131 LGUs commit to implement DSWD’s Yakap Bayan Program

A total of 131 local government units (LGUs) nationwide signed an agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of the Yakap Bayan Program, the reintegration intervention strategy for the rehabilitated Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs (RPWUDs).

YBP is a holistic intervention to assist RPWUDS in their recovery journey and to facilitate their reintegration to their families and their respective communities. The program is the core contribution of the DSWD to the government’s fight against illegal drugs.

As of March 31, 2022, some 131 LGUs nationwide have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DSWD committing to implement the YBP in their respective jurisdiction.

The YBP implementation entails the provision of aftercare services, such as relapse prevention sessions, counselling sessions, health and fitness therapy, spiritual interventions, and skills training, among others, to improve the well-being and social functioning of RPWUDs.

Under the MOA, the LGUs are expected to issue a local policy aimed at institutionalizing the program implementation and the allocation of funds.  With the program implementation, the rehabilitated RPWUDs can look forward to being assisted by the government in their journey back to their families and communities.

Presently, the Department continues to advocate for the institutionalization of YBP in all localities, and has identified three model/pilot areas wherein implementation is closely monitored, and breakthroughs are documented for possible replication.  These model/pilot areas are Tuy, Batangas; Barbaza, Antique; and Glan, Sarangani.

Based on the March 2022 report, the LGUs with existing MOA with the DSWD are composed of three provincial LGUs; 17 City LGUs; and 111 municipal LGUs.

Of the total LGUs, 34 are from Central Visayas with the rest distributed in all regions nationwide as indicated by the signed and duly notarized MOAs.

In line with the Mandanas ruling, the DSWD is currently transitioning to fully devolve the implementation of key programs to the LGUs, including the YBP.

With illegal drugs a threat to the development of the sectors that DSWD serves, the Department continues to exert all efforts at advocating the institutionalization of the YBP in all LGUs. ###

DSWD to turn over 662 community-based projects to poor municipalities

As part of its efforts to promote the institutionalization of community-driven development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to turn over more than 600 community-based projects to various communities nationwide under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services – National Community Driven Development Program (KALAHI-CIDSS) within the second quarter of this year.

KALAHI-CIDSS is one of the poverty alleviation projects of the DSWD that aims to empower communities in targeted poor and disaster-affected municipalities, to achieve improved access to services and to participate in more inclusive local planning, budgeting implementation, and disaster risk reduction and management.

Of these 662 community-based projects, 10 are to be turned over in the provinces of Region I; 212 in Region II; 3 in MIMAROPA; 16 in CALABARZON; 147 in Region V; 46 in Region VII; 20 in Region VIII; 141 in Region IX; 23 in Region X; and 44 sub-projects in Region XII.

Some of the sub-projects include access roads, improved water systems, refurbished multi-purpose buildings, drainage canals, medical supplies, tools, equipment, PPEs, and facilities for COVID-19 Response, barangay health station, and Child Development Centers among others.

From 2016 to February 2022, KALAHI-CIDSS has already completed 28,194 sub-projects benefiting 8,384,693 households around the country.

KALAHI-CIDSS uses a community-driven development approach as a national strategy for community participation in development work. It empowers communities for improved access to basic services and higher participation in more inclusive local governance. ###

DSWD shares transformative governance journey as PGS Mover

Adjudged as an institution belonging to the Performance Governance System (PGS) Movers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) PGS journey was featured in the 25^th Governance Boot Camp Basic Class recently organized by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), Inc.

ISA, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to empowering public institutions in the Philippines for a transformative and sustainable governance.

The Governance Boot Camp was participated in by 61 delegates from various organizations to deepen their understanding of the PGS.  The ISA hosted strategy-centered talks and workