DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte commended on August 15, Tuesday, social workers for their diligent efforts and a strong commitment to promoting social justice and highlighted their role as essential agents of transformative societal progress in the country.
Duterte commended the 2,000 social welfare officers from different parts of the country who gathered at the SMX Convention Center here during their 26th National Convention and General Assembly of the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines.
The Vice President said she salutes all social workers just as she salutes other sectors who sacrifice and dedicate their lives to serve fellow Filipinos and assist communities in overcoming any crisis.
She added that she admires the social workers' hard work, resilience, and positive attributes.
"It’s only fitting to observe and learn from your lives and professions, and to emulate the profound love you have for your fellow countrymen and your nation. I want to convey to you that I hold a deep respect for you and your endeavors," Duterte said.
Highlighting the crucial role of social workers, Duterte underscored their essential involvement in tending to the community during disasters, extending aid throughout search and rescue missions, and facilitating recovery for people who have suffered from assault and physical and sexual abuse.
Drawing from her tenure as the mayor here, she said the existence of the “Kean Gabriel Hotline,” the platform through which community members can confidentially report instances of child abuse and other misbehaviors.
She said the Kean Gabriel Hotline operates round the clock, with social workers managing it. She added that social workers collect and handle information about potential child abuse cases and, in collaboration with police child protection officers, carry out rescue operations.
"I must say that without the help and dedication of the social workers and their hearts for abused victims, we could have failed Kean Gabriel once again," said Duterte who recalled how the hotline started. Since the hotline began in 2016, Davao City has no recorded child death due to abuse.
She also underlined the key functions undertaken by social workers in executing various social service initiatives under the Office of the Vice President, including programs like medical and burial support, Mag Negosyo Ta' Day, and the PagbaBAGo: A Million Learners and Trees Campaign.