By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Amid criticisms, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian clarified on Friday, December 27, 2024, that the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) is not a pork barrel fund, nor are barangay officials responsible for determining its beneficiaries.
“Let me reiterate that all the DSWD’s Field Offices across the country serve people in need, whether they are walk-in clients or referred by local government unit (LGU) officials. DSWD social workers process applications for AKAP and determine the amount of aid for qualified beneficiaries,” Gatchalian said.
The statement was made in response to claims by retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who, on December 26, alleged that AKAP resembles the controversial pork barrel system and that barangay officials submit the list of beneficiaries.
Gatchalian emphasized that barangay officials are not authorized under AKAP guidelines to create beneficiary lists.
“With due respect to the former Supreme Court Justice, AKAP is not pork barrel. Any good Samaritan can refer potential beneficiaries, and barangays have no involvement in the process based on our existing guidelines,” Gatchalian stressed.
He further explained that while legislators and local officials may refer potential recipients, DSWD social workers are solely responsible for vetting and ensuring beneficiaries meet AKAP’s eligibility requirements.
“The original intention of the AKAP program is to protect minimum wage earners and near-poor Filipinos from the effects of inflation that erode their purchasing power. It provides a range of assistance for goods and services affected by inflation, depending on individual needs,” Gatchalian said.
The General Appropriations Act of 2024, through Special Provision No. 3 of the DSWD Budget, allocated ₱26.7 billion to AKAP. The program aims to provide financial assistance to low-income minimum wage earners severely impacted by inflation.
As of December 26, almost 5 million “near-poor” Filipinos have benefited from the program during its first year of implementation.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In addition to food provisions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Kitchen offers nutrition education sessions to provide holistic support to food bank beneficiaries.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao shared that the nutrition literacy sessions were launched to promote dietary diversity and healthy lifestyle choices, especially for the children who are part of the newly launched kitchen’s clientele.
“We started the sessions on December 19 and have already accommodated 40 children,” Dumlao said.
Another nutrition education session was held by the Walang Gutom Program (WGP) personnel on December 20, 2024.
This initiative is based on the WGP, where beneficiaries are required to attend monthly nutrition education sessions to remain eligible for food assistance. The sessions, now being implemented at the Walang Gutom Kitchen, will soon be complemented by other interactive activities, such as distributing advocacy materials, holding responsible parenting sessions, and organizing recreational activities.
“We designed these activities to ensure that while our kitchen will be open to everyone in need, it won’t just become a dole-out program,” Dumlao pointed out.
“As we prioritize the social welfare of our kababayans, we also aim to empower them to make informed and responsible choices for their own benefit,” the DSWD spokesperson added.
Launched on December 16, the Walang Gutom Kitchen is the DSWD’s newest initiative, offering holistic solutions to homelessness and hunger. Its primary clientele includes children, individuals, and families in street situations, as well as other Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger.
In addition to addressing involuntary hunger, the kitchen helps prevent food waste by sourcing its meals from donations by private sector partners, such as restaurants, fast food outlets, and hotels.
Not “Pagpag”
Regarding the source of the food served at the kitchen, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the meals are clean and safe to eat.
“The food we serve is prepared in hotels, restaurants, and fast-food establishments and has not been touched at all. This is not the so-called ‘pagpag’ that some may think it is,” the DSWD chief clarified during the launch of the Walang Gutom Kitchen on December 16.
“Rather than throwing it away, we’re donating it to our food bank at the Walang Gutom Kitchen, so that every day from 6:00 a.m., as long as we have supplies, we can continue feeding those who are hungry,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.
The DSWD spokesperson added that the agency welcomes donations of sealed snacks, ingredients, freshly cooked meals, and non-food items essential to the kitchen’s operation, such as dishwashing liquids and other cleaning agents.
The kitchen is also open to volunteers willing to assist with its operations.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the City Government of Canlaon, announced on Thursday (December 19, 2024) that it has assisted internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption by setting up community kitchens in evacuation centers.
“This effort between the community, LGU, and the DSWD exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and resourcefulness. It not only ensures the efficient use of the goods provided by the Department but also prioritizes the safety of families by reducing the risk of fire hazards associated with individual cooking,” said DSWD Field Office (FO) 7-Central Visayas Assistant Regional Director Tonyson Luther Lee, who is also the FO’s Quick Response Team Vice Chairperson.
According to Noel Morte, one of the IDPs who received the DSWD family food packs (FFPs), he volunteered to cook for those sheltered at Camp 2 in Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School – Uptown Campus as a way to help the community.
