By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Following Monday’s (09 Dec 2024) eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, which emitted a 3,000-meter plume, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated over P2 billion in funds and resources to assist those affected by the disaster.
This swift response reflects the DSWD’s preparedness, in line with the Scout motto, “laging handa” (always prepared).
DSWD Assistant Secretary for the Disaster Response Management Group and spokesperson Irene Dumlao made this announcement during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
She further detailed the resources available:
P92.2 million in standby funds at both the central and regional offices.
Over P1.1 billion in family food packs.
More than P891 million in non-food items and additional food supplies.
Altogether, these resources total P2 billion, Dumlao confirmed.
As of Saturday, December 14, 2024, the DSWD has provided over P14.7 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the eruption.
Dumlao noted that the eruption has impacted over 10,000 families, or 42,000 individuals, across 25 barangays in Regions VI and VII. Of those affected, 4,600 families (more than 15,000 people) are currently staying in 28 evacuation centers. Another 1,100 families (about 3,900 people) have temporarily sought refuge with relatives or friends.
The DSWD continues to work closely with local government units to ensure the efficient delivery of aid and to monitor the situation of evacuees.
On Friday, December 13, 2024, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government is actively managing the situation. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has been directed to release disaster funds to support the response.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) is also closely monitoring health conditions and addressing potential eruption-related diseases.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will maintain its support for the victims of Typhoon Kristine.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the department to provide immediate financial assistance to those affected by the storm.
“Makakaasa ho kayo na tuloy-tuloy po ‘yan – ‘yan ang instruction sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulo na walang pamilya, o walang biktima ng kalamidad ang magugutom,” Gatchalian assured.
“Pangalawa, kapag bumaba na ho ang tubig baha, sisiguraduhin natin na ang mga cash relief or cash assistance magsisimula na sa mabilis na panahon,” he added.
Gatchalian emphasized that the DSWD has sufficient funds to meet the financial needs of the victims.
“Let me categorically say that the DSWD has available funds ready to mobilize financial assistance in the coming days,” he said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – A total of ₱139,812,000 has been distributed to around 29,906 beneficiaries in Davao City, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte over four days, under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, alongside Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and local partners, spearheaded a four-day AKAP payout from October 18 to 21 across Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City. This initiative was carried out on President Marcos’ instructions to aid low-income and vulnerable residents.
The distribution began on Friday in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, followed by events in Davao de Oro over the weekend, and concluded in Davao City on Monday, where former Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles led the distribution.
Nograles coordinated the Davao City payout, which provided ₱14.5 million to 4,859 beneficiaries.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized that this initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Davaoeños.
“The care and concern of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. drive us to ensure that every Filipino, especially those in Davao, are not left behind. We will continue working to secure your well-being,” Romualdez said.
Following President Marcos’ orders, Speaker Romualdez and DSWD ensured that aid reached those in most need, with AKAP helping ease everyday financial burdens.
Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr. highlighted the administration’s focus on providing timely assistance to marginalized sectors, especially in economically disadvantaged communities.
On October 18 in Davao del Norte, ₱48,625,000 was distributed to 9,725 beneficiaries, each receiving ₱5,000. Beneficiaries included teachers, non-teaching personnel, mall employees, private hospital staff, and other low-income residents. Vice Governor Oyo Uy and Rep. Alan Dujali played key roles in facilitating the distribution.
During the weekend of October 19 and 20, the AKAP distribution moved to Davao de Oro, where ₱76,610,000 was distributed to 15,322 beneficiaries, each receiving ₱5,000. The beneficiaries included barangay workers, school personnel, and other low-income earners. Financially challenged students also received aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
Local leaders such as Rep. Maricar Zamora, Councilor Myrill Apit of Mawab, Vice Mayor Honeyboy Libuangan of Laak, and other leaders from Maco, Mabini, and Nabunturan helped ensure smooth distribution.
On October 21, Nograles led the Davao City payout, distributing ₱14,577,000 to 4,859 beneficiaries, each receiving ₱3,000. The aid targeted low-income residents struggling with daily expenses.
“President Marcos always has your well-being in mind. We will continue working together to provide the necessary aid, especially for those in most need,” Nograles said.
