By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address concerns regarding water insufficiency and food security.
The MOU was signed on Friday, May 31, integrating DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program and DSWD’s Project LAWA at BINHI.
Through the MOU, DOLE will extend its TUPAD Program to disadvantaged workers identified by local government units nationwide. The target beneficiaries include farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, and other climate- and-disaster-vulnerable families.
According to DOLE, the TUPAD program is a safety net that provides temporary wage employment to disadvantaged workers through engagement in community, disaster recovery, and rehabilitation projects.
Meanwhile, Project LAWA at BINHI aims to implement activities focused on addressing water insufficiency and food security through various community projects.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a whole-of-nation approach in helping the tourism workers get back on their feet, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco personally handed over on Monday (27 May 2024) cash aid to 1,283 tourism workers affected by various disasters in the Davao region.
During the ceremonial turnover of cash aid in Mati, Davao Oriental, the tourism workers in the tourism industry who suffered damages due to severe flooding in February this year, were given cash assistance through the DOT’s project Bayanihan sa Bukas sa may Pag-asa para sa Turismo (BBMT).
Organized by the DOT, the provision of assistance was supported by the DSWD Secretary by mobilizing the agency’s resources to provide aid and livelihood opportunities to the affected population as they recover from the hardship caused by the weather disturbances.
Gatchalian was joined by DSWD Field Office-11 (Davao Region) Regional Director Vanessa Goc-ong during the activity.
For the part of DOT, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Chief of Staff and Concurrent Undersecretary for Tourism and Regulation Coordination and Resource Generation and Director for Regional Office VII Shahlimar Hofer Tamano; and Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation Maria Rica Bueno attended the aid giving.
Local government officials were also present at the event, including Davao Oriental 1st District Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang Sr., Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno D Almario, Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat, Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr, Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga, and Davao Oriental Governor Ñino Sotero Uy Jr.
Gatchalian supported the project following the request from DOT Secretary Frasco for the agency to assist the disaster-affected workers in the tourism industry.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Responding immediately to the distressed situation of thousands of families affected by Tropical Storm ‘Aghon’ in the Bicol region, an official of the Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) on Sunday (26 May 2024) disclosed that close to P1 million worth of aid has so far been extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said more than P972,000 worth of assistance from the DSWD and more than P316,600 from concerned local government units (LGUs) have been extended to the affected families from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon.
“The DSWD is working tirelessly in coordination with LGUs to ensure the timely distribution of relief goods and other essential services to the affected population,” Dumlao said.
She added that the agency is closely monitoring the areas affected by ‘Aghon’ and coordinating with concerned LGUs to provide immediate and appropriate assistance.
“The relief package includes food packs, hygiene kits, and other basic necessities to support the displaced families,” Dumlao bared.
Based on the latest DSWD-DRMG report, ‘Aghon’ has affected a total of 6,542 families or more than 8,200 persons from 22 barangays in Bicol, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas regions.
“We have prepositioned more than 24,900 family food packs in the said regions which are available for distribution as the need arises,” Dumlao noted.
Meanwhile, it was learned that the DSWD’s National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NLRMB) is set to dispatch additional boxes of food packs to Field Office 4A (CALABARZON Region) to augment the stockpile for the regional office’s disaster response efforts.
The DSWD has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow the safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In its bid to help attain peace and progress in the country, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Alan Tanjusay has led the official rollout of the agency’s field study in Kabankalan City through a courtesy visit with the local officials.
On Wednesday (22 May 2024), Tanjusay, together with Peace and Development Buong Bansa Mapayapa National Program Manager Erickson Luz, paid a courtesy visit to Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda to kick off the fifth leg of the agency’s benchmarking study with a focus on former rebels.
In this field visit, the DSWD officials will conduct focus group discussions and interviews with the former members of the Rebolusyonaryo Partido Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) in the city.
The fifth phase is part of the DSWD’s initiatives to develop a comprehensive Case Management (CM) Guide catering to former members of various non-state groups, violent extremist groups, and adults and children in armed conflict situations.
In his message, Tanjusay stressed the importance of case management and deradicalization to the full reintegration of former members of non-state armed groups, along with their families, as productive citizens in the community.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — To uphold and protect the welfare and rights of children in conflict with the law (CICLs) as well as children at risk (CARs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reiterated its support for strengthening the implementation of restorative justice principles.
DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs and Attached and Supervised Agencies (ASAs) Emmeline Aglipay Villar emphasized this commitment during the celebration of the 18th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) on Monday, May 20, 2024.
“With the commitment of all actors from the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, duty bearers at different levels of governance, non-government organizations, and development partners, we have made significant and necessary changes. Nonetheless, we still have much to do because of the continuing and evolving challenges and issues affecting our children,” Villar said.
She added that the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), along with stakeholders, must commit to shaping a “Bagong Pilipinas” where CICLs and CARs can transform and become the best versions of themselves.
During the event, Villar also discussed the plans and support needed to bolster the implementation of the JJWA, as amended.
These include:
Implementation of the Comprehensive National Juvenile Intervention Program (CNJIP) at the local level.
Implementation of a deradicalization program for children engaged in terrorism and violent extremism.
Establishment of agricultural camps for children.
Development of a 5-year policy research and evaluation agenda.
Institutionalization of the Juvenile Justice Information System (JJ-MIS).
Institutionalization of the Support for Bahay Pag-Asa Project.
Villar’s presentation was followed by the State of the Children’s Address (SOCA) by Tanya Criscita Manalo, a child representative from the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee Region IV-A (CALABARZON).
Manalo emphasized the need for continuous provision of necessary interventions for CICLs to aid their reintegration into their respective communities.