“Nagkasinabot ra mi tanan. Kami ang nagluto para sa pagkaon nila, 700 kapin jud ang amoa gilutuan so naa ra mi pirmente sa kusina. Akoa ra ni kabubut-on sa pagtabang, naa man akoa pamilya og mga igsuon tanan, wala man nagluto dire so ako automatic kami nagluto dire sa area (We all agreed on it. We cook for over 700 people, so we’re always in the kitchen. It’s just my will to help because my family and siblings are all here, and no one else is cooking, so we automatically cook here in the area),” said Morte, a 40-year-old IDP from Brgy. Pula, Canlaon City, staying at Camp 2 in the school’s Uptown Campus.
Morte said the initiative sparked their spirit of bayanihan amid these trying times.
“Wala man jud ko kasulay na daghan ang lutuan. Karon lang ko nakasulay ani, nindot diay, naa diay ang kasadya dire sa evacuation center nga magkausa, magsinabtangay, og para makaluto para sa tanan (I’ve never cooked for so many people. It’s only now that I’ve experienced it, and it’s nice. There’s joy in the evacuation center, where everyone comes together, cooperates, and works together to cook for everyone),” Morte said.
Meanwhile, DSWD FO-7 Regional Director Shalaine Lucero said the Department has intensified its disaster response for the affected families of the Mt. Kanlaon eruption in Negros Oriental.
“The Department has taken proactive measures to ensure that the IDPs in the evacuation centers will have supplies for the next 20 days. Moreover, we are ready to provide more assistance if the operation is extended,” Director Lucero assured the IDPs.
In the Western Visayas Region, disaster response teams of DSWD FO-6, led by Regional Director Arwin Razo, distributed FFPs to displaced families in evacuation centers in Bago City and La Carlota City in Negros Occidental on December 18.
As of press time, the DSWD has extended Php35,646,007 worth of humanitarian assistance to families affected by the Kanlaon volcanic unrest.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended over P4.39 million worth of relief aid to local government units (LGUs) affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island.
“With ongoing disaster operations that began right after the eruption on Monday, our Field Offices 6 (Western Visayas) and 7 (Central Visayas) continue to send family food packs to Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, in addition to those already prepositioned, to support LGUs in responding to the needs of their constituents,” said Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) on Wednesday, December 11.
Of the total assistance, the bulk of Php4.3 million was directed to the Cities of Bago and La Carlota, and the Municipalities of La Castellana, Murcia, and Pontevedra in Negros Occidental.
“We continue to coordinate with the concerned LGUs to ensure that timely assistance is provided to the affected families, as committed by Secretary Gatchalian during his meeting with local officials of Negros Island last Tuesday, December 10,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao added.
According to the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) report as of 6 a.m. on December 11, a total of 10,993 families, or 37,699 individuals, from 23 barangays in Western (Region 6) and Central Visayas (Region 7) have been affected by the volcanic eruption.
Currently, 3,724 families, or 12,368 persons, are taking temporary shelter in 29 evacuation centers in the affected regions.
On Tuesday, the DSWD FO 6 distributed boxes of Family Food Packs (FFPs) to 246 families, totaling 723 individuals, in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental. In addition to the FFPs, the displaced families received hygiene kits and sleeping kits.
The DSWD FO 7 City Action Team (CAT) also assisted in distributing dinner packs to evacuees at the Macario Española Memorial School (MEMS) in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, social workers from DSWD FOs 6 and 7 continue to assist LGUs in managing evacuation centers, including the registration and profiling of evacuees through the Family Assistance Card in Emergencies and Disasters (FACED).
FACED aims to institutionalize a profiling strategy for collecting demographic and socioeconomic data of disaster-vulnerable and affected families, including details such as name, age, sex, education, income, as well as post-disaster data on shelter damage and humanitarian assistance received.
During his visit to Negros Island on December 10, Secretary Gatchalian reminded residents of the two affected provinces to remain vigilant and follow local authorities’ instructions for their safety.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — To ensure that all families and individuals severely affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) ‘Kristine’ receive assistance, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian joined President Ferdinand R. “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in distributing the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Their Families (PAFFF) in the Bicol Region on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
“Narito po akong muli upang personal na maghatid ng mga karagdagang tulong para sa mga kababayan natin na lubhang naapektuhan ng Bagyong Kristine dito sa Camarines Sur. Umaasa po ako na sa tulong at suportang iniaabot namin sa inyo ngayon, kayo ay magkakaroon ng sapat na kakayahan upang makabangon muli,” President Marcos said in his message during the aid distribution at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur.
In his message, Gatchalian assured Bicolanos that DSWD would continue to provide assistance to affected families, in addition to the 500,000 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) already distributed to local government units (LGUs) in the region, as instructed by President Marcos.
“Ngayong araw na ito, nandito po kami kasama ang iba pang departamento, para dalhin naman ang financial assistance,” he said.