Romualdez credited the success of the AKAP distribution to the close cooperation between national and local officials, praising the support of local leaders such as Nograles.
“The support of local leaders like Atty. Karlo Nograles is crucial to the success of projects like these,” Romualdez noted.
Nograles expressed gratitude for the national government’s focus on Davaoeños’ welfare.
“I am deeply thankful to President Marcos’ administration and Speaker Romualdez for their care and support for the people of Davao. With AKAP, more of our fellow citizens are being helped here in Davao City,” Nograles said.
With the success of the AKAP distribution in the Davao region, Speaker Romualdez assured that the government will continue to extend financial aid and other support to drive recovery and development in local communities.
“We will continue delivering aid to the communities that need it most, especially in the Davao provinces. Our administration is focused on providing long-term solutions to uplift the lives of every Filipino,” Romualdez said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the vision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to reintegrate former rebels, a total of 300 housing units were officially turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) former combatants and their families in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula).
During the turn over ceremony on Friday (30 August 2024) led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, together with Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Alan Tanjusay and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., 200 indigenous peoples of the Sama, Kalibugan and Subanen indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) received their certificates of ownership in the municipality of Sibuco.
“Bahagi ito ng programa ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na masigurado natin na yung pinaka bulnerable nating komunidad—yung mga indigenous peoples (IPs), mga dati nating combatants—ay siguradong mare-reintegrate nang maayos sa ating lipunan,” Gatchalian told the beneficiaries of the housing units.
An additional 75 housing units funded by the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program – Modified Shelter Assistance Project (MSAP) will also be built in the municipality of Sibuco through the initiative of the local government unit (LGU).
The MSAP is a program jointly-implemented by the DSWD and OPAPRU that provides limited financial or material assistance to augment resources of families in constructing houses in relocation sites.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Recognizing that poverty has driven some individuals to join armed struggles against the government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), alongside the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), is intensifying efforts to provide more opportunities for the reintegration of former rebels (FR) into mainstream society.
DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Alan Tanjusay disclosed this during the Thursday Media Forum on July 18 at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.
“Secretary Rex Gatchalian instructed that the DSWD should not only provide cash aid to our citizens but also conduct case management. This involves focusing on each former rebel and extremist to monitor their reintegration into their families and communities, ultimately achieving peace and development in the regions,” Tanjusay explained to reporters.
He noted that focus group discussions with former rebels revealed that poverty was a primary reason for joining non-state and violent extremist groups.
Tanjusay highlighted that the case management, part of the DSWD’s Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa (PDBBM) Program, underscores the agency’s long-term commitment to the welfare and livelihood of former members of non-state groups, violent extremist groups, and adults and children in armed conflict situations.
“They can change and start anew, provided the government is there to assist them. They are willing to turn their lives around, reunite with their families, oversee their children’s education, and rebuild their homes,” Tanjusay emphasized.
The ‘Buong Bansa Mapayapa’ or BBM peace and development program aims to formalize the convergence of various efforts within the agency to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — A total of P21.8 billion in social pensions has been given to over 3.7 million indigent senior citizens nationwide from January to June 2024, a senior official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) disclosed on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
“The DSWD has disbursed a total of P1.8 billion for the first half of 2024 to some 3,723,323 indigent senior citizens nationwide. This year, the Department started distributing the increased pension of P1,000 from P500,” said Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson.
The Social Pension (SocPen) program, under Republic Act No. 9994, or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” provides a monthly stipend of P500 to indigent senior citizens to help with their daily subsistence and medical needs.
As mandated by Republic Act 11916, also known as “An Act Increasing the Social Pension of Senior Citizens,” which became law in July 2022, indigent senior citizens are now entitled to a monthly stipend of P1,000, up from the previous P500 per month, starting January 2024.
The pension is distributed on a semestral basis at P6,000 per semester, or P1,000 per month for six months.
“Seniors who qualify to receive social pensions are those aged 60 years and above who are frail, sickly, or with disabilities and without any pension from other government agencies,” Dumlao pointed out.
She added that senior citizens without a permanent source of income, financial assistance, or compensation to support their basic needs are also eligible to receive the social pension.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Recognizing the need for legal knowledge in social work, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Academy has launched a paralegal course to equip social welfare and development practitioners with essential legal skills for their field.
