BALER, Aurora — The country's biggest social welfare development organization has conferred the coveted Hall of Fame award on Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo for being an outstanding governor and for advocating pro-poor programs and providing social services to the marginalized sectors in this province.

Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines Inc. (ALSWDOPI) National President Ma. Teresa M. Mariano, who was assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral, handed the award to Castillo during its 13th National Social Welfare and Development Forum held at the Fiesta Pavillion of the historic landmark Manila Hotel on Aug. 26.

Former senator and now Manila Hotel President Joey D. Lina Jr., in his welcome note, lauded the remarkable contribution of the local officials to the delivery of basic services in their localities.

The ALSWDOPI named Castillo as the most outstanding governor for the third consecutive time based on the four criteria. These include advancing innovative program strategies, initiating management plans, delivering various services to beneficiaries, and providing adequate resources for program implementation.

Castillo was also cited for focusing on the needs of the poor and the needy, particularly the so-called vulnerable sectors such as persons with disability, indigenous peoples, unemployed women, out-of-school youth and senior citizens.

Noting this year's theme, “Relevant and Responsive Social Welfare and Development Practice in the Third Millennium through Networking, Partnership and Social Advocacy, Castillo said that the award conferred on her would serve as inspiring challenge to introduce more programs and create employment opportunities for folk in the far-flung villages by providing them skills training.