THE team of journalists running the affairs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led by Secretary Erwin Tulfo brings such pride to us, their colleagues, specially if you know them personally as I do.
They showed their true mettle in the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng,” when they led the quick and efficient response to disaster-stricken areas in various parts of the country.
Sec. Erwin, along with his handpicked Undersecretary Jerico Javier and Assistant Secretary Rommel Lopez, proved that they are deadly serious and dedicated doing public service.
This is the advantage of taking in journalists to do public service. Given their first-hand experience on the ground in times of calamities, they know the problems inside out and would be able to draw the solutions right away.
Even before “Paeng” hit the country, Sec. Erwin’s team, led by Javier and Lopez was already working double time as they prepare the assistance to be given to those who will be displaced.
Sec. Erwin canceled all leaves and days off of all DSWD employees, from the highest down to the rank and file saying that all hands on deck are a must during times of calamities.
The Secretary did not mince words that he wants the whole force to be there with him, extending immediate help to those who need it. Sec. Erwin said he expects nothing less from the employees since he canceled his leave for that weekend.
“From now on under my watch, ‘pag may incoming typhoon, calamity you make sure that all hands on deck. Ang ibig kong sabihin kung may leave ka i-cancel mo muna dahil ako secretary may leave ako kinansel ko. This is not a joke,” were his exact words.
The good Secretary appeared irked upon learning that one of the officials of DSWD was not even present when he called for a meeting to discuss the plans to address “Paeng.”
“Pati dayoff ika-cancel to make sure everybody was ready. Kailangan ng pagde-deliver ng mga relief so ‘yung mga naka-leave, ni-relieve ko muna mga leaves nila,” he said, adding that he does not want a situation where something happens under the area of responsibility of a DSWD official and the said official is not in his post.
It is clear Sec. Erwin does not have room for patience when it comes to irresponsibility and warned that in such cases, he does not have any option but to relieve the concerned official.
Sec. Erwin says he does not ever want to see a scenario where people roam the streets without any food for days.
“I don’t want that to happen in this administration, not under my watch,” was Sec. Erwin’s very firm declaration.
Knowing his character, I am a hundred percent certain that he means business. Please don’t test him…
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