The second batch of 30 trainees from various local government units (LGUs) nationwide received their “Certificate Course on Paralegal Training for Social Welfare and Development Practitioners” during a seminar held from July 8 to 12 in Pasig City.
“It is critical to empower social workers with legal knowledge, especially on social protection and social development laws and legal processes, to bridge the gap between legal knowledge and social welfare practice,” said Undersecretary for Standards and Capacity Building Group (SCBG) Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas in her welcome address.
Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB) Director Justin Caesar Anthony Batocabe discussed the rationale behind the training and provided an overview of the DSWD Academy’s broader mission. He emphasized its commitment to professional development and effective service delivery.
“By investing in the continuous education of social welfare practitioners, the DSWD Academy aims to strengthen the social welfare and development sector’s capacity. It also reinforces the agency’s commitment to fostering a just and inclusive society by advocating for the rights of vulnerable clients and providing more impactful social protection services,” Batocabe said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just like the Scout motto “Laging Handa,” the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is prepared to send augmentation assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by flooding in the northern part of Cebu province and parts of Negros Oriental, an official of the agency’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said on Wednesday (10 July 2024).
“Following the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the DSWD, through its Field Office in the Central Visayas Region, is consistently coordinating with concerned LGUs and counterpart offices to ensure that those affected by the flooding due to the easterlies will receive sufficient assistance,” Asst. Secretary for DRMG Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said.
As of press time, the DSWD FO-7 (Central Visayas) has an inventory of 56,258 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) worth Php32.8 million as well as other food and non-food items amounting to Php50.7 million and standby funds worth Php5 million.
In addition, the DSWD Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City has 60,636 boxes of FFPs and a stockpile of other food and non-food items worth Php20.9 million.
The DSWD Field Office-7 also rendered technical assistance to the Municipality of Bindoy in Negros Oriental in the profiling of internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking temporary shelter in evacuation centers.
The Department also reminded affected citizens to continue to remain vigilant, and to cooperate with their local executives to prevent any untoward incidents due to the inclement weather.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Alarmed by reports that many people have fallen prey to social media scammers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday (9 July 2024) cautioned the public to be vigilant and to refrain from engaging with Tiktok and other social media accounts that promise educational assistance from the agency.
“Once again, we advise the public not to engage with social media contents that are not issued from the official social media accounts of the DSWD. These pages and groups contain fake information that aims to mislead the public or, even worse, gather personal information which can be used by online scammers to perform theft,” warned DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson.
Dumlao reiterated that clients must undergo interview and assessment to avail of the agency’s financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
“The financial assistance is extended only through the agency’s Crisis Intervention Unit/Section (CIU/CIS) located at the Central Office and in all DSWD Field Offices nationwide,” Dumlao pointed out.
The AICS program is one of the DSWD’s frontline services that provides a wide range of services, including cash assistance for food, transportation, medical services, funeral expenses, and other essential needs of those who are in crisis and are found eligible as assessed by the attending social worker.
On the educational assistance, the DSWD implements the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, which is the reformatted educational assistance program of the agency.
The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program creates a learning ecosystem wherein college students in state universities and colleges (SUCs) will be capacitated and deployed as tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) to help improve the reading proficiency of elementary students who are struggling to read or are non-readers.
“We remind our citizens to always check your sources of information online and engage only with official government websites and social media pages with verification check marks,” Dumlao cautioned.
She added that the DSWD will continue to issue advisories to alert the public against fake information in social media through its official Facebook page, https://web.facebook.com/dswdserves.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced a series of activities in partnership with various organizations to commemorate the inaugural National Disability Rights Week from July 17 to 23.
“We advocated for this to become a National Disability Rights Week to empower persons with disabilities in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD),” said Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum on July 4 at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.
Through Proclamation No. 597, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared July 17 to 23 of every year as “National Disability Rights Week” to promote a rights-based approach and raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The proclamation assigns the DSWD, through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), to lead, coordinate, and supervise the annual observance.
This year’s celebration will be themed “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.”
The DSWD, NCDA, and their partner non-government organization, the Project Inclusion Network, will kick off the festivities with the Philippine Disability Convention and Expo (ConEx) on July 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
“This embodies a whole-of-society approach where government and non-government organizations come together. When government and the private sector collaborate, remarkable outcomes tailored to vulnerable sectors are achieved,” Fallarcuna emphasized.
