Erick N. Malquisto is a former Area Coordinator of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Listahanan.

“My previous work experiences with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) motivated me to apply for Listahanan. Coming from jobs that involved community work and dealing with people from different walks of life, the drive for professional and personal growth inspired me to enhance my community organizing and management skills. Furthermore, my untiring desire to serve the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged client has paved a way to materialize my life purpose which is to ensure that the basic social services reach the outskirts of Eastern Visayas,” Erick said.

Erick was assigned as an Area Coordinator in the island of Limasawa and municipalities of Padre Burgos, Malitbog and Libagon, Southern Leyte.

“I will never forget that experience when our team had to go through several mountains just to reach a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged barangay in Southern Leyte. With a 3-hour walk under the scorching sun, the team managed to reach the area safely. The goal of the team was to ensure the saturation of all households in the conduct of the household assessment. The team was able to successfully accomplish the goal. We also got the chance to know the community even more over a hearty meal. We have learned a lot from the locals and their way of living,” Erick said.

Erick sees Listahanan as a relevant project of DSWD.

“Listahanan is highly important in determining the socio-economic status of a household and its community. The Household Assessment Form (HAF) that is used in household assessment is a fundamental and essential tool in identifying who and where the poor are. Listahanan serves as the basis of various social protection stakeholders in identifying potential beneficiaries for their provisions of basic social services to individuals, households or communities,” Erick said.