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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA –The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) participated in the first public hearing on House Bill No. 10388, also known as “An Act Strengthening the Effective Implementation of the 4Ps through Parent Leaders Engagement, and Providing Funds Therefor,” held on July 8 and 9 at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City.
4Ps National Program Manager Director Gemma Gabuya, who led the DSWD team that attended the hearing, expressed gratitude to congressmen for inviting them in the public hearing in Eastern Samar.
“The DSWD is thankful that it was invited to participate in this public hearing. It provided the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), most especially the parent leaders, to share their insights on the proposed bill. If it becomes a law, this proposed measure will be more beneficial to the 4.4 million grantees nationwide, most especially the parent leaders,” Director Gabuya said on Friday (12 July 2024).
The HB 10388 aims to provide resources and support to the parent leaders, assistant parent leaders, and parent groups as they perform their mandates in the implementation of the DSWD anti-poverty flagship program.
The public consultation on HB No. 10388 was led by the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation and was presided over by the bill’s principal author, Assistant Minority Leader and Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino (4Ps) Party List Representative Jonathan Clement ‘JC’ Abalos.
Rep. Abalos was also joined by the bill’s co-authors Minority Floor Leader and 4Ps Party List Rep. Marcelino Libanan, and Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Party List Rep. Arlene Brosas.
Prior to the public hearing, the legislators were able to observe the regular program activities of the 4Ps such as the Family Development Sessions (FDS), distribution of the Enhanced Support Services Intervention (ESSI), livelihood cash assistance, and cash card distribution.
The legislators also visited the livelihood projects of the Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) to gain a better understanding of how the program is implemented on the ground.
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the parent leaders and associate parent leaders was also
held to learn about their actual experiences.
The two-day activity was conducted in partnership with the DSWD, Borongan City’s Local Government Unit, and ESSU.
The hearing was also attended by DSWD Field Office-8 (Eastern Visayas) Regional Director Grace Subong; ESSU President Dr. Andres Pagatpatan, Jr.; and the 4Ps city/municipal links and parent leaders and assistant parent leaders in the area.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Committed to serve well the proverbial “least of our brethren”, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will sign on Monday (8 July 2024) a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Social Security System (SSS) for a low-cost social insurance for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
“The DSWD is fortunate to collaborate with the state-run SSS. This partnership with SSS will extend social security coverage to our 4Ps beneficiaries, providing them with safety nets from income loss, sickness, and other financial burden,” DSWD Assistant Secretary and agency spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
To be known as the “4Ps AlkanSSSya Program”, the DSWD and the SSS shall establish a contribution subsidy table specific for the 4Ps organized group, upon SSS’s determination based on actuarial study and the actual capacity of the beneficiaries to pay the minimum amount of P570.00 per month.
The SSS monthly premium will be shouldered by the beneficiaries themselves.
The 4Ps beneficiaries who are members of workers’ associations, informal sector groups (ISG), and Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPA) will also be covered by this partnership.
Under the agreement, the SSS will also assist the DSWD in the registration and processing of applications of all eligible beneficiaries.
The roles and responsibilities of both agencies in the conduct of seminars and orientation activities for the 4Ps organized groups are also included in the MOA.
“It is necessary that our 4Ps beneficiaries are educated on the importance and benefits of SSS membership and savings. This also contributes to our financial literacy efforts among our beneficiaries,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Earlier, 4Ps National Program Manager and Director Gemma Gabuya said insurance is integral to the DSWD’s Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) Framework.
“Before graduating from 4Ps, it is crucial for beneficiaries to have security or insurance,” Gabuya said.
Gabuya said this initiative is part of the DSWD’s commitment to ensure the financial security and sustainability of 4Ps beneficiaries as they transition out of the program.
The 4Ps, one of the DSWD’s flagship programs, is a national poverty reduction strategy institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11310 or “An Act Institutionalizing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)” signed on April 17, 2019.
The 4Ps puts a premium on giving poor and vulnerable families the means to break-away from the intergenerational cycle of poverty through human capital investments.
As of May 31, there are 4.3 million household-beneficiaries nationwide that are receiving conditional cash grants under the program.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced plans on Saturday (June 29, 2024) to adjust cash grants under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in response to ongoing inflation in the Philippines and globally.
The adjustments, aimed at the conditional cash transfer program (CCTP), will be determined based on parameters set by the National Economic and Development Authority and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that these adjustments will be discussed among member agencies of the National Advisory Committee, bypassing the need for congressional amendments.