The DSWD chief assisted President Marcos in the ceremonial distribution of Php10,000 each to select beneficiaries. Approximately 5,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and other families affected by ‘Kristine’ are expected to receive assistance during the aid distribution.
“Alam po natin na pagkatapos ng sakuna, marami ang kailangang ayusin at kumpunihin. Kaya narito po kami upang agarang matugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan,” Gatchalian emphasized.
Camarines Sur Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte expressed his gratitude to President Marcos and Secretary Gatchalian for the immediate assistance provided to his constituents.
“Aside from the 231 barangays that were totally submerged [and received assistance], the 693 barangays that were partially submerged were also given assistance, 100 percent. Kaya maraming salamat po. Secretary Rex, salamat din po sa tulong, hindi n’yo po kami pinabayaan, at sinigurado n’yo po na hindi kami mauubusan,” Villafuerte said.
After the cash aid distribution in Camarines Sur, the Presidential team headed to Legazpi City to provide assistance to 5,000 farmers and fisherfolk in Albay province.
“Mula po sa Tanggapan ng Pangulo, katuwang ang DSWD, maglalaan din po tayo ng Php50 million upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga naapektuhan sa tatlong lungsod at labinglimang bayan ng Albay,” President Marcos said during the distribution at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City.
Cabinet officials present during the aid distribution included Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr., Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla.
Accompanying Secretary Gatchalian were DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez and Field Office 5-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio.
The Presidential team also conducted a PAFFF payout in the municipalities of Talisay and Laurel in Batangas on November 4.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Saturday (October 26, 2024) that it has provided a total of P163,843,918.47 in humanitarian aid to families and individuals affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Speaking with Super Radyo dzBB, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao cited the agency’s progress report as of 6 a.m. on October 26. The report indicates that 1.21 million families, or around 4.6 million individuals, have been affected by the storm.
“Kristine” has impacted 7,453 barangays across the National Capital Region, Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XIII, CARAGA, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Dumlao said that 277,000 family food packs have been distributed to local government units. Each family food pack supports a family of five for approximately two to three days.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian reaffirmed on Wednesday (October 16, 2024) that the agency does not politicize the distribution of aid.
“Walang pinupulitika sa DSWD, mga social workers natin ang sumusuri kung tutulungan o hindi, kung kailangan o hindi kailangan,” Gatchalian said in a radio interview.
“‘Yung lente ng social worker ang ginagamit natin sa pagsuri kung ano ang tulong na ibibigay, [kung] gaano kalaki,” he added.
This statement follows the Office of the Vice President’s claim that their aid referral was allegedly denied by the DSWD.
Gatchalian also emphasized that social workers determine the amount of aid given to individuals.
“Wala tayong pinipili, may referral man o walang referral,” he said.
He assured the public that the agency is open to assisting all Filipinos in need.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Concerned of the trauma being experienced by the human trafficking victims, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it will provide temporary shelter, psychosocial support and counseling, medical and other services to the rescued 10 Filipino women and a minor from the raided illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Lapu-Lapu City.
At least 162 foreigners were found working in the illegal POGO hub when authorities swooped down on the illegal POGO on Saturday (31 August 2024). They will face inquest proceedings in Manila.
“The DSWD ensures the protection of women and children during rescue operations and that their rights are being observed and respected,” DSWD Field Office -7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said.
After receiving a reliable intelligence tip, operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), along with agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces’ Military Intelligence Group 7, Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), which is co-chaired by the DSWD, raided the “illegal” POGO hub at the Tourist Garden Hotel in Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu province.
For its part, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will provide the necessary services needed by the rescued foreign nationals.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who are impacted by disasters are also eligible to receive assistance from the agency.
During the DSWD Media Forum on August 29, Field Office (FO)-National Capital Region (NCR) Director Michael Joseph Lorico and Field Office-3 (Central Luzon) Regional Director Venus Rebuldela informed reporters that the agency ensures its disaster-affected employees receive the same support provided to the public during emergencies.
“As I always tell our colleagues, if we help people outside, why wouldn’t we help our own? We strive not to exclude anyone. Just because you are a DSWD employee doesn’t mean you should be left out; we’re all affected the same way,” Lorico stated.
The NCR regional director added that the agency also offers psychological support and financial assistance endorsements to employees through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In its bid to protect Filipino children from child trafficking, abuse, and exploitation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reiterated the necessity to secure a travel clearance for children 17 years old and below who are traveling abroad alone or without their parents.
This was stressed by a chief social worker at a DSWD Media Forum on Thursday (01 August 2024).
