The Chair for the Valencian Public System of Social Services has honoured the municipal social services that responded to DANA on 29 October 2024, recognising them as essential services in social emergencies.

The recognition ceremony was held during the second they of the International Congress "Social Services, Essential Services in the Context of Social Emergencies", in the Castell d'Alaquàs, and counted with the presence of regional and university authorities.

The recognition was granted by:
Excma. Ms. Dr. María Vicenta Mestre Escrivá, Principal of the Universitat de València.
Excmo. Mr. D. Juan Carlos Valderrama Zurián, Minister of Emergencies and Interior of the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Government).

During the event, the work of municipal social services was enhanced, for its ability to react, its commitment and support to citizenship in a context of extreme difficulty.

Dr. Mercedes Botija, head of the Chair for the Valencian Public System of Social Services, pointed out that "social services proved to be a security net essential to the population, acting with proximity, empathy and professionalism".

The session ended with the delivery of recognitions to the people in charge of local teams, in the presence of mayors and representatives of social organisations.

This tribute is part of the commitment of the Chair for the Valencian Public System of Social Services to the visibility and strengthening of the Valencian Public System of Social Services, especially in their response function against emergencies and community support.