LUNA, Apayao – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office held a screening and orientation to 18 Apayao Barangay Social Welfare Workers (ABSW) workers at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall, Calanasan, Apayao on November 5, 2024 to prepare the said workers in the performance of their duties.
ABSW is an employment opportunity for young yApayao professionals to assist in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the different programs and services of the municipal, provincial and regional offices. This program was conceptualized during the pandemic and the provincial government expanded and adopted this employment opportunities.
Executive Assistant Donato Balag, representing Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., delivered the governor’s encouragement, reminding the workers to do well and serve the people with the best service.
Donato also mentioned in his message that the programs of the government are now closer to the people, “tapnu awan ti maud-udi, awan ti mabatbati nga taga Apayao kadagituy nga programs.” He likewise relayed that each barangay in the province should have one ABSW worker, saying “masapul nga maamwan tayu amin dagidiay tattao nga saan pay pulos nakaraman kadagituy nga programs.”
These workers will augment the workforce of the provincial government at the barangay level, assisting in gathering data that will be used by the SWAD, DOLE and the provincial government to improve programs and policies.
According to social worker Vivian Pattag, the primary functions of the ABSW workers include identifying project ASENG beneficiaries, identifying individuals or families without the basic necessities or livelihood, those needing immediate help, profiling household without professional family members, and many others. By Loremia Pareja
