DSWD Sec., gave thanks to the Media
Welfare and Development (DSWD) affirmed that it will continue to deliver its programs and services to address the needs of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized Filipinos amid the election period.
This after the Commission on Election (COMELEC) granted the Department’s petition for the exemption of its routine and normal expenses from the prohibition against release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds as stated under COMELEC Resolution No. 10747.
The DSWD welcomes the exemption as it will guarantee that the implementation of the regular programs of the Department will not be hampered.
The COMELEC approved the exception request without striking out any item. Among the major programs covered by the Resolution are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable
Livelihood Program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, Inclusive and Sustainable Peace (Programs for the Insurgents/Rebels) and Protective Services. The procurement for Information Technology equipment, support to operations, and other administrative services are also exempted from the prohibition on public spending.
During the en banc session, the DSWD assured the Commission that mechanisms are in place to ensure that its programs and services will not be used for political partisan activities. ###
DSWD now accepts online applications for issuance of solicitation permits
As part of its effort to institutionalize the digitalization among various agency’s operations, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has shifted to online processing of national and regional solicitation permits in consideration of limited face-to-face interactions and liberal use of digital platforms in the solicitation activities, amid the pandemic.
A solicitation permit is a certification issued by the DSWD and local government that authorizes individuals, groups, and other entities to solicit donations or voluntary contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes to prevent any illegal fund drive that exploits the generosity of the donors and intended beneficiaries.
Pursuant to the DSWD Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 5 series of 2021, applications for solicitation permits through the official email addresses of DSWD Central/Field Offices or via mail or courier, are now accepted. Meanwhile, walk-in or physical submission of complete application documents will still be accepted.
Moreover, individuals, groups, corporations, organizations, associations, government agencies, and other entities can also request for a temporary solicitation permit during a state of emergency or calamity, through fast-lane processing. The temporary permit has a maximum validity period of three months for a regional permit and up to six months validity period for a national permit.
Likewise, under MC 5, solicitation permits for the activities to be conducted online, on digital platforms, or social media may also be granted to the eligible entities. The validity period will be based on the submitted project proposal, not exceeding one year for a regular permit, and six months for a temporary permit.
Processing fees for both regional and national solicitation permits during a state of emergency or calamity shall be waived in favor of the applicants.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1564 of 1978 or the Solicitation Permit Law, the DSWD is authorized to regulate the solicitation of donations or receiving of contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes. ###
DSWD ready to assist LGUs affected by Taal Volcano eruption
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public of its readiness to assist local government units (LGUs) affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano, adding that it has enough resources to support disaster operations in the province of Batangas and neighboring areas.
As part of its mandate, the DSWD will provide technical assistance and resource augmentation (TARA) to LGUs to ensure that the immediate needs of evacuees are met.
As of March 29, the DSWD Field Office (FO) IV-A has P5 million available standby funds and 9,922 available family food packs (FFPs) ready for augmentation to affected LGUs in Batangas.
The Department also maintains stockpiles and standby funds amounting to more than ₱1.148 billion. Of which, more than ₱150 million is the available standby funds in the DSWD Central Office and its Field Offices (FOs). A total of 491,437FFPs are also prepositioned in strategic locations around the country.
Likewise, the Department, through its FO IV-A, is consistently coordinating with affected LGUs in Batangas to monitor the condition of more than 1,100families or more than 3,900 individuals who are currently staying in 12 evacuation centers.
Based on Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the LGUs are the first responders in the occurrence of natural and man-made calamities. ###
DSWD chief urges youth leaders to be stewards of good governance
http://www.dzmjonline.net/dpk/asy/dswd-chief-ndrrmc-execs-assess-effects-of-ts-agaton-in-e-visayas/
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista encouraged the youth to become role models and stewards of good governance during the 2022 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Summit held on April 7 at the Baguio Convention Center where he was the guest of honor.
More than 1,000 youth attendees from the different regions in the country participated in the opening of the SK National Summit, a four-day event of the National Youth Commission (NYC) that aimed to discuss and share the experiences, strategies, and best practices of young leaders in addressing community concerns, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and to recognize the sector’s contributions to the community.
In his keynote address, Secretary Bautista emphasized the role of young Filipinos in transforming the Philippines into a better nation and enjoined them to continue to become beacons of truth, integrity, and patriotism by utilizing the resources for the good of humanity.