“Yung mga nagbabalak po magbyahe at kumuha ng travel clearance, pumunta po kayo sa DSWD Field Offices natin kung saan po nakatira ‘yung bata para doon po mag-apply ng kanilang travel clearance,” Program Management Bureau (PMB) Officer-in-Charge Division Chief for Sectoral Programs Irish Opeña told reporters at the forum held at the DSWD Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.
She explained that those who want to secure a travel clearance for minors traveling abroad must have the following requirements: a duly accomplished application form a birth certificate of minor issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (Original and Photocopy). If it is a delayed birth registration, include a baptismal certificate of minor or immunization record or school records/Form 137.
As appropriate, PSA-issued Marriage Certificate of the parents if legitimate child (Original and Photocopy); if unmarried parents, PSA issued Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) of the mother issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (Original and Photocopy); Certificate of No Marriage from the Local Civil Registry if fictitious marriage are also among the documents being asked.
In the case of a deceased parent, PSA issued Death Certificate (Original and Photocopy) should be submitted.
Another important document needed is a notarized Affidavit of Consent signed by both parents or the person exercising parental authority or legal custody over the minor, whichever is applicable, permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country indicating the specific destination, purpose of travel, inclusive date of travel, the accompanying person and its relation to the minor.
Identification documents such as valid IDs of parents with specimen signatures; if parents are working abroad, a copy of their valid passport and visa; if a seafarer, a copy of the seafarer’s book should also be provided.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — A total of 120,359 college students, struggling and non-reader elementary learners, and parents have benefitted from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) expanded Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, an agency official said on Thursday (August 1).
“After 20 reading and Nanay-Tatay sessions, the DSWD, through the help of our trained college students, has assisted a total of 54,985 struggling and non-reader elementary learners and another 54,985 parents and guardians,” said DSWD Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson.
These college students, consisting of 8,000 tutors and 2,389 youth development workers (YDWs) were capacitated and deployed in select elementary schools to help improve the reading proficiency of elementary students and conduct Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions for parents and guardians of the grade school beneficiaries, respectively.
“With the expansion of the tutoring program outside the National Capital Region (NCR), we can help more college students to defray their school expenses such as transportation expenses, school supplies, school projects, allowances, and other related expenses,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
After the pilot implementation in NCR last year, the agency partnered with the local government units (LGUs) in Regions 3 (Central Luzon), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN), and CALABARZON for the expansion of the tutoring program.
Each tutor and YDW receives cash-for-work in exchange for the 20 tutorial and parenting sessions they have conducted with the grade school learners and parents.
The amount of the CFW is based on the regional minimum wage rate in their areas.
Dumlao said that as of August 1, participating schools in Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN have culminated the 20-day tutoring sessions.
“Reading and parenting sessions in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and NCR were cancelled due to the recent Super Typhoon Carina compounded by the southwest monsoon,” Dumlao pointed out.
The participating schools in the three regions will conduct make-up sessions for Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program until August 10.
Claire Kristine Grace Balais, one of the student-tutors from Samar State University, acknowledged the significant role of learners in her professional development as a teacher, stressing that they can also learn from the elementary learners.
“I have seen them (learners) grow from the first day hasta yana na last day namon [and on our last day] especially how they value reading itself. For me, an iya naman impact was parang subtle pero certain [the impact of it was subtle but certain]. It is different kasi when you are just learning theories in school and when you experience it firsthand. The experience taught me that as a teacher we are the one to first believe in our learners and the last one to give up on them. It’s two-way since they are teaching you as well,” Claire Kristine Grace explained.
For another tutor, Lyster Arbutante, a 3rd-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Social Studies student from Cebu City, the cash-for-work stipend he received from the program has been beneficial to him.
“This support is indeed very helpful, especially for students like us enrolled in state universities. It’s a significant help for me, especially since I come from the province. Thanks to the cash-for-work from the DSWD, I no longer need to ask my parents for an allowance,” Lyster said.
Tutor Lyster added that his experience with the program was very fulfilling saying that while he was helping others, he was also earning at the same time.
Gina Jambo Guerrera, a guardian of one of the elementary learners from Lingunan Elementary School in Valenzuela City, said the Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions were a great help to parents and guardians as they realize the importance of having time with their children.
“Maraming salamat po sa Tara, Basa dahil nagkaroon po kami ng magandang asal sa aming mga anak. Marami po ang natutulungan na magulang na mas maging mabuting magulang at mas nasuportahan po namin ang aming mga anak sa pag-aaral. Natanggal na po namin ang mga maling gawain at napalawak pa po ang aming kaisipan,” Gina Jambo said.
The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is the reformatted educational assistance program of the Department that creates an ecosystem of learning by training college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations to become tutors and YDWs.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) thanked the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their generous donation of 80 tons of various goods intended for families affected by the recent onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the ‘Habagat.’