The ConEx event, which is free to attend, will include capacity-building and learning sessions for Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) in local government units (LGUs).
Moreover, the event will feature a “one-stop shop” showcasing products and services from businesses run by and for PWDs.
Exhibitors from government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector will also participate, offering services and job opportunities for PWDs.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Being the lead government agency for social protection, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary for External Assistance and Development Juan Carlo “JC” Marquez on Thursday (04 June 2024) vowed that it will continue to fulfill its mandate to develop, implement and coordinate social protection and poverty-reduction solutions for the poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged.
This assurance was made as he disclosed that social protection was considered among the top priorities in the proposed 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the government’s spending plan which was approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the 17th Cabinet meeting held at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday (2 July 2024).
“The DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, assures the public that our ongoing initiatives are in line with the priorities of the Marcos administration,” said Asst. Secretary Marquez, who is also the DSWD co-spokesperson.
Based on the President’s directives and policy guidance, social protection is among the administration’s priorities alongside food security, healthcare, housing, disaster resilience, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and energization.
Social protection is one of the expenditure priorities that is geared towards achieving the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
The NEP, once approved by both houses of Congress, will be known as the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) and will eventually become the General Appropriations Act (GAA) once signed into law.
Under the approved NEP amounting to P6.352 trillion, the DSWD’s proposed budget for 2025 was P229.3 billion.
Almost half of the DSWD 2025 budget goes to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the government’s flagship program for poverty alleviation that provides cash grants to household beneficiaries to make them self-sufficient.
“Recently, we partnered with private agencies in digitizing the disbursement of cash grants to 4Ps beneficiaries and other social protection programs of the Department,” Marquez said.
Under the Human Capital Development, establishment and upgrading interoperable social registries targeting systems for vulnerable sectors, and shifting to digital payments of cash transfer programs are some of the presented plans for social protection.
Marquez further said achieving a universal, modern, and integrated social protection system, and developing and implementing adaptive and shock-responsive interventions are also included in the priorities under social protection
“Once approved, this will benefit the qualified and compliant beneficiaries, ensuring that they will continue to receive the grants that will help them attain self-sufficiency and eventually break the intergenerational cycle of poverty in their families,” the DSWD co-spokesperson pointed out.
The DSWD is set to launch a dynamic social registry (DSR) that aims to enhance the exchange of updated demographic and migration data, crucial for targeting and supporting vulnerable households.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to launch ‘i-Registro’, a dynamic social registry (DSR) that offers self-service registration and data authentication for potential beneficiaries.
This initiative is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance the delivery of social protection programs.
“The i-Registro aims to improve the exchange of updated demographic and migration data, which is crucial for targeting and supporting vulnerable households,” said DSWD National Household Targeting Office (NHTO) Director Jimmy Francis Schuck II on Wednesday, July 2.
Schuck explained that i-Registro is part of the agency’s digital transformation efforts, designed to streamline the provision of social protection services.
During the initial phase, the system will focus on self-service registration and information authentication for pregnant and lactating mothers (PLMs) from the municipality of Pateros in Metro Manila, Cordova in Cebu, and Floridablanca in Pampanga. These areas have been identified as pilot sites for the project.
In preparation for the pilot launch, the NHTO conducted a series of stakeholders’ orientation activities on June 24, 25, and 27 with staff and officials from the three local government units (LGUs) and their respective barangay local government units (BLGUs).
“The staff of the NHTO and its regional counterparts in the DSWD Field Offices also participated in the orientation,” Schuck added.
He emphasized the importance of this activity and the collaborative approach to ensure seamless integration and understanding among local stakeholders.
“These LGU orientation activities are part of our ongoing efforts to prepare the LGUs for the pilot testing of i-Registro. They aim to present the plans and strategies for the pilot testing and to gather feedback and support from the LGUs and BLGUs,” Schuck pointed out.
The i-Registro initiative aligns with the national government’s efforts to simplify access to and improve the efficiency of social welfare programs.