“Sa pagbabalik ng mga CICL sa komunidad, hangad din ng lahat na sana ay matulungan silang patuloy na makapag-aral, makapagtrabaho, at mawala ang diskriminasyon sa mga CICL. Pangarap din ng mga batang may suliranin sa batas na maibalik ang tiwala sa kanila, makatulong sa kanilang mga pamilya at komunidad, at sa kapwa bata at maging isang advocate sa pagsulong ng mga karapatan ng bawat bata,” Manalo said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — To provide children with opportunities after exiting residential care facilities, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has announced that the agency is advocating for the inclusion of adoption and alternative child care to the menu of programs.
This was emphasized by the DSWD chief during the consultation meeting on Tuesday (14 May 2024) at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
“We are asking you to diversify and add to your existing mandates [the adoption and alternative child care program]. Bibigyan lang natin ng dalawang bagong program [ang mga bata] that will serve as an exit mechanism for [their] reintegration [into a new family],” Gatchalian said.
He added that this initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), an attached agency of the DSWD.
“It is an option that should be ready in your arsenal of interventions,” Gatchalian said.
He also highlighted that the consultation with the stakeholders is part of the efforts of the DSWD and NACC “to come up with a policy that will strengthen the adoption and alternative child care system in the country.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the “marching order” of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay has disclosed that the agency will start this month the validation and registration of some 300,000 families who will comprise the beneficiaries of the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP)” during its full-scale implementation in July.
“As you know we are in our pilot implementation of the Food Stamp Program. But come July ay mag full-scale implementation na tayo sa 21 provinces in 10 regions in the country identified by the Department as priority areas,” Punay said during the Saturday News Forum at the Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
Punay told reporters that the DSWD has hired the needed staff, about 1,000 validators, to conduct the validation and registration of beneficiaries in the FSP sites.
“Very hands on po si Pangulong Marcos, nagbigay po siya ng inputs niya sa design. Pinakialaman ng ating Pangulo ang design. Mga three or four times naming na-present sa kanya ang programa,” Punay said.
He also revealed that the FSP’s design is very meticulous.
Aside from the technical assistance provided by development partners such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), PBBM also gave his inputs, the DSWD official claimed.
Punay said the President wanted the FSP to focus not just on addressing hunger but also on promoting nutrition among the beneficiaries to prevent stunting.
“Gusto po niya ay hindi lamang sagutin ang gutom kundi gusto niyang pakaiinin ng masustansya ang mga benepisaryo,” Punay pointed out.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Realizing the inconvenience of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries lining before the automated teller machines (ATMs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Friday said it will now begin to utilize e-wallets.
The DSWD said in a statement that the use of e-wallets would be more helpful to beneficiaries located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), as opposed to ATMs that they would have to visit in town.
“The wave of the future is cashless transactions. This is an upgrade from the 4Ps beneficiaries basic deposit accounts from the current automated teller machine (ATM) cards to electronic or digital wallets,” DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez announced.
It was learned that from February 24 to February 29, the DSWD also conducted Digital Financial Literacy Programs, in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP); Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation; Ayala Foundation; GCash; and Pay Maya, in several regions l for their beneficiaries in preparation for the 4Ps e-wallet migration.
“Since 2019, the DSWD has been embarking on financial inclusion initiatives to ensure that all 4Ps beneficiaries have fully functioning transaction accounts that they can utilize to help them save money and empower them to become more financially independent,” Lopez quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
Poverty continues to persist two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is evident from the official data provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which shows that a total of 761,150 households remain on the list of beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
This was revealed on Tuesday, October 31, by the agency following a thorough review.
“At ang ibig sabihin po nito ay, iyon nga po, sila po ay mare-retain sa 4Ps program. Ang nakita pong dahilan ng departamento ay ang impact po ng pandemic,” DSWD Undersecretary Edu Punay said in an interview over PTV 4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon hosted by Nina Corpuz.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that DSWD has reviewed around 1.1 million households which benefited from 4Ps.
A total of 339,660 families were assessed as self-sufficient and recommended for graduation or exit from the program.
“Ang ginagawa po dito sa mga graduations po natin, sila po ay ini-endorse sa mga local government units at binibigyan din natin ng mga iba’t ibang assistance or mga programa tulad ng Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) para matulungan pa rin sila kahit wala na sila sa 4Ps program po ay sila’y tuluy-tuloy na bibigyan ng assistance ng pamahalaan,” Punay added.
The government’s 4Ps program aims to help poor families get out of poverty by providing them with financial assistance if they meet certain conditions.
(ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of: Senate of the Philippines
By: Junex Doronio
DESPITE YEARS OF SERVICE, job order and contract of service (Jocos) employees have not been given regular status by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which is now on the hot seat for hiring several undersecretaries and assistant secretaries who have high salaries and other perks and privileges.
“There are too many [contractual employees] at the DSWD up to now. Some of them have been there for 15 years and they’re still contractual. Have pity on them. Maybe we can make them regular employees,” Tulfo told DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the hearing on Wednesday, September 20, conducted by the Senate Committee on Finance on the proposed P207 million budget of the DSWD for 2024.
Of the 37,000 DSWD employees, 8,336 are Jocos.
Gatchalian sheepishly answered that the DSWD would need additional funds to regularize contractual workers.
He also claimed that all undersecretaries and assistant secretaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had been asked to submit their courtesy resignations.
However, he has yet to act on the resignations because they are busy attending budget hearings in Congress.
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go has asked why there are so many undersecretaries and assistant secretaries at the DSWD.
The DSWD chief said that the officials will undergo evaluation for the agency’s streamlining of the operations.
Tulfo also noted the agency’s lack of vehicles, especially those delivering pay-out money for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) beneficiaries.
He said this exposed the employees to constant danger.
Gatchalian said that the department has already submitted numerous requests for plantilla positions to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). (ai/mnm)