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian received the donations during a simple turn over ceremony on Tuesday (30 July 2024) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.
“Thank you Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and to the People of the United Arab Emirates for the generous donation to the victims of our recent [floods]. As always UAE is the fastest, the first and gives the most,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian posted on his X account.
The donated goods include pasta, wheat flour, basmati rice, red lentils, dates, chickpeas, powdered juice, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and sweet corn, which were packaged in cans and packets.
The DSWD chief also noted that the government and people of the UAE have been consistent in helping the Filipino people, especially during disasters and calamities.
“Kung matatandaan nyo, last year sa Mayon, isang 777 [aircraft] naman ang dumating na punong-puno rin ng relief goods. So this time naman, isang 747 [aircraft], mas marami dahil alam natin na mas malawak ang naging pinsala last week ng baha. At tumulong din sila sa malakihang landslide sa Davao de Oro so talagang natutuwa kami na ang ating kaibigan, ang United Arab Emirates ay patuloy na sumusubaybay at yumayabong ang ating partnership lalong lalo na sa ganitong pagkakataon,” Gatchalian told reporters in an ambush interview.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Some P200 million humanitarian aid has been provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to families and individuals affected by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or “habagat”.
This was revealed on Monday (29 July 2024) by DSWD Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson.
“This is a reflection of the agency’s commitment to help the rightful beneficiaries of government resources, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to ensure that no one is left behind in times of emergencies,” Dumlao stressed.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has earlier directed the DRMG as well as the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) to continue assisting all flood-hit and Habagat-affected families until they have fully recovered from the disaster.
The P200 million worth of aid covers food, non-food and financial assistance provided to the affected population in the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, the Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Based on the monitoring of the impact of the twin weather disturbance, the DSWD has so far recorded 1,892 damaged houses, with 168 totally and 1,724 partially damaged.
In the Bicol Region, the DSWD Field Office 5 continued its distribution of cash aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) on Sunday (July 28) intended for families in Sipocot, Camarines Sur who were affected by flooding from the disasters.
Three families with totally damaged houses received P10,000 each, while two families with partially damaged houses were granted P5,000 each.
“Our Field Offices also continue to coordinate with concerned local government units to identify the other needs of the affected families vital to their recovery,” Dumlao said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In coordination with local government units (LGUs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already released 360,228 family food packs to areas severely affected by the super typhoon Carina.
This was disclosed on Thursday (25 July 2024) by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian when he reported to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos in Malacañang.
He said the DSWD is ready to replenish the supply of FFPs to the LGUs affected by the onslaught of super typhoon Carina compounded by the southwest monsoon or ‘Habagat’.
“Now, it’s noteworthy to point out na, there’s another 100,000 request that came in after 12 midnight last night. So, it would bring us to 500,000 family food packs. We are ready to supply that, we are just waiting for the LGUs to pick them up kasi yun ang normal arrangements because they have the trucks while we only have 1-2 trucks,” Gatchalian told the President during the situation briefing at the Trooper’s Cafe in Malacañang Park.
“It is broken down as follows: 39,038 sa National Capital Region (NCR); 171,147 sa Central Luzon; 90,957 for 4-A (CALABARZON); 38,766 for 4-B (MIMAROPA); and for Region-5 (Bicol), we have 20,000. Mr. President these are granulated. When we say released, it is either in our field offices already waiting to be picked up kasi when we spoke to the mayors, lahat sila, yesterday (Wednesday), they are all in rescue mode muna,” the DSWD chief said.
He pointed out that the DSWD is continuously coordinating with the local executives of the affected LGUs to ensure that the needs of the affected families will be swiftly provided.
“As we speak, LGUs are picking up. In fact, yesterday I touched base with the Metro Manila mayors, the governors of Luzon, lahat sila they are in that mode yesterday na ang focus ay rescue muna. Yung mga nasa evacuation centers namin na around 33,000 families, we’ll take care of them,” Gatchalian noted.
He also informed the President that the DSWD is continuously providing augmentation support to the LGUs affected by the recent flooding incidents in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao due to the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the southwest monsoon.
“Mr. President, yung issue natin sa Mindanao we’re still continuing with that. We haven’t stopped providing the request ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) area because they also need an augmentation. That’s Maguindanao Del Norte, Del Sur, and Lanao Del Sur so tuloy tuloy rin ho tayo doon, yes hindi rin natin binibitawan yun, that’s being serviced out by our Field Offices in Mindanao,” Gatchalian said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the Chief Executive’s well-received State of the Nation Address (SONA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian affirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of Bagong Pilipinas, where hunger is eradicated by 2027, and a single-digit poverty incidence is achieved by the end of his term in 2028, is right on track.