“By leveraging technology and real-time data exchange, the DSWD aims to elevate the well-being of disadvantaged Filipinos and ensure equitable access to essential services,” Schuck concluded.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — To strengthen the agency’s peace and development programs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held the final phase of its benchmarking study and field research in the provinces of Samar and Leyte from June 26 to 28 this year.
“The results of the benchmarking study and field research will be included in the enhancements to the Case Management Guide for handling cases of former members of non-state armed groups (FMNSG) and utilized for enhancing the peace and development programs and services for the members of FMNSG’s eventual reintegration in the community,” said Salvador Arcangel VIII, social healing unit head of the DSWD’s newly established Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa-National Program Management Office (PDBBM-NPMO).
A team composed of members from the Office of the Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (OUSISPSC), PDBBM-NPMO, and the DSWD Field Office-8 (Eastern Visayas), partnered with the local government units (LGUs) of the two provinces to conduct focus group discussions (FGD) with former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and ‘militia ng bayan’ members.
The team also interviewed provincial and municipal social welfare and development officers, E-CLIP focal persons, local leaders in San Isidro, Leyte, and the president of the Eastern Visayas Federation of former CPP-NPA members.
Before the activities, the team had a courtesy call with the offices of the provincial governors and municipal mayors of Calbiga and San Isidro, represented by their respective administrators.
The activity was also attended by the regional representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The field research completes the six phases of data gathering for the FMNSGs, which include the Abu Sayyaf Group, Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), Dawlah Islamiyah (Maute Group), KAPATIRAN and the CPP-NPA.
“The CM Guide enhancement is in line with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian’s directive to identify effective psychosocial interventions, in addition to short-term cash and material assistance for the former rebels’ full transformation as they reintegrate into their communities,” Arcangel VIII said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — With its goal to finally break what it calls the intergenerational cycle of poverty, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program-National Program Management Office (4Ps-NPMO), has reiterated its advocacy for the self-sufficiency of 4Ps beneficiaries.
This was stressed during a multi-stakeholder forum on Thursday (27 June 2024) at the Lucky Chinatown Hotel in the City of Manila.
“Makikita natin na iisa lang ang ating misyon, to break the vicious cycle of intergenerational cycle of poverty. Maraming mga insights kaninang sinabi [ang mga resource persons] na maaaring tutukan ng ating mga partners kung ano ang mga kakulangan para ang isang household na tatawid ay magkaroon ng higher level of well-being,” DSWD National Household Targeting System and 4Ps Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera said.
The forum with the theme “4Ps: Towards Beneficiaries’ Self-sufficiency” was aimed at discussing and strategizing on how to further enhance the program’s impact and sustainability among the representatives from both national and local government, private sector partners, and with the beneficiaries themselves.
Cabrera underscored that the forum provided a platform for the DSWD and its partners to determine gaps that needed to be addressed in pursuit of the self-sufficiency of the 4Ps beneficiaries.
She thanked the partner stakeholders for assisting the DSWD in continuously improving the 4Ps as she cited the latest digital financial literacy initiative with financial service providers.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong tulong at sa inyong paggabay sa ating beneficiaries during the digital financial literacy activities,” Cabrera said.
Maharlika NuMedia learned that the “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan” financial digital initiative aims to educate, inform, and encourage beneficiaries to utilize digital applications for managing their finances, especially for the beneficiaries living in remote areas.
“Huwag kayong magsawang tumulong sa amin para at least matulungan natin ang ating mga kababayan in the vulnerable sector. So, at this point, I wish to thank you all for coming over [to the forum],” Undersecretary Cabrera added.
For her part, 4Ps National Program Manager Director Gemma Gabuya highlighted the critical role of collaboration among all stakeholders in achieving the program goals of self-sufficiency for its beneficiaries.
“Kung ano man po ang mga milestone na na-achieve ng program, you are part of that. Kasama po kayo [mga partners]. Kaya sa araw na ito, we will again reminisce and celebrate ang ating mga contributions. Nandito tayong lahat, sabi nga, we talk about partnership, we talk about convergence, we talk about whole of nation approach,” Gabuya pointed out.
The 4Ps national program manager also urged the beneficiaries to actively play their part in the overall effort to fight poverty.
