Noy praises DSWD despite criticisms on 'Yolanda' relief work

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday lauded the employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and chided those who have criticized the agency's relief work for typhoon victims.

During the 63rd anniversary of the DSWD, Aquino said the efforts of the agency's officials and employees at the height of Super Typhoon "Yolanda" have been overlooked.

"Madalas, mas marami ang batikos kaysa pasasalamat, mas mahaba ang listahan ng reklamo kaysa papuri. Sa kabila nito, natutuwa ako, nabibilib ako, na wala akong nababalitaang isa man sa inyo na nagwagayway ng puting bandila para sabihing sumusuko na kami," Aquino told the DSWD employees in his speech.

The President praised the dedication of the DSWD employees and their chief, Sec. Dinky Soliman, during times of disasters.

Aquino also hit back at the critics of the government's relief efforts.

"May ilan tayong kababayan—at talagang mangilan-ngilan lang naman—na kung magsalita ay akala mo wala na tayong kayang gawing tama. Nabalitaan ko nga na noong relief operations para sa bagyong Yolanda, marami sa inyo ang tumatangging umidlip man lang sandali dahil natatakot na makunan ng larawan at masabihang hindi ginagawa ang trabaho," Aquino said.

After Yolanda devastated several areas in Eastern Visayas, the government became under fire for the supposedly sluggish relief operations.

Among the issues that the DSWD faced were the allegations that some of its employees were relabelling relief goods donated by other nations and foreign organizations.

Soliman had denied the allegations.

Read: Volunteer hits back at DSWD as Dinky denies repacking foreign relief goods

The DSWD is celebrating its 63rd anniversary with the theme "Kaagapay sa Pagbangon at Bagong Simula,”  to offer hope for all victims of calamities.

“This is our message of assurance that the victims are not alone. We at the DSWD including our partners are ready to guide and assist them as they rebuild their communities and start life anew,” Soliman said.