The DSWD chief referred to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report showing that the country’s poverty rate fell to 15.5 percent in 2023 from 18.1 percent in 2021.
“The preliminary data from the PSA showing that the poor population declined to 17.54 million from 19.99 million in 2023 is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the DSWD’s anti-poverty programs,” Gatchalian said.
The PSA defines poverty incidence as the proportion of Filipino families with incomes insufficient to meet their minimum basic food and non-food needs, as estimated by the poverty threshold.
The DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program providing conditional cash transfers to poor households for up to seven years to improve health, nutrition, and education.
“There is a misconception that 4Ps is ayuda. On the contrary, it is a development program designed to break intergenerational poverty—poverty passed down to children. Eradicating poverty is a long-term endeavor. President Marcos has directed a whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach to reduce the poverty incidence to single digits by 2028,” Gatchalian explained.
The 4Ps program, launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11310 (the 4Ps Act), provides cash grants to 4.4 million households (equivalent to 22 million individuals), ensuring their children receive subsidies to complete elementary and senior high school.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expanded its Sustainable Livelihood Program to the island province of Batanes.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Specialized Programs under Operations Group (OG) Florentino Loyola Jr. and Field Office-2 (Cagayan Valley) Regional Director Lucia Suyu-Alan led a team to Batanes on July 17 and 18 to deliver various programs and interventions for the people of the island province.
Loyola and the DSWD team first went to the municipality of Basco to distribute a Seed Capital Fund (SCF) worth more than Php2.2 million to 152 beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
“Sa ngalan ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian kami po ay nagagalak na nasaksihan ang aktibidad na ito. Gusto kong bigyang-diin sa araw na ito na hindi lamang ito pamamahagi ng dagdag puhunan, bagkus ito ay pagpapalakas ng inyong mga kapasidad tungo sa kapaki-pakinabang na negosyo,” Loyola told the SLP beneficiaries during the ceremonial turnover on Wednesday, July 17.
The beneficiaries received Php15,000 each to start their chosen livelihood or enterprise.
In a related activity, the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), under the National Community-Driven Development – Additional Financing (NCDDP-AF) modality, turned over on Thursday, July 18, 10 sub-projects implemented during the first and second phases of the program in the municipality of Itbayat.
Loyola congratulated the KALAHI-CIDSS beneficiaries for completing their community projects.
“Malaking bagay na kayo mismo sa komunidad ang pumipili sa mga proyekto na pupuno sa kakulangan sa inyong lugar. Ang programang KALAHI-CIDSS ay nagmumula sa inyo,” the DSWD official told the KALAHI-CIDSS beneficiaries.
The sub-projects were funded by the KALAHI-CIDSS with a total grant allocation amounting to Php7.5 million, supplemented by a municipal local counterpart contribution amounting to Php1.8 million.
Aside from the KALAHI-CIDSS sub-projects, the DSWD official also oversaw the payout of social pension for indigent senior citizens in the town.
Loyola and Regional Director Suyu-Alan also held a consultation dialogue at the Batanes Provincial Capitol to discuss ways to further strengthen the implementation of social protection programs and services for the residents of Batanes.
Present at the meeting were Governor Marilou Cayco, Vice Governor Ignacio Villa, Basco Municipal Mayor German Caccam, Mahatao Municipal Mayor Pedro Poncio, Ivana Municipal Mayor Celso Batallones, and Uyunga Municipal Vice Mayor Argel Hortiz, representing Mayor Jonathan Enrique Nanud Jr.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the vision of a progressive society under ‘Bagong Pilipinas’, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian urged members of the business sector on Wednesday (July 17, 2024) to strengthen partnerships with national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to eradicate hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines.
Gatchalian made the call during the launch of the Kain Tayo Pilipinas (KTP) Movement in Makati City, emphasizing the necessity for a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach to tackle these critical issues.
“We can enhance the nutritional status of our Kababayans by fostering and sustaining partnerships at the local, regional, and national levels, ensuring a coordinated approach to sustainable food systems that support our economy, environment, and social structures,” said Gatchalian.
He encouraged business leaders to collaborate closely with LGUs, particularly those recognized in the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards for their effective programs aimed at eliminating hunger and addressing malnutrition at the community level.
“Every locality faces unique challenges—be it geographic, cultural, or social—but many have already developed successful solutions. They seek the partnership of the private sector to scale these initiatives,” Gatchalian noted.
During his address, Gatchalian provided updates on the DSWD’s anti-hunger and nutrition initiatives, including the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUN) Project, Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), and the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP).
The KTP movement, spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), unites private-sector organizations committed to combatting malnutrition and food insecurity through targeted community-based initiatives.
