The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) inaugurated its newest satellite office at the Sagay City gymnasium Sept. 4, marking a major milestone in bringing government social services closer to grassroots communities in northern Negros.
Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III led the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony, adding the facility is the third DSWD satellite office (SO) established in the Negros Island Region (NIR).
The first two are in Bayawan City in Negros Oriental and in Isabela, Negros Occidental, the DSWD-NIR said, adding the establishment of SOs forms part of the department’s continuing efforts to make social welfare and development services more accessible to poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individuals and families across the NIR.
Marañon commended the national agency for its steadfast commitment to countryside development. He also extended his appreciation to the city government of Sagay for promptly approving the use of the facility and hosting the DSWD-NIR personnel, the city said in a press release Sept. 5.
DSWD-NIR director Arwin Razo emphasized that the new office will bridge the gap between the agency and constituents across Sagay and neighboring municipalities.
“Through this office, we hope to make our services more accessible to families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, women, and other individuals and communities who may need the support of government,” Razo stressed.
He cited the strong partnership between the local government unit and the congressional office, noting that the collaboration—which provided the physical space, equipment, and amenities—serves as a working model of collaboration for public service.
“This demonstrates what can happen when the national and local governments work not as separate institutions, but as partners with one mission—serving the people,” he added.
Sagay Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva noted that the establishment of the satellite office is a direct result of the NIR’s formal establishment, ensuring that administrative benefits actively reach rural populations.
“May we continue to work together with one purpose – to ensure that assistance reaches the right people at the right time, and that no individual or family in need is left behind,” City Social Welfare and Development Office head Henrik Ollano said.
The inauguration drew broad support, with representatives from neighboring local government units — including Manolet Escalante representing Manapla Mayor Mika Escalante, Wilfredo Cervantez representing Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., and Councilor Roldan Gamao for Sagay Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. — in attendance to express solidarity with the initiative.
Also present were councilors Exequiel Marañon, Lura Javelosa, Perfecto Marañon, Ching Javellana, and Roldan Gamao, other city officials and employees, and DSWD personnel, among others. ||
