(PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) has emerged as the top performing and most trusted national government agency in the first quarter survey by OCTA research.
According to a recent Tugon ng Masa survey from March 11 to 14, the DepEd ranked first among government institutions in terms of trust and performance with ratings of 82 and 84 percent, respectively.
Following DepEd in terms of trust were the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) both at 79 percent, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at 73 percent, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at 71 percent.
The five government agencies were also the same top-performing agencies for the first quarter survey.
Following DepEd in terms of satisfaction were the DOH with an 80 percent performance rating, DSWD with 77 percent, CHED with 73 percent, and DPWH with 72 percent. '
Across major areas, DepEd's trust scores were highest in Mindanao at 94 percent and lowest in Metro Manila at 74 percent.
DepEd's performance ratings, meanwhile, were highest in Mindanao at 95 percent and lowest in Balance Luzon and Metro Manila at 78 percent.
OCTA noted that the government agencies that received trust ratings below 50 percent were the Department of Energy (DOE) at 49 percent, Department of Transportation (DOTr) at 45 percent, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at 42 percent, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at 41 percent, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at 40 percent, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at 39 percent, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) at 36 percent.
Four government agencies received less than 40 percent performance ratings: the DTI and DICT tied at 38 percent, DBM at 37 percent, and DHSUD at 33 percent.
The survey was conducted among 1,200 respondents aged 18 years and above with ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.
CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III vowed to continue the improvement of programs and services for higher education institutions in the country.
"CHED is grateful to the Filipino public for continuously trusting the Commission as we perform our mandate of providing quality higher education and cultivating an equitable and sustainable higher education landscape," he said in a statement.
He said the continuous trust of the public serves as a motivation for CHED as it approaches its 30th year.
"Our direction under Bagong Pilipinas has always been to innovate and enhance the quality of our higher education system," de Vera said.
The CHED maintained its slot in the top 5 most trusted and top-performing agencies in four consecutive quarters last year.
Meanwhile, DSWD co-spokesperson Irene Dumlao welcomed the 77 percent performance rating of the department.
“This recognition underscores the tireless efforts of the DSWD in fulfilling its mandate to provide social protection and promote the welfare and dignity of the Filipino people, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors of society,” she said in a statement.
Dumlao said the agency’s high ratings exemplify its commitment to delivering efficient and compassionate services to its clients.
She said the survey results are also a validation of the significant efforts of each “Angel in Red Vest” in providing services with “extra love” and “extra care” as envisioned by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
“The survey results serve as a valuable indicator of public perception and confidence in the DSWD's ability to address the needs and concerns of the Filipino people along social protection,” she said.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, meanwhile, described the survey results as “encouraging” that measures the public sentiment of the department.
“It is a reflection of the steadfast efforts, commitment, determination, and dedication of every DPWH official and personnel,” Bonoan said in a statement.
“To the DPWH family, I extend my sincerest gratitude for your hard work. To the public, we promise to maintain this level of excellence and trust, as we carry with us the vision of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
The DPWH takes pride in the continuity of public confidence, receiving a high trust rating in the past two years. It underscores the public's growing trust and satisfaction in the DPWH’s capacity to enhance the country's infrastructure and improve the people’s quality of life.
Despite facing operational and budgetary challenges at the beginning of the year, the Department has surpassed expectations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its mandate, Bonoan said. (with a report from Zaldy De Layola/PNA)