In May, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported a 3.9% rise in consumer goods and services prices for the fourth consecutive month.
“We will base our adjustment actions on relevant, reliable, and timely policy research,” Dumlao stated during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Meanwhile, the DSWD has launched an investigation into reported aid deductions in Cagayan de Oro City.
Dumlao assured the public that the agency will thoroughly investigate the incident, treating it as an isolated case unless further complaints arise.
“We must gather all details of this incident to conduct a thorough investigation,” she stressed. “While there is only one complaint regarding this issue, we cannot generalize its occurrence across the entire region.”
According to reports, a local official’s coordinator allegedly deducted P9,300 from a P10,000 financial assistance meant for three beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in Cagayan de Oro City.
Dumlao reiterated the agency’s stance against such deductions, warning against any attempts to defraud AICS beneficiaries.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of a united, peaceful and progressive society, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has embarked on a “kumustahan” activities that aim to gain the trust and confidence of former Bangsamoro rebels who engaged in armed struggle for several years.
DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Alan Tanjusay, who joined the Field Office’s 12 Normalization Team, said the re-engagement and “kumustahan” activities are part of the agency’s case management monitoring and assessment of decommissioned combatants of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who have received government cash assistance for livelihood and other services for reintegration in their communities as civilians.
“So far, our case management monitoring of our decommissioned brothers and sisters in the MILF reveals that they have been coping well with the normalization process. While the assessment activities are very challenging for the DSWD personnel due to the hard-to-reach locations and the risk of armed conflict, our social development workers are committed to ensure the government reintegration programs for them are indeed helping them out,” Tanjusay explained.
Aside from the monitoring of grant utilization, the Field Office’s 12 Normalization Team follows the current process flow of case management during the re-engagement activities. This includes needs assessment, intervention planning, implementation of services, monitoring, and reintegration.
The “kumustahan” activities, which started last May until July, are in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Social Services and Development, and the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and Their Communities (TFDCC) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).
As part of the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, MILF combatants shall undergo the process of decommissioning conducted by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB). Once decommissioned, the combatants shall be turned over to the DSWD for the payout of the cash assistance and case management.
Around 26,132 MILF combatants have been decommissioned since 2019 in three phases.
The fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process targets an estimated 14,000 combatants more.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the measures and preparedness of their personnel against any calamity in the country.
DSWD Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe said that the department continues to work to provide the necessary intervention to families that may be affected by calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, fires, and others.
Aside from the local government units (LGUs), the DSWD also collaborates with international partners and the private sector that are constantly extending assistance to Filipinos in crises.
Cajipe emphasized their continuous effort to establish innovative solutions to better protect the Filipino people.
The DSWD is developing an innovative tool particularly the Advanced Data Gathering for Assistance Preparedness for Protection (AGAPP).
AGAPP is an innovative tool designed to streamline the collection of data and information on disaster incidents.
“It is important in our planning to be very specific and address the needs. The only way we would know that is to be able to get accurate data, and of course, disaggregated data as well,” Cajipe previously said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just like the motto of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is always “laging handa” during disasters and other calamities.
This was assured to the public by DSWD officials, saying the agency is prepared for the upcoming La Niña phenomenon during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum on June 20 at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.
Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) for Disaster Response Leo L. Quintilla, who is concurrent Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB), said the DSWD already had a meeting with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to prepare for the possible scenarios during the La Niña season.
Quintilla said the DSWD meeting with PAGASA last May was upon the instruction of Secretary Rex Gatchalian who wanted the Department to be always prepared whenever there are impending calamities like the La Niña.
“(Month of) May pa lang ay nagpatawag na si Secretary ng preparedness meeting…kasama namin ang PAGASA to give us a picture of what it will look like with the anticipation of the forecast of La Niña. So dito po pinag-aralan na natin kung ano ang dapat gawin ng DSWD,” Quintilla told reporters at the media forum.
He explained that the DSWD will be implementing its Buong Bansa Handa disaster preparedness program to ensure the sufficiency of supplies during the La Niña season.
“Buong Bansa Handa is a program and, at the same time, it is a strategy to ensure na yung ating supplies are ready. And right now, we are studying our eastern seaboard kung saan palaging tinatamaan ng bagyo,” Quintilla pointed out.
The Buong Bansa Handa will tap two supply chains to deliver the basic food and non-food requirements of disaster victims.
