The government of Hungary will help the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in its disaster response operations.

During her meeting with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian at the DSWD central office in Quezon City on Thursday, Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Titanilla Tóth, said her government will also assist the DSWD in the development of certificate programs specializing in social work and community development.

In a news release, Gatchalian said the ambassador’s visit coincided with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the Hungary and the Philippines.

Gatchalian provided an update to the visiting ambassador on the ongoing activities of the DSWD, particularly on the relief operations in the oil spill affected areas in Oriental Mindoro and neighboring provinces.

He also mentioned the augmentation assistance needed to support the oil spill victims with their basic needs like potable water and food packages.

Gatchalian also discussed the ongoing preparations to revive its Social Welfare and Development Center for Asia and the Pacific (SWADCAP) as a learning center to promote and upgrade the social work practice and profession in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian met with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Socorro Inting and Director Frances CM Aguindadao-Arabe for a possible partnership on voter’s education.

He expressed his support to the Comelec’s initiatives, saying DSWD is willing to assist them in advocating for the rights of Filipinos to vote and participate in the electoral process.

Gatchalian continues to meet with international and local development partners to better uphold the rights and provide appropriate services to the marginalized and vulnerable sectors, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for an inclusive society. (PNA)