THIS year's Session Road in Bloom was a totally different experience for me. For the first time, I became a part of it.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development- Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region was able to put up its own booth amidst the food stalls in the area, specifically those that are selling shawarma. Dedicated to advocate the Adoption Consciousness Week celebration, other programs and services of the Department, and the products of the Department's clients and program participants, the DSWD information booth was set up as part of the Session Road in Bloom. Upon set up, there was the feeling of anxiety as to how the people would accept this effort of the Department.
On the first day, we had to compete with those who were selling floor mops, glass cutters, massage oils, clothes, and others knowing that what we are offering might be less appealing to the consumers. People we offered brochures on adoption declined us. However, because of the enthusiasm of the Department's personnel who manned the booth, slowly DSWD's booth became noticeable. The anxiety I felt turned into enthusiasm and pride.
At the end of the week, the activity turned out to be productive and successful. And this would not be possible without the help of the people who have shared their time to be part of the Department's advocacy.
Thus, I would like to express our gratitude to the individuals who have heartily visited the adoption consciousness booth and expressed their interest in the adoption process and other DSWD programs and services, those who have enjoyed the banana bread of our Sustainable Livelihood Program participants, and those who have munched on the finger foods cooked by our center clients.
And of course I would also like to recognize the efforts of those who have been part of the DSWD information booth, specifically the Social Marketing Unit Interns from Pangasinan State University including Arnold Frias, Jessica Payomo, Mara Doroy, Cherry delos Reyes, Sammy Aquino and Jan Macrine Garcia. To the aforementioned interns, thank you for sharing your time and effort not only for manning the DSWD booth, but for being a part of the DSWD even in a short span of time and may you continue serving the people even outside the Department.