The first supply chain will feature an expanded network of warehouse facilities of local government units (LGUs) provincial governments, and other national government agencies, while the other one will be through partnerships with the private sector through framework agreements or supply agreements.
At present, the DSWD maintains some 1.5 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) ready to be augmented to selected LGUs where the Department has ongoing relief prepositioning agreement, especially those located in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
Aside from prepositioning, SAS Quintilla assured the public that the agency is also consistently producing FFPs in its major production hubs.
“We are doing our best to maximize our resources for stockpiling. What is important is we have available resources. We have rice, we have raw materials, and we have supplies to ensure that production is continuous because we do not know what will happen. If we need to double, we are going to do that to ensure that we are ready for any disaster event in the second quarter of 2024,” SAS Quintilla explained.
In a related topic, DSWD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Diana Rose S. Cajipe reported the latest data on the agency’s disaster response operations for the families affected by Typhoon Aghon and the recent Mt. Kanlaon eruption in Negros Occidental.
As of press time, the DSWD has already provided humanitarian assistance worth more than Php28.8 million to families affected by Typhoon Aghon in the Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.
The Department also provided over Php26 million worth of assistance to displaced families in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental who were affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.
“Rest assured that the Disaster Response Management Group of the DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, ay patuloy po ang pag-paplano at paghahanda para po sa mga kalamidad na maaaring harapin ng ating bansa. Ang paghahanda po ng DSWD ay katuwang ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng ating pamahalaan, the local government units, international partners, and the private sector,” Cajipe said.
The Thursday Media Forum is organized by the DSWD Strategic Communications Group and hosted by Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) for Communications Raymond Robert Burgos and Agency Operations Service (AOS) Director Clarissa Lara Duran, who is also the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Office of the Asst. Secretary for Strategic Communications.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — After receiving reports about a viral post that claims to provide official dates as well as the names of the supposed recipients of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) grants, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday (19 June 2024) warned all 4Ps beneficiaries against a misleading Facebook post.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao pointed out that the DSWD, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, ensures that beneficiary details are never posted publicly.
“The Department wishes to clarify that this information did not come from any of its official channels and may cause confusion among 4Ps beneficiaries,” said Dumlao who is also the DSWD spokesperson.
“All official announcements, including payout schedules for the 4Ps program, are also disseminated through the official page of 4Ps: (https://www.facebook.com/DSWDPantawidPamilya),” she stressed.
Dumlao explained that the City/Municipal Links (C/MLs), assisted by the Parent Leaders (PLs), directly provide the payout schedules to 4Ps the beneficiaries in their respective areas.
She added that the Landbank of the Philippines is also authorized to announce the payroll schedules through its official Facebook page once the cash grants have already been credited to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
“We understand the critical role the 4Ps grants in supporting our beneficiaries. We urge everyone to be vigilant against any disinformation or misinformation and to always check our official social media platforms for updates,” Dumlao said.
The DSWD spokesperson reiterated that the Department is urging all 4Ps beneficiaries to rely solely on official sources for accurate information and to avoid confusion.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday (12 June 2024) welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s approval of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s (4Ps) expanded cash grant for pregnant and lactating women.
During a Sectoral Meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday (June 11), President Marcos Jr. approved the DSWD’s proposal to include a First 1000 day-grant for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries who are pregnant, nursing, or those with two-year old children.
“Okay. Yes. Let’s do that. On the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, bring the mother, the family into the system. That’s really good,” the President said during the Sectoral Meeting that included the DSWD, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Health (DOH), and other concerned agencies.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who attended the Sectoral Meeting with Undersecretary for National Household Targeting System and 4Ps Vilma Cabrera and Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, welcomed the President’s approval on the expanded cash grant for the 4Ps program.
“The President gave us instructions on how we can improve the lot of our pregnant and lactating mothers, especially our poorer mothers,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief said the additional grant for the 4Ps program will serve as an incentive for the target beneficiaries to avail of health services and will address malnutrition and stunting in the country.
“This will serve as an incentive for them to have this what we call health-seeking behavior which means they will be motivated to go to the health center, register, avail of pre-and post-natal care, and post-partum treatment, including immunization for their 0 to 2-year old children,” Gatchalian said.
He also explained that this proposed grant would only be for 4Ps subset beneficiaries who are pregnant, nursing, or those with 0 to 2-year old children and is just temporary until such time that they have passed through the stage.
