The Seven RDs of DSWD Field Office VI

 (by Argie C. Aungon of DSWD Field Office VI)

The DSWD FO VI does not only have one RD, it has seven!

They are the seven RDs - Regional Drivers - who tirelessly work to provide each DSWD FO VI employee a worthwhile riding experience, and the general public, access to various social welfare services.

Everything was well until the pandemic hit. The world stood still. But not for DSWD and its workforce.

This pandemic became another time when the Agency became most needed. The already busy drivers were up to the mission. Since public transport was paralyzed and DSWD employees needed to report to work, all the seven RDs were deployed to provide logistic support. Each of them was given a pick up and drop off point to ferry FO VI employees.

Their rigorous tasks include transporting staff to different pay-out centers to bring the Social Amelioration Program Emergency Subsidy to qualified beneficiaries. But aside from attending to the FO VI employees, the RDs also deliver Family Food Packs (FFPs) to affected LGUs anywhere in Western Visayas, on a 24/7 schedule. Moreover, these valiant RDs bring hot meals for arriving Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) at various points of entry amid their fear of being infected by the COVID-19 virus.

The RDs report to work early and return home late, ensuring everyone is brought home safely and the deliverables are properly transported. Their tasks maybe tiring and very risky, but a “Thank you, Manong!” or a sincere pat on the back, become simple gestures of appreciation, that immediately relieve their exhausted mind and body!

The RDs are among DSWD’s front liners: braving the odds, rendering service despite the risks. They continue to serve beyond their duty, always ready to provide, “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo” and “Serbisyong May Malasakit” to every “kawani” and “taumbayan.”

Snappy Salute to these Lingkod Bayanis –Mr. ALBERTO ZAFRA, Mr. ARNOLD MAGBANUA, Mr. PEPITO SUPENA, Mr. CLINT SUERO, Mr. JEROMY KING OSANO, Mr. CYRUS BIGBIG, and Mr. ZALDE N. LABATA, the seven courageous and indefatigable RDs of DSWD!

Pre-pandemic time: Operating a fork-lift to transport and store food packs for distribution

Traveling from Dumangas Port to Bacolod, at the height of the pandemic:

Whether transporting goods, passengers, or DSWD personnel, 

the Regional Drivers embody the "maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo."

DSWD  personnel traveling anywhere in the Region to distribute goods and services 

One driver's ingenuity: Clint Suero's make-shift barriers to ensure passenger's safety



Makeshift barriers make this passenger smile for the effort made to protect them

Serbisyong may Malasakit sa kapwa Kawani at Taumbayan:  

DSWD personnel faithfully reporting to work despite the community quarantine

An appreciation post from one DSWD personnel for their RDs : their Regional Drivers