Alongside Gatchalian, attendees at the launch included Bacnotan, La Union Mayor Divina Fontanilla; DSWD Assistant Secretary for Partnerships Building and Resource Mobilization Ana Maria Paz Rafael; World Bank Senior Country Officer for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand Dr. Clarissa David; and National Nutrition Council (NNC) Executive Director and Assistant Secretary Azucena Dayanghirang.
Leading the private sector contingent was KTP Chairperson Manuel V. Pangilinan, accompanied by KTP Board Member Manolito Tayag; PBSP Executive Director Elvin Ivan Uy; Zuellig Family Foundation President and Executive Director Austere Panadero; Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) Executive Director Georgina Ann Hernandez-Yang; and Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network Secretariat John Echauz.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Local officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) commended the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the speedy response of its three regional directors in coming to the aid of flood-hit families in the provinces of BARMM.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the commendation of the BARMM officials for the three regional directors was relayed to Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr.
Those commended were Field Office (FO)-12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) Regional Director (RD) Loreto Cabaya Jr., FO-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) RD Riduan Hadjumuddin, and FO-10 (Northern Mindanao) RD Ramel Jamen.
Among those who commended the three DSWD regional directors were Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., Deputy Speaker and Lanao del Sur Rep. Yasser Balindon and several Maguindanao mayors whose barangays were among the hardest-hit by the floods.
“Congrats guys. Governor Adiong and Congressman Yasser of Lanao del Sur kept telling SAP Lagdameo how fast we were in distributing food packs. Pati din mayors of Maguindanao were commending our regional directors,” Gatchalian said in a text message addressed to RDs of FOs 9, 10 and 12.
Amid the heavy rains brought about by the southwest monsoon, the DSWD’s FO-12 (SOCCSKSARGEN), FO-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) and FO-10 (Northern Mindanao) immediately dispatched their prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) to the BARMM’s flood-affected provinces that include Maguindanao del Norte (12,518 affected families); Maguindanao del Sur (45,117 families); Lanao del Sur (4,874 families) and 13,045 affected families in the “special geographic area.”
“Even if we have no presence in the BARMM area, we are using three Field Offices, we have Field Offices 9, 10, and 12. So we have prepositioned goods in these three Field Offices, around 150,000, so we can augment and augment what you need,” the DSWD chief said during a press briefing at the Tactical Operations Group 12 in Maguindanao Del Norte on Sunday (July 14).
Lagdameo, who attended the briefing in Maguindanao del Norte, was the team leader assigned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the speedy delivery of aid to the flood-affected families of the provinces under the BARMM.
Gatchalian said some 23,000 boxes of FFPs have already been distributed in the region and another 10,000 will arrive on Monday (July 15) to complete the target 33,000 FFPs for BARMM.
“I am also talking, sending messages to Minister Jajurie (of BARMM) to make sure that the coordination between the national government and the regional government is seamless,” the DSWD chief said.
Gatchalian reiterated that the DSWD can provide support to the regional government because it has been the instruction of the President to always preposition relief goods ahead of the disasters and calamities.
“If you tell us that you need more, then, we can pull out from the three field offices. We are more than ready to augment your resources,” the DSWD chief told the BARMM local officials present in the briefing.
Gatchalian assured the BARMM of the DSWD’s relief augmentation support in their disaster operations for their constituents who are being affected by the effects of southwest monsoon that is prevailing in the region and other areas in Mindanao.
The DSWD chief was in the BARMM where he joined SAP Lagdameo who led the aid-distribution in ‘Habagat’-affected towns in the region along with Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulra of Macacua, Mindanao Development Authority (MDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, and Gov. Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Congressman Balindon.
DSWD officials who accompanied Secretary Gatchalian were Undersecretary for Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) Diana Rose Cajipe and FO-12 Regional Director Cabaya.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Demonstrating its commitment to extend immediate relief, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) field offices in Mindanao have been in quick response mode as several provinces, including those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), experienced flooding this July due to heavy rains brought about by the southwest monsoon.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has directed the regional directors in SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) and the Zamboanga Peninsula to use the prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) for the families affected by the flooding.
He also ordered the immediate dispatch of FFPs for augmentation to the supply of the two DSWD regional offices.
Both the DSWD’s Field Office 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) and Field Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) have received their augmentation FFPs which have been dispatched to the BARMM’s flood-affected provinces that include Maguindanao del Norte (12,518 affected families); Maguindanao del Sur (45,117 families); Lanao del Sur (4,874 families) and 13,045 affected families in the “special geographic area.”
“In line with the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, we continue to coordinate with the concerned LGUs to determine the actual extent of the weather disturbance and to identify other interventions that can be provided to the affected families to ensure that they can cope with the effects of the southwest monsoon,” DSWD Asst. Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Sunday (July 14).
