(by KAREN BERMEJO of DSWD Field Office VI)
IN HER IS A TRUE PASSION FOR SERVICE. A name-dictionary indicates that her name “Evelyn” means “to live”, “to breathe” (from Eve) and “strength.” Her surname, on the otherhand, suggests her inclination to help the poor, the neglected, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged. She is Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI.
Macapobre joined the agency fresh out of college. She chose the agency that would allow her to serve the poor and the disadvantaged. Since then, she has faithfully served DSWD and rose to the ranks to become the leader that she is today. Her journey required her to face numerous challenges and sacrifices. But she was steadfast in her commitment.
Serving the agency for 41 years now, Macapobre is making yet another sacrifice. The regional director was supposed to retire last year, but heeding the call of duty, she stayed.
Though a native of Cebu, Macapobre has embraced the Ilonggos as her own. Afterall, she was with the DSWD Field Office VI already in one of its toughest moments when typhoon Yolanda struck in 2013. She led the relief efforts and never left the Ilonggos until their recovery and rehabilitation.
Now that the Ilonggos are facing another battle, Macapobre also chose to stay.
This time, the battle is a little harder for she now belongs to the vulnerable sector. As a senior citizen now and being immuno-compromised as well, she has been relentless even as the pandemic started.
While most of the DSWD personnel go home to their families after office, the Regional Director remains at the office – alone. She stays in a temporary quarter at the DSWD compound which, has become an extension of her office. One time, she even slipped in her bathroom which all the more compromised her mobility. But, she remains undaunted.
Since the prolonged community quarantine imposed border restrictions, she was never able to go home to her family in Cebu. The six months she has stayed here in Iloilo have been long and arduous. She was not only working relentlessly but is continually exposed to the risks posed by the pandemic. So while technology allows her to spend time with her family albeit virtually, Director Macapobre perseveres knowing that her DSWD family here draws strength and inspiration from her.
As a woman of strength and dedication, Director Macapobre knows her priorities. She is here for the DSWD clients who are more vulnerable during this pandemic. Most days, she works even until the wee hours of the morning just to ensure that the agency is able to efficiently deliver its services. There is no holiday nor weekends for her as she works even on her rest days.
In spite of her busy schedule, the regional director also takes time to connect with the Ilonggos through its weekly Facebook Live program dubbed as DSWD Serbisyo. Director Macapobre takes the lead in hosting the live presser to inform the public of the status of the DSWD programs, particularly of its implementation of the social amelioration program, and its other activities. Moreover, through this regular live presser, Director Macapobre is able to directly respond to queries from the public.
As the threat of the pandemic continues, Director Macapobre’s commitment is to continue serving the people of Western Visayas during these challenging times.
She is a mirror of a true public servant—selfless, relentless, and responsive to the people she has pledged to serve. Truly, an epitome of a lingkod bayani.
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