Gen. Santos Mayor Rivera named Gawad Parangal 2021 Outstanding City Mayor

The Association of Local Social Welfare Development Officers of the Philippines (ALSWDOPI) awarded General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera the coveted Gawad Parangal (Highly Urbanized City Category) for his excellent contribution in developing and preserving social services in the city.

In April 2019, he got the same accolade at the ALSWDOP convergence in Waterfront Cebu City.

Rivera’s ongoing support for social welfare projects in the city earned him the public service award, Most Outstanding City Mayor (Social Services Champion), from the ALSWDOP.

Rivera has consistently prioritized all social protection projects and thrusts of the General Santos City Social Welfare and Development Office, according to retired social welfare officer Rebecca Magante.

“To support and serve the people of Gensan, Mayor Ronnel goes above and beyond his mandate, even risking his personal resources. Mayor Rivera is the best “, Magante said.

Magante also noted Mayor Rivera’s concern for carers (social workers) by completely adopting the Magna Carta for Social Workers, which outlines their rights and privileges.

His flagship initiative C.L.E.A.N Gensan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals Towards Nation Building) provides monthly allowances and tuition fee discounts to underprivileged but deserving students.

His Auxiliaries and Medical Program for Individuals and Needy Generals (AMPING) assures rapid delivery of health and other social assistance to the least fortunate.

During his reign, the number and accessibility of Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) daycare centers increased, as did the institutionalization of Purok Laban Krimen-Pamilyang Ayaw sa Droga (PADER), Likay Droga, and his initiatives on Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL).

He hastened the development of the Office of Persons with Disabilities (OPWD), taking into account inclusivity, equity, and equal protection.

The awarding ceremony took place virtually as part of the 24th National Social Welfare and Development Forum and General Assembly.

Another general took home the Outstanding Social Welfare Officer for Highly Urbanized City Award, Ms. Jocelyn M. Arzaga, RSW. To them, our congratulations!