Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo (top photo) addresses clients of the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) to enjoy the Valentine’s Day performance dedicated by the DSWD Opism8 Band (bottom photo) to them.

In continuation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) 66th anniversary celebration, employees showcased their talents on Valentine’s Day by serenading clients of the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) as they wait in line to receive financial assistance from the Department.

The mini-show was dubbed as, “Harana sa Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU).”

Live music was heard around the DSWD-Central Office (CO) ​vicinity  as DSWD’s Opism8 Band and members of the DSWD Chorale performed their songs from different genres like “Fame,” “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” and OPM songs like “Torete” and “Salamat” to the audience.

The clients were also given free snacks and water as they ​witnessed the show.

Also present in the event was DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo who greeted the audience a Happy Valentine’s Day.

“Sa araw na ito dahil araw ng mga puso, ipinapaabot ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa ilalim ni Presidente Duterte ang patuloy na pangako na mabigyan kayo ng serbisyo na maagap at mapagkalinga, walang katiwalian, walang kurapsyon (Because it’s Valentine’s Day, the Department of Social Welfare and Development under President Duterte affirms its promise to provide prompt and compassionate service, without corruption),” said the Secretary.

For her part, DSWD Protective Services Bureau (PSB) Director Ma. Alicia Bonoan also gave a closing message to the clients and said that the Department will do its best to improve the Assistance to Individuals/Families in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the DSWD.

The AICS is one of the major programs of the DSWD-CIU that provides immediate education, burial, transportation and medical assistance to clients in crisis situations.

In 2016, the DSWD disbursed a total of P2,185,137,588.46 amount of assistance to 706,061 clients in need of financial aid nationwide.

Aside from the CO, a similar show was conducted in the DSWD-Field Office (FO) National Capital Region (NCR) as a treat for their clients on Valentine’s Day. ###