“All of us have roles to play, and you can help any government agency or institution as part of your contribution to nation-building. But you can do more if you will be part of DSWD’s efforts to uplift the living conditions of our kababayans,” Secretary Bautista said.
“Being a part of the government at such a young age should be taken seriously. Think of it as a gateway or the first step to a greater responsibility. I hope and pray that you make the most of this opportunity to serve. Take it seriously, and not to take it for granted,” he added.
The Secretary also imparted that being a leader entails having positive energy and a proactive attitude, being approachable, decisive, and accountable, and being able to delegate tasks and do what they expect of others.
“A leader has two main tasks: the accomplishment of the mission and to look after the welfare of his followers. In making a decision, you always balance these tasks because each one complements the other. You have to inspire and motivate them to follow you,” Secretary Bautista explained.
“Sa inyong lahat, maraming salamat sa inyong serbisyo at alam ko na ginagawa ninyo ito ‘por el amor ala patria’- dahil sa pagmamahal sa bayan,” he concluded.
The DSWD has always been and will continue to be in close coordination with NYC in promoting and developing programs and services for the welfare of the youth. ###
DSWD resumes implementation of Government Internship Program
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will resume the implementation of the Government Internship Program (GIP) this May after its deferment in 2020 and 2021 in consideration of the safety and protection of the youth from the COVID-19 pandemic.
GIP is one of the components of the Kabataan 2000 program of the Philippine government. It aims to provide an opportunity for both out-of-school and in-school youth to have a hands-on experience of working in different government agencies. The experience introduces the youth to public service which can later help them as they eventually join the workforce.
The assessment of GIP applications for youth aged 19-25 years and in senior high school or college level will begin this 2nd week of May. As one of the criteria to qualify for the program, the family income of the applicants must not be more than the current poverty threshold of Php12,082. They are also required to present their COVID-19 vaccination cards.
A total of 80 slots will be available for each DSWD-Field Office while 35 slots will be accommodated in the DSWD Central Office in Batasan, Quezon City.
The qualified GIP participants will have to render 30 working days of service and will receive a stipend of 75% of the existing wage rate in the region.
GIP participants who will be assigned to various work stations based on their assessed skills in the Central Office will be scheduled in two separate batches as part of the safety measures. Among the regular office work that they will be performing include encoding, report writing, and assisting in the implementation of key programs of the Department. Meanwhile, the GIP participants in DSWD Field Offices will render service to their respective LGUs with the same assigned tasks.
Over the years, the program has helped youth gain useful experience in public service and learn the value of earning from the fruits of their hard work. ###
DSWD community beneficiary in Bohol receives DILG Safety Seal
Community volunteers give a thumbs-up during the turnover of handwashing facilities.
The local government unit (LGU) of Sevilla, Bohol was awarded a Safety Seal Certification from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for having 43 units of handwashing stations established through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).
The Safety Seal Certification program of DILG measures the compliance of an establishment, organization, and other units to minimum public health standards.
KALAHI-CIDSS is the Community-Driven Development (CDD) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program provides community subproject grants through CDD to enable LGU beneficiaries to manage the local transmission of COVID-19 cases while helping communities implement their priority needs.
The availability of handwashing stations in all 13 barangays, among other measures, highly contributed to the Municipality of Sevilla receiving the DILG certification. Moreover, KALAHI-CIDSS also provided medical equipment, sanitary products, and disinfectants to supplement the LGU’s and partner health agencies’ adherence to health standards.
Through these sub-projects, the DSWD ensures that LGU-beneficiaries maintain safe public spaces, which are critical to the reopening of local economies.
Angelita Calamba, Barangay Development Council Technical Working Group Head, said, “Salamat sa KALAHI-CIDSS sa paghatag kanamo og handwashing facility. Napahimuslan kini namo aron malikayan ang pagsaka sa kaso sa COVID-19. Kini nagamit usab sa mga evacuees sa among barangay human mi naapektohi sa Bagyong Odette (Thanks to KALAHI-CIDSS for providing us with these handwashing facilities. We took advantage of this to stop the spread of COVID-19 cases. It also helped evacuees in our barangay after we were affected by Typhoon Odette).”
In its bid to adopt to the new normal, the inclusion of safety measures as part of the sub-projects to be funded under KALAHI-CIDSS is just one of the innovations adopted by the DSWD at the height of the pandemic.
As the threat of the COVID-19 continues, the DSWD emphasized that processes and programs must be responsive to counter the threat to development caused by this health disaster.
