THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI vowed to intensify the security in payout centers to ensure beneficiaries would receive the correct amount.
DSWD XI regional director Vanessa Goc-ong said during Kapehan sa PIA on April 15 that they will secure the safety mechanism for every payout of assistance they provide.
This was after an alleged controversial anomaly in the distribution in Davao del Norte where several individuals only received P1,000 instead of P5,000.
“Atong gipanghugtan ang safety mechanism para maklaro nato nga ang assistance will be received in whole by the beneficiary,” Goc-ong said.
She said no individual lodged a formal complaint and the office did not receive any but only reports. The official revealed the reports came from Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
The department said that hotline numbers are posted in conspicuous places for beneficiaries to report observed irregularities.
During the payout, the personnel religiously advise the beneficiaries of the exact amount they will receive for their awareness.
“It is also emphasized that the amount that the beneficiaries will receive is intended solely for them, wala’y pwede makig-tunga, wala’y pwede makig- commission,” she added.
The department also partners with the Philippine National Police to survey the area and observe irregularities that might be present.
The official clarified no DSWD personnel was involved in the anomaly as it reportedly occurred after the payout.
“It happened outside, even for one peso, wala pong involved na DSWD staff,” she added.
DSWD reported they released P2,420,880,428 to its 431,556 Davao Region beneficiaries in 2023 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
To recall, the AICS program of DSWD was allegedly used to incentivize individuals who signed the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution.
