By Onin Develos & Katrina Sanchez/AdDU Interns
THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) presented its achievements and strategic plans during the third episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held on June 11 at the agency’s regional office.
The forum featured key officials from DSWD XI, led by regional director Atty. Vanessa B. Goc-Ong, assistant regional director for administration Merlinda A. Paragamac, and assistant regional director for Operations Dahlia S. Padillo.
The officials discussed the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA) performance report, showcasing the department’s success in the enhancement of support services under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Project Learning Interventions to Address Needs and Gaps ng Onse, organizing consultation dialogues and meetings with local government units for social pension program, and the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Digos City to replicate the comprehensive program.
They also shared the ongoing implementation of e-Panalo, the livelihood settlement grants to former rebels, the supplemental feeding program, and Ayuda (doleout) Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program.
DSWD Region XI assures the continuation of efforts to deliver programs and services through its regional plans for the second half of 2024.
The agency’s 4Ps program seeks to continue partnership forums and consultation dialogue with local chief executives (LCE) and the Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), focusing on livelihood, employment, education and health service provision, and providing relevant interventions through collaborations with national government agencies and LGUs.
Meanwhile, the KALAHI-CIDSS will continue the provision of cash-for-work programs for college students, fresh graduates, and persons with disability (PWDs).
As for the supplementary feeding program (SFP), the DSWD signed a MOA with the National Dairy Authority to provide 4,000 malnourished children and 122,400 child beneficiaries with hot and nutritious meals.
The department also plans to start Project LAWA at BINHI this year. Other programs such as the Social Pension and Centenarian Program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), and Disaster Response and Management will also continue to target beneficiaries.
Through these programs, the DSWD aims to enhance its service delivery and ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of the vulnerable sectors. These programs are expected to directly impact Davao communities, pushing DSWD’s objective of offering all-encompassing social welfare services.