The Department continues to remind its beneficiaries and the public to remain vigilant in the midst of the pandemic and adhere to health and safety protocols. ###
DSWD, World Bank launch Emergency Cash Transfer operations manual
http://www.dzmjonline.net/dpk/asy/dswd-continues-to-implement-the-balik-probinsya-bagong-pag-asa-program/
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista and World Bank Senior Economist Dr. Yoonyoung Cho unveil the cover of the Operations Manual (OM) for the implementation of the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) During Disasters on April 18 at the DSWD Central Office. Joining Secretary Bautista and Dr. Cho are San Juan, La Union Councilor Reginald Nang (right) and Tagudin, Ilocos Sur Mayor Roque Versoza, Jr. (left). The ECT was pilot tested in the two areas.
ECT is considered a milestone mechanism that will provide unconditional cash assistance to immediately bring relief and recovery support to disaster-affected citizens. It will complement the provision of food and non-food aid to promptly help disaster-stricken families to return to normalcy.
The DSWD pledges to guarantee the integrity of the ECT process by ensuring that the disaster funds will be given to the rightful beneficiaries. ###
DSWD warns public against ‘fake’ recruitment for 4Ps
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) warned the public against individuals posing as DSWD personnel who are conducting recruitment and enlistment activities for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The Department received a report that certain individuals wearing the DSWD red vest are allegedly asking non-4Ps members to provide their birth certificates with a promise to be included in the program. Likewise, these individuals are issuing school certifications to 4Ps beneficiaries to lure them into giving their cash card account numbers.
The Department clarified that there is no ongoing registration of additional 4Ps beneficiaries. It also emphasized that only those households assessed as poor in the Listahanan database are qualified to be registered as 4Ps beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the DSWD reiterated that it did not deploy personnel to gather cash card account numbers of its beneficiaries as these are considered confidential information. The Department added that it is not within the Program’s policy to collect documents such as birth certificates, during the validation of potential 4Ps beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, the Agency urged the public to be extra vigilant in engaging with any malicious individuals and to refrain from giving personal information to others, which may compromise one’s security. Likewise, it reminded the 4Ps beneficiaries and the public to transact business, concerning the program with their City/Municipal Link or visit the nearest DSWD Field Office.
The DSWD appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities involving the Department’s programs and services to the Grievance Redress System text hotline: 0918-912-2813 or email 4psassistance@dswd.gov.ph. The public may also send a message to the Official Facebook Page of 4Ps: https://www.facebook.com/DSWDPantawidPamilya. ###
DSWD chief urges youth leaders to be stewards of good governance
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista encouraged the youth to become role models and stewards of good governance during the 2022 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) National Summit held on April 7 at the Baguio Convention Center where he was the guest of honor.
More than 1,000 youth attendees from the different regions in the country participated in the opening of the SK National Summit, a four-day event of the National Youth Commission (NYC) that aimed to discuss and share the experiences, strategies, and best practices of young leaders in addressing community concerns, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and to recognize the sector’s contributions to the community.
In his keynote address, Secretary Bautista emphasized the role of young Filipinos in transforming the Philippines into a better nation and enjoined them to continue to become beacons of truth, integrity, and patriotism by utilizing the resources for the good of humanity.
“All of us have roles to play, and you can help any government agency or institution as part of your contribution to nation-building. But you can do more if you will be part of DSWD’s efforts to uplift the living conditions of our kababayans,” Secretary Bautista said.
“Being a part of the government at such a young age should be taken seriously. Think of it as a gateway or the first step to a greater responsibility. I hope and pray that you make the most of this opportunity to serve. Take it seriously, and not to take it for granted,” he added.
The Secretary also imparted that being a leader entails having positive energy and a proactive attitude, being approachable, decisive, and accountable, and being able to delegate tasks and do what they expect of others.
“A leader has two main tasks: the accomplishment of the mission and to look after the welfare of his followers. In making a decision, you always balance these tasks because each one complements the other. You have to inspire and motivate them to follow you,” Secretary Bautista explained.
“Sa inyong lahat, maraming salamat sa inyong serbisyo at alam ko na ginagawa ninyo ito ‘por el amor ala patria’- dahil sa pagmamahal sa bayan,” he concluded.
