she emphasized.

‘’The DSWD is in good hands with him at the helm,’’ she added.

Sen. Sonny Angara also vouched for Rep. Gatchalian as DSWD chief saying "he is a hard worker and very capable public servant."

"I believe he will do well as secretary of DSWD," he said.

Sen. Nancy Binay also said "Mayor Rex" is a good choice and his familiarity with the disadvantaged sectors at the grassroots level is a "plus factor."

"Being a hands-on local chief executive, he knows how to operationalize the range of social welfare services and mechanisms, at napakalaking bagay sa DSWD ang kanyang experience at exposure sa iba't - ibang ground scenarios," Binay said.

Besides, she said the mayor is a "veteran and war-tested" when it comes to community welfare services and programs especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"He is well-versed in social work, and no need for him to start at the bottom of the learning curve," she said.

Sen. Loren Legarda also viewed the same sentiment of her colleagues.

"Cong. Rex will be a very effective DSWD secretary. He knows the needs of LGUs; he communicates well with people from all walks of life, he is a hardworking public servant of many years," she noted.

"He will hopefully bring disaster risk reduction to DSWD as he knows that as congressman, and former mayor of Valenzuela, a vulnerable city," she further said.

"I congratulate Rex on this challenging post. I know he will do a great job. He was my spokesperson in a previous campaign long ago. We work very well together," Legarda recalled. (With reports by Hannah L. Torregoza)

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Rex Gatchalian Senate DSWD
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