MANILA - Valenzuela City Rep. Rex Gatchalian's vast experience as a local chief executive will make a good difference in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), senators said Wednesday.

Gatchalian took his oath of office before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

Senators Nancy Binay and Loren Legarda said in separate statements that Gatchalian, as a former mayor, has proven how effective he is in providing social services.

"Being a hands-on local chief executive, he knows how to operationalize the range of social welfare services and mechanisms, at napakalaking bagay sa DSWD ang kanyang experience at exposure sa iba't ibang ground scenarios (and his experience and exposure in different ground scenarios is a big thing for DSWD)," Binay said, noting Gatchalian's performance as a mayor during the pandemic.

"Kabisado na n'ya ang (He knows) social work, and no need for him to start at the bottom of the learning curve," she added.

Believing in Gatchalian's knowledge about the needs of local government units (LGUs), Legarda said the DSWD's new chief communicates well with people.

"He will hopefully bring disaster risk reduction to DSWD as he knows that as congressman, and former mayor of Valenzuela, a vulnerable city. I congratulate Rex on this challenging post. I know he will do a great job," she said.

Senator Grace Poe, who has also worked with Gatchalian, said she sees him as a "sincere, competent, and committed" public servant.

"He has a genuine heart for the poor and an untiring passion to make a difference in uplifting their lives. The DSWD is in good hands with him at the helm," Poe said.

For senators JV Ejercito and Sonny Angara, Gatchalian is the best choice as DSWD secretary.

"He is a worker and a proven performer. I am sure he will do a good job as DSWD Secretary," Ejercito said.

"He is a hard worker and very capable public servant. I believe he will do well as secretary of DSWD," Angara added.

Before being chosen as DSWD secretary, Gatchalian was elected as Valenzuela City's 1st District representative and served as Valenzuela City mayor for nine years.

He replaces Erwin Tulfo whose appointment was bypassed twice by the Commission on Appointments. (PNA)