“They [4Ps beneficiaries] will be the ones to stop the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Iyon po ang long term goal ng programa. [Ang] short term, makapag-aral ang mga anak ng mga mahihirap. We have to invest in their education and health because naniniwala tayo na the more the children are in school, the greater or the higher chance of getting out of poverty,” Gabuya explained.
During the forum, select 4Ps beneficiaries from five regions who have excelled in their respective professional board examinations, alongside a diverse range of stakeholders such as development partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and local government, shared their insights and experiences on the program.
The forum is part of the 5th anniversary celebration of Republic Act No. 11310 or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Act of 2019 which paved the way for the institutionalization of the 4Ps.
The forum was attended by the member agencies of the 4Ps National Advisory Council, National Technical Working Group, development partners, provincial social welfare and development offices, and 4Ps beneficiaries.
The DSWD, through its 4Ps-NPMO, continues to call for support from its partners in helping 4Ps beneficiaries achieve their desired well-being through the provision of conditional cash grants for the education, health, and nutrition of their children.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In preparation for this year’s implementation of Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducts capability building among second to fourth-year college student-beneficiaries from select state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local government-run universities in participating regions nationwide.
“Under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, college students will be engaged as tutors and youth development workers (YDWs). Student-tutors will hold reading sessions for struggling and non-reader elementary learners while the YDWs will conduct Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions for parents and guardians of the grade school program beneficiaries,” DSWD Asst. Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Wednesday (26 June 2024).
To date, some 3,881 tutors and YDWs have been trained on how to properly demonstrate effective teaching techniques among struggling and non-reading elementary learners, and their parents and guardians.
Guidebooks and manuals to be used by tutors and YDWs were also introduced and discussed during the capacity building activities.
“We are done with the pilot testing and saw remarkable results among the beneficiaries. For this year, we have expanded the program and partnered with the different local government units in Regions 3 (Central Luzon), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN), CALABARZON, and National Capital Region,” Dumlao disclosed.
According to the DSWD spokesperson, the agency is targeting 85,213 elementary learners, together with their parents and guardians, 8,522 tutors, and 1,768 YDWs for the program from the said regions.
Community assemblies were being conducted to orient parents of incoming Grade 2 learners on the guidelines of the program. The assembly also serves as a venue for parents to raise concerns and seek clarifications regarding the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.
“To strengthen the family and community support system of elementary learners who are struggling to read or are non-readers, parents and guardians of the elementary student-beneficiaries, who are the first teachers to their children, will have to attend Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions,” Dumlao further said.
Parents and guardians of the elementary learners will receive cash aid for attending the Nanay-Tatay teacher sessions and rendering assistance in preparing the needs of their children for learning and reading sessions, and assisting them in their after-reading session assignments, as well as other related activities.
The DSWD has also started the distribution of kits to tutors and YDWs, designed to enhance the effectiveness of the program. The kits include essential teaching tools and resources such as metacards, chalks and markers, among others.
“We will also provide school supplies like crayons, notebooks, pencils, and erasers to elementary learners,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is the DSWD’s reformatted educational assistance that creates a learning ecosystem, wherein college students will be capacitated and deployed as tutors and YDWs to help improve the reading proficiency of elementary students who are struggling to read or are non-readers.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of a hunger-free and progressive society, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian flew to General Santos City on Friday (21 June 2024) to showcase the agency’s three innovative flagship programs that aim to address the issue of illiteracy, hunger and families and individuals in street situations.
“Tatlo kasi yung trabaho namin — social welfare, development, at disaster response. Kadalasan, natatandaan lang kami for two things, social welfare, at pangalawa, disaster response. We keep on forgetting yung middle name namin, which is development,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his message during the kick-off activity for the Walang Gutom Information Caravan in Region 12.
The DSWD chief reiterated that there is more to DSWD than immediate relief.
“There are long term programs on how to pull people out of poverty permanently. And today, it’s good to be back in Region 12 kasi we are talking about long term development programs,” Gatchalian pointed out.
The three DSWD flagship programs that the DSWD chief highlighted were the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP), Oplan Pag-abot Program, and the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.
The FSP is a priority program of the Marcos Administration that aims to address involuntary hunger by providing food augmentation to the bottom 1 million households based on the Listahanan 3, who belong to the food-poor criteria as defined by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Oplan Pag-Abot Program, on the other hand, aims to reach out to families, children, and individuals in street situations and provide them with necessary interventions such as, but not limited to, medical help, food aid, transportation and relocation assistance, livelihood opportunities, transitory family support packages, and emergency financial and transitory shelter assistance, among others.