The DSWD has always been and will continue to be in close coordination with NYC in promoting and developing programs and services for the welfare of the youth. ###
DSWD holds sharing session with Philippine Army, DSWD unveils Agency Operation Center and DSWD expands coverage
http://www.dzmjonline.net/dpk/asy/dswd-extends-more-assistance-for-peace-building-4ps-beneficiaries-now-enjoy-benefits-and-dswd-aims-at-improving-service-delivery/
for its continuing Performance Governance Scorecard journey
Colonel Joel Paloma of the Philippine Army (PA) and former Chief of the Army Governance and Strategy Management Office (AGSMO) showcases their PGS Institutionalization journey in the Department’s Joint Executive and Management Committee/Conference with Regional Directors held on 01 March 2022.
After reaching the Proficiency Level in its Performance Governance Scorecard (PGS) journey, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held a sharing session with the Philippine Army (PA) for a benchmarking activity to achieve the Institutionalization Level by 2023.
The PA is one of the few organizations conferred with PGS Institutionalization Stage and awarded with Islands of Good Governance and Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame.
In consulting with the PA, the Department hopes to jumpstart its PGS Institutionalization journey with learning and applying the strategy employed by the organization. The transformation journey of the PA is notable among the PGS implementers. They focused on meeting people’s expectations, on the synchronization of systems and processes, on organizational cohesion, and on ensuring that they are at par with the world’s best.
One of its most notable practices is the integration of Risk Management (RM) into Strategy Execution and documented through the Philippine Army Manual. This linkage is essential as it is a requirement for the Palladium Balanced Hall of Fame application. Another notable innovation of the PA is the merging of the ISO 31000 and COSO which increased PA’s appreciation of the RM.
Through the sharing session, the DSWD was able to draw lessons that would help improve the Department’s Strategy Execution and Sustainability, specifically its cascading mechanism, monitoring and evaluation tools, and the integration of PGS in all existing systems of the Department.
To support the DSWD, Col. Paloma committed their expert assistance should the Department want to further pursue RM. With this initiative, the Department aims to increase its chance of attaining the PGS Institutionalization in 2023, and achieve the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame by 2024. ###
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in Field Office II
In its effort to further improve the delivery of “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo,” the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office II recently unveiled its newly-constructed Agency Operation Center (AOC).
The AOC aims to provide real-time information as well as timely and quick response that will help in carrying out services for disaster response, assistance to individuals in crisis situations, and other programs and initiatives of the Department.
The DSWD remains committed to developing, administering, and implementing comprehensive social welfare programs designed to uplift the living conditions and empower the disadvantaged and marginalized sectors. ###
of peace programs
To impart significant contributions in the country’s drive to attain peace, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expanded the coverage of its peacebuilding programs towards addressing the various risks and vulnerabilities of the different insurgent groups which have plagued our country for decades.
Aside from former rebels (FRs), their families, and households in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities (CAVs), the DSWD now guarantees access to social welfare and development programs and services for former violent extremists (FVEs) and their families, as part of its continuous implementation of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) series of 2018, or an Act institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2 series of 2022 (MC 2) which operationalizes the coverage expansion, former violent extremists are those who were members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Maute Group, Dawlah Islamiyah, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Turaife Group, and other violent extremist groups as may be defined by the Task Force Balik-Loob and likewise must be duly certified by concerned Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Intelligence Committee.
Likewise, the MC 2 provides a clear, responsive, and seamless process in the delivery of social protection packages to the target clients and households of EO 70 through more defined procedures, requirements and eligibility. It also aims to ensure convergence of efforts in all levels within the Department in the provision of various programs and services for all former rebels, former violent extremists, their families, and households in CVAs, in close coordination with the different stakeholders mandated under the EO 70.
With this new milestone, the DSWD further joins other government agencies in the provision of a menu of interventions to end all local armed conflict so that all beneficiaries will have an improved level of well-being from the time they surface to the time they are fully reintegrated in society. Further, this is to provide families in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities with an equitable access to social services.
Meanwhile, the Department continues to implement the EO 70 through the two-track concept to achieve smooth transition and provision of services during the entire reintegration process of the targeted clients.
The first track focuses on providing assistance to individual FRs, FVEs and their families as they chose to reintegrate to civilian life and become productive and law-abiding members of society. The assistance provided include, but are not limited to, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, Psychosocial Interventions and other Protective Services, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
On the other hand, the second track is directed towards ensuring the delivery of social services to communities in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas, through different programs such as the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn, Social Pension, and Supplemental Feeding Program.
The Department is hopeful that through this expansion, more clients will benefit from DSWD’s support to the peace-building initiatives in fulfillment and attainment of a sustainable, just, and lasting peace. ###