Intensified relief operations were being conducted round-the-clock by the DSWD SOCCSKSARGEN regional office through its Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD).
The Field Office 12’s DRMD promptly conducted validation and assessment operations in response to the heavy rains and subsequent flooding affecting several areas in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani on Saturday (July 13).
“Simultaneous validation and assessment activities were also being carried out in the municipalities of Kiamba and Maitum in Sarangani, as well as in Lebak, Kalamansig, and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat,” SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Loreto Cabaya said in his report to the DRMG.
To date, Field Office 12’s DRMD teams have successfully distributed a total of 3,983 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) to affected families in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.
“As of Friday (July 12), 1,660 FFPs were distributed to families in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, 823 FFPs in Kapatagan, while another 1,500 FFPs were provided to families in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte. This immediate relief effort is part of the DSWD 12’s ongoing commitment to support communities in times of crisis,” Cabaya said.
The distributed FFPs contain essential food items, including rice, canned goods, coffee, and other necessities, designed to help sustain families during this difficult period.
“The DSWD 12 is dedicated to providing timely and efficient aid to our communities in distress. We are working closely with local government units and other partners to ensure that assistance reaches those in need as quickly as possible,” Cabaya also claimed.
Dumlao assured the affected LGUs that the agency has enough relief supplies to augment their resources for their constituents.
“We have already provided more than Php2.5 million in relief aid, from the combined resources of the DSWD Field Office-9, LGUs, and non-government organizations, to the affected families,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Based on the July 13 report of DSWD Field Office-9, some 5,092 families or 18,875 individuals from 30 barangays in Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga Del Sur were affected by the continuous heavy downpour and flooding incidents.
Of this number 4,842 families or 17,941 persons are currently staying in evacuation centers set up by the LGUs.
Being the chair of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCAM) Cluster of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), DSWD personnel are assisting the LGUs in managing these temporary shelters.
More than 200 families or 900 individuals are outside evacuation centers but are being provided with relief assistance.
To date, the DSWD Zamboanga Peninsula has more than Php115 million in relief and standby funds that can be readily tapped as necessary.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday (12 July 2024) joined the team of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr in an aid-giving activity for farmers and fisherfolk from Baler town in Aurora province and in San Fernando City in Pampanga.
Priority recipients of government aid were those severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon in line with the directive of Marcos Jr. to bring government programs and services closer to the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
“Minsan may pagkakataon na may mangangailangan ng tulong sa gobyerno, alam naman namin na tinantangkilik niyo ang aming tanggapan. Pero kakaiba ang araw na ito dahil inutusan kami ng ating pangulo na hindi kayo ang lalapit sa aming mga tanggapan kundi kami ang pupunta sa inyo upang magbigay ng tulong,” Gatchalian said at the Senator Edgardo Angara Convention Center in Baler shortly before the handing out of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families (PAFF).
As one of the agencies that brought the much-needed aid to the farmers and fisherfolk in Aurora province, the DSWD distributed Php10,000 to each of the 10,000 beneficiaries of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP).
The President turned over farm machinery to local farmers to boost agricultural efficiency in Aurora.
He also handed over Php10,000 each to 10 selected beneficiaries from the province.
Marcos Jr. also extended Php10 million to the Provincial Government of Aurora to support local development projects to improve the quality of life of the residents and provided 5 kilograms of rice to each attendee of the aid-giving activity.
“Sa bawat umaga dito sa Aurora, bumubungad po ang araw sa kagandahan ng ating mga bukid at dagat, mga obra ng ating Maykapal na siya namang [nililinang] ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Subalit ang haring araw na nagpapayabong sa ating mga pananim, ay siya rin ang nagdala ng matinding pagsubok sa atin kamakailan lamang…. Kaya po kami nagpunta rito ngayon ay upang magbigay ng kaunting tulong sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at ang kanilang mga pamilya na labis na naapektuhan ng mga nagdaang [tagtuyot],” Marcos Jr. told the PAFF beneficiaries in Baler.
Following his visit to Aurora, the President led another distribution of various assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families affected by the El Niño crisis during a ceremony at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Office of the President (OP) has provided cash assistance of PhP10,000 each to select 60 beneficiaries from Region 3 (Central Luzon). Aside from cash aid, the President also distributed farming and fishing equipment, scholarship, training funds, and bags of rice.
Prior to this aid giving activity, the DSWD Field Office-3 (Central Luzon) and concerned local government units (LGUs) have already provided Php1.2 million in relief assistance to families affected by the dry spell in the region.
The President also extended monetary support amounting to around PhP105 million to the Provincial Governments of Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Other government agencies that also brought their support services in a whole-of-nation approach to assist the El Nino-hit farmers and fisherfolk in the province were the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, among others.
(el Amigo/mnm)