The DSWD serves as the chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger (IATF-ZH) which has been directed by the President to prioritize the implementation and monitoring of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs to address food insecurity in the country.
During a Sectoral Meeting last February 20, President Marcos instructed the DSWD to work with concerned agencies, particularly with the NEDA and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), to sharpen the DSWD proposal.
Under the DSWD’s 4Ps program, a household-beneficiary receives cash aid on the condition that their children attend school and are brought to health centers for their monthly medical check-up.
Household beneficiaries of 4Ps with elementary students receive P300 per child per month for 10 months; P500 per child per month for 10 months for junior high school; and P700 per child per month for 10 months for senior high school.
Households also get P750 per month for 12 months provided that their children aged two to 14 years old undergo a growth development and monitoring program and deworming. Families are also required to attend the monthly family development sessions (FDS).
Meanwhile, the Malusog at Matalinong Bata Coalition (MMB Coalition), an alliance of advocacy groups, academics, and nutrition advocates committed to fighting stunting in the Philippines through policy reforms, has expressed its support to the DSWD proposal.
The MMB Coalition described stunting as a critical condition where children suffer from restricted growth and cognitive development due to malnutrition.
It said more profound impact is on cerebral development, with 80% of brain growth occurring by the age of two and 90% by the age of five.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Cagayan Valley Region on Monday (June 10) to distribute some P190 million aid and presidential assistance to select farmers, fisherfolk, and their families affected by the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
“Sa araw na ito, maghahandog kami ng karagdagang tulong sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at sa kanilang mga pamilya na kasama natin dito ngayon. Nilalayon namin na maibsan ang hirap na inyong nararanasan dahil sa El Niño nang sa gayon ay makabangon at muling makabalik ang kasaganahan ng inyong kabuhayan,” Marcos Jr. said in his message to the beneficiaries at the Ilagan City Community Center in the City of Ilagan, Isabela province.
The Chief Executive turned over farm and fishing machinery, equipment, and toolkits to the beneficiaries affected by the dry spell.
Marcos Jr. also mentioned that the DSWD has allotted disaster response funds as augmentation support to El Niño-affected families and individuals in the Cagayan Valley (Region 2) which is composed of the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.
“Kung susumahin, aabot sa mahigit isang daan at siyamnapu’t anim na milyong piso ang hinanda ng DSWD bilang standby funds at stockpile para sa Region 2,” the President said.
A total of P5 million standby funds is allocated to the region with 80,907 boxes of prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) and more than P95.8 million worth of other food and non-food items.
The agency also extended P10,000 in financial assistance to 5,000 select beneficiaries under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
The recently-launched AKAP program provides social assistance to individuals who may not have access to the regular forms of assistance since they do not belong to the poorest population.
To qualify as a beneficiary under AKAP, the individual must belong to the low-income category, such as those whose income does not exceed the statutory minimum wage.
Top officials of the national and local governments also attended the activity.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Proving that poverty is not a hindrance to success, more than 32,000 former monitored children of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have completed their college education.
Launched in 2008 and institutionalized by Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve their children’s health, nutrition, and education.
“We are delighted that a total of 32,556 former monitored children under our flagship poverty alleviation program are now diploma holders. Through 4Ps, we aim to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty by investing in human capital,” Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao said.
She added that the program has recorded exemplary students, with some 82 formerly monitored children graduating magna cum laude, 1,135 cum laude, and 132 children received special distinctions.
“These figures are a testament that the 4Ps and the funds of the government are being utilized properly. They are solid indications that DSWD’s 4Ps is a valuable tool in effectively investing in human capital,” noted Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson.
She said more than 6,000 graduates also passed their respective board examinations, making them licensed teachers, engineers, architects, and midwives.
“Just recently, another former 4Ps monitored child secured the top spot in the March 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) at the elementary level. Notably, from 2018 to the present, a total of 49 former 4Ps monitored children got the highest scores in various board examinations,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Over the past 20 years, the community-driven development program advocated by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has benefited thousands of communities across the country, and it’s time to institutionalize the program.
Through KALAHI-CIDSS, the DSWD has provided basic social services to more than 22 million poor, vulnerable, marginalized, and geographically isolated households, through 83,155 subprojects. These projects include access roads, improved water systems, medical supplies, tools and equipment, barangay health stations, and Child Development Centers.
“To our lawmakers, and not just to our legislators but also to our community volunteers and the unsung heroes of KALAHI-CIDSS, the program has existed for twenty years. Join us in standing up to continue the program,” appealed KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Manager (NPM) Atty. Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.
