THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) chalked up the highest public satisfaction rating among government agencies in OCTA Research's 2023 fourth quarter survey.

In the poll, conducted from December 10 to 14, the DSWD had an 86 percent rating in public satisfaction.

Department of Social Welfare and Development

It also ranked third in public trust with 82 percent.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez on Thursday attributed the high rating to the department's "angels in red vests."

"We in the DSWD believe that the agency's new innovations, such as the Food Stamp Program, the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program and Project Pag-Abot contributed to the department's being No. 1 in satisfaction rating among government agencies," Lopez said.

The Angels in Red Vests, as the department's field workers are called, "continue to bring our services closer to the public," he said.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DoH), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also rated well in the OCTA survey.

With its 82-percent trust rating, the DSWD moved up from fifth place in the third quarter of 2023.

The DepEd, CHEd, DoH and DPWH are among the most trusted agencies.

"This recognition affirms the agency's transparency, accountability and dedication to upholding the highest standards of public service," Lopez said.