The Commission on Appointments on Tuesday confirmed the ad interim appointment of former Valenzuela Representative Rex Gatchalian as secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Gatchalian earlier vowed before the CA members to put equal thrusts and premium into the development programs of the DSWD.
“Yes social welfare is very important, but equally as important will be the development programs of the department because these development programs are the ones that will break the chain of the cycle of poverty,” he said.
Gatchalian said he will be working on strengthening the DSWD flagship programs including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino. Program or 4Ps, sustainable livelihood program, community-driven of Kalahi CIDS, human capital investments, and digitalization of the social welfare program so that people can have easy access to basic social services.
He also promised to boost social protection programs nationwide, as well as expand efforts to attract more social workers by establishing a DSWD academy.
“We want to make that every single social welfare that we do launch should be targeted measurable, conditional and as clear exit mechanism so that we don’t saddle the country with one dole out program over another,” he said.
Gatchalian also targets to lean into the existing capacities of the private sector in partnership with the government to make sure the country will become disaster prepared.
He added the DSWD will push forward its residence and care facilities as well as capacitate further the social workers nationwide.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda vouched for Gatchalian’s ability to lead the DSWD as being a disciplinarian and forceful.
“He knows the grassroots being a local chief executive. He is able to communicate this very clearly and he really seems to have a very logical mind if I am not mistaken. He’s focused on his job, at the same time he has compassion on the people being a mayor,” Legarda said.
CA vice-chair Rep. Ramon Guico Jr. of Pangasinan welcomed Gatchalian’s confirmation describing him as a true public servant in the government. While Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria of 2nd District Negros Oriental said he has known Gatchalian to be hard working, intelligent dedicated public servant.
“His first-hand experience into the needs of his constituents back then when he was a local chief executive and his background working in the legislative branch are the very qualities that make him a perfect fit for the post,” Sagarbarria said.
Other CA members also voted on the confirmation of Gatchalian including Cavite Rep. Lani Revilla; Surigao del Sur Rep. Johny Pimentel; and CA Assistant minority floor leader Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos.
Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, JV Ejercito, Grace Poe, and Risa Hontiveros also supported Gatchalian.
Gatchalian was installed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the CA did not confirm former Erwin Tulfo’s appointment over citizenship and libel issues.