To help college students and struggling elementary learners, the agency implements the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, which is the reformatted educational assistance of the DSWD that creates an ecosystem of learning wherein college students will be capacitated and deployed as tutors to teach poor and non or struggling readers in elementary and as Youth Development Workers (YDWs) to conduct Nanay-Tatay learning sessions.
In the afternoon, Gatchalian was joined by General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao to lead the payout for 265 college student-participants of the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.
Each of the students received Php3,000 for transportation allowance to attend the learning sessions.
The DSWD chief also held an open forum with local officials and other stakeholders to address issues in the implementation of DSWD programs and services.
Also present in the information caravan were DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay, Asst. Secretary for Innovations Baldr Bringas, Asst. Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao, and DSWD Field Office -12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) Regional Director Loreto Cabaya Jr.
The Walang Gutom Information Caravan aims to intensify awareness and knowledge of the general public on the DSWD’s flagship programs.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Recognizing the crucial role of fathers in child-rearing and development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the ERPAT (Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities) project.
This initiative emphasizes the importance of fathers’ roles, responsibilities, and abilities in parenting.
“The project acknowledges the significant role of fathers in various aspects of child-rearing and development, including the care and behavior management of adolescent children,” said Assistant Secretary Dumlao, who also serves as the DSWD spokesperson, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
Coincidentally, Father’s Day was celebrated last Sunday, June 16, 2024.
To further strengthen the program, the DSWD continues to conduct capacity building and training for implementers, ERPAT members, and local government units (LGUs).
In May, the DSWD Field Office-7 (Western Visayas) held the first ERPAT Regional Summit as part of the International Day of Families (IDF) 2024 celebrations. During the summit, family advocates and experts on family affairs discussed various topics to enhance the knowledge and skills of ERPAT members, according to Dumlao.
The DSWD spokesperson explained that ERPAT aims to enhance and strengthen the parenting capabilities of Filipino fathers, enabling them to fulfill their familial tasks and responsibilities effectively. The program encourages fathers to play an active and equal role with their spouses or partners in promoting the optimal development of their children and other family members. Additionally, it supports fathers in taking active leadership roles within their communities to promote positive family life.
Fathers of Families at Risk Also Considered
ERPAT primarily targets biological fathers, including solo fathers, returning migrants/Overseas Filipinos (OFs), released prisoners, and persons with disabilities. The project also includes adoptive fathers, newlywed husbands, organized father groups, male caregivers, foster fathers, and guardians.
The program focuses on families facing various challenges, such as mild and severe abuse cases, poor health or nutrition, the presence of out-of-school youth, inappropriate behavior models from family heads or members, substance abuse, and solo male parents.
“We at the DSWD aim to ensure our programs and services are inclusive, leaving no sector behind. We will continue to enhance our programs and services to improve the lives of Filipino families,” Dumlao said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Acting swiftly on the complaint of a pregnant woman who was short-changed of her cash assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office -11 (Davao Region) has assisted the victim in the filing of criminal and administrative charges against the chief of Barangay Sinawilan and a barangay kagawad allegedly involved in the deduction of P8,500 from the supposed P10,000 cash aid last June 6.
Based on the instruction of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, criminal and administrative charges have been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman in Davao City against against the chief of Barangay Sinawilan and a barangay kagawad who readily admitted in a video interview with Brigada News FM Davao that they deducted a large portion of the cash assistance received by the pregnant beneficiary Anne Villarin.
The DSWD Field Office -11 (Davao Region) assisted Villarin in the filing of criminal and administrative charges.
A complaint affidavit was also jointly executed by Villarin and DSWD FO-11 Regional Director Atty. Vanessa Goc-ong, on behalf of the Department.
The formal complaint was submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman in the Davao Region, together with the affidavit of witnesses and authentication executed by the Brigada News FM Davao reporter and Field Office-11’s Legal Assistant.
“Our office has also provided Mrs. Villarin with an additional P8,500 because she refused to accept the money being returned by the barangay officials after the post went viral,” Asst. Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Friday (14 June 2024).