It was revealed that the initial version of the Community-Driven Development (CDD) bill was filed during the 18th Congress in September 2019.
Three senators also submitted their respective CDD bill versions during the 19th Congress in 2022 and 2023.
“The three versions are scheduled for the first public hearing at the Committee level. They advocate for the institutionalization and operationalization of the CDD approach; provision of capacity building and technical assistance to local government units, civil society organizations, and communities through the DSWD Academy; and creation of an inter-agency advisory council on CDD,” noted NPM Mapue-Joaquin.
Among DSWD’s flagship programs, only the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11310.
The Food Stamp Program, one of the innovative programs of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is currently in the process of being institutionalized after Malacañang issued Executive Order (EO) No. 44, establishing the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” as a flagship program of the national government.
On May 14, the House Committee on Social Services approved the unnumbered substitute bill to House Bills No. 8532, 8899, 10010, and 10202, all seeking to strengthen the government’s anti-involuntary hunger program.
Mapue-Joaquin emphasized that institutionalizing CDD will create a continuous enabling policy that ensures maximum participation and empowerment of the communities.
“We have helped many communities, but many more still need assistance through our KALAHI-CIDSS program. Please help us continue and legislate the program. Help us continue providing aid to the neediest communities,” stressed Mapue-Joaquin.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Committed to helping achieve peace and progress in line with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) concluded the fifth phase of its benchmarking study and field research in Kabankalan City, as part of the agency’s continued efforts at enhancing the peace and development programs and services.
“The field visit in Kabankalan City is part of the ongoing initiatives of the DSWD to improve the Case Management (CM) Guide in handling cases of former rebels, as well as to develop a deradicalization module focusing on the psychosocial aspects,” DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Alan Tanjusay said on Wednesday (29 May 2024).
Spearheaded by the Office of the ISPSC and in collaboration with DSWD Field Office-6 (Western Visayas), the May 23 field visit focused on former members of the Rebolusyonaryo Partido Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG).
“This phase of the study involved comprehensive focus group discussions (FGDs) with former rebels which will provide vital insights for the improvement of our Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PD-BBM) Program,” Tanjusay emphasized.
The DSWD official also pointed out that the enhancement of the CM Guide is aligned with the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian to create effective psychosocial interventions for former rebels.
“These interventions aim to support the full transformation of individuals, beyond short-term cash and material assistance, ensuring their successful reintegration into the community and encouraging them to become productive and active participants in community development,” Tanjusay explained.
As part of the field visit, 12 former rebels received family food packs from the DSWD Western Visayas regional office.
Before the Kabankalan City leg, the DSWD’s Office of the Undersecretary for ISPSC also conducted field studies in Sulu, Mountain Province, Sorsogon, and Marawi City.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — As typhoon Aghon unleashed its fury after months of scorching heat, a senior official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) cited the agency’s collaboration with local government units (LGUs) as a vital component in ensuring the efficient delivery of assistance to affected families.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao told Radyo Pilipinas on Monday (27 May 2024) that the agency tapped the assistance of pre-identified LGUs to preposition relief items such as family food packs (FFPs) in their warehouses.
“The DSWD has already prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) and non-food items in strategic parts of the country. In fact, we entered into relief prepositioning agreements with some local government units para nga po magamit natin yung kanilang mga warehouses nang sa gayon ay yung mga family food packs ay mailagay natin doon sa kanilang lugar and ready na ma-access anytime po na kakailanganin,” Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said during the interview.
As of 6 a.m. Monday, Dumlao said the DSWD has already provided more than Php1.3 million worth of humanitarian assistance to the provinces of Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon.
The DSWD Field Offices in typhoon-hit areas continue to coordinate with the LGUs to determine other interventions that may be provided to internally displaced individuals, the agency spokesperson said.
The DSWD also maintains more than Php3 billion worth of standby and stockpile funds which can be tapped for disaster response operations, including some 1,616,551 boxes of FFPs worth Php1.3 billion. These FFPs have been prepositioned in strategic locations around the country.
Dumlao also reminded affected citizens to follow the orders of authorities for the orderly distribution of assistance in their respective areas.
“Tayo po ay makipag-ugnayan sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, sa ating mga local social welfare and development officers para matiyak yung maayos na pamamahagi ng tulong,” the DRMG asst. secretary said.
(el Amigo/MNM)