Villarin is the pregnant woman from Sinawilan, Matanao, Davao del Sur who complained in a video that the P10,000 she received during the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fishermen, and their Families (PAFFF) payout on June 6 in Digos City was reduced by the barangay to a measly P1,500.
In the viral video, Villarin said that after receiving the cash aid, she was informed that it was mandatory to remit the money to the Barangay Hall of Sinawilan.
“As guaranteed by Secretary Gatchalian, the barangay officials will be held accountable and be given the most harsh action. We will also ensure to maintain an open communication with Mrs. Villarin throughout the pendency of the case and to assist her as she nears the end-stage of her pregnancy,” Dumlao stressed.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Responding quickly to the dire situation in Negros island due to the sudden eruption of Kanlaon volcano, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided humanitarian assistance worth P758,070 to affected families.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that Mount Kanlaon has erupted 30 times since 1819, with an unforgettable incident on August 10, 1996 when 24 mountain climbers hiked the volcano and it erupted without warning, killing British student Julian Green and Filipinos Jamrain Tragico and Neil Perez, who were trapped near the summit close to the crater.
According to local legend, there was a couple named Kang and Laon, who eloped after their warring chieftain fathers tried to keep them apart. They were captured and died in the wilderness, and from their deathbed, a volcano emerged which is now known as Kanlaon Volcano.
“Through DSWD Field Offices-6 (Western Visayas) and 7 (Central Visayas), the Department provided P611,980 in aid to Negros Occidental and P146,090 to Negros Oriental,” DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) and the agency’s spokesperson Irene Dumlao said on Wednesday (5 June 2024).
She added that the assistance given to date includes family food packs (FFPs) and non-food items such as family kits and sleeping kits.
In line with the DSWD’s mandate as the head of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster, the agency is also assisting concerned local government units (LGUs) in monitoring the condition of the 426 families or 1,414 persons currently taking temporary shelter in 11 evacuation centers in the two provinces, Dumlao further said.
The DSWD and concerned localities have also established child-and women-friendly spaces to protect children, nursing mothers and pregnant evacuees.
“Due to the heightened vulnerability of children during disasters, such as the recent Mt. Kanlaon volcanic eruption, child-friendly and women-friendly spaces were set up to enhance their resilience against the negative effects of emergency situations on their well-being,” Dumlao pointed out.
“These spaces offer activities such as psychosocial counseling, games, educational activities, art therapy sessions, and supplementary feeding, among others,” the DSWD spokesperson added.
The establishment of child- and women- friendly spaces during disasters is aligned with Republic Act No. 10821, known as the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Cognizant of the people’s need to communicate with their loved ones during calamities and disasters, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) new Mobile Command Centers (MCCs) offer free Wifi connectivity as well as charging of cellphones.
This was disclosed on Monday (3 June 2024) by DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Irene Dumlao who said the new MCCs that were sent off to the agency’s regional field offices last May 28 were equipped with state-of-the-art satellite internet, gadgets and generators that can be used as a source of power supply and internet connection for communities in disaster areas.
“Our MCCs offer system redundancy because of their capacity to provide internet connection, through satellite internet, and power supply from generator sets/uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This means that it can help many affected residents connect with their loved ones when the power supply in their area is down,” Dumlao, the DSWD’s spokesperson, explained.
She said the MCCs are equipped with UHF Digital Handheld Digital Radio, allowing disaster response teams to monitor and respond immediately within the coverage through voice transmission and messaging.
The DSWD official said the MCCs also have Wireless Access Points that provide coverage in disaster-stricken areas or challenging terrain where wired connectivity is not feasible or restrictive. It also has laptops for report preparation and data consolidation, as well as TVs and monitors for information monitoring.
“We have already deployed the MCCs in the 14 DSWD Field Offices. We are expecting two more based on the agreement of Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the Office of Senator Joel Villanueva, so that all of our Field Offices will have MCCs on standby for any disaster or calamity,” Dumlao bared
Aside from its connectivity features, it was gathered that the MCC also has the capability of monitoring the Food and Non-Food Items (FNIs) in warehouses and storage facilities, including Family Food Packs (FFPs) in the production hubs and logistics tracking.
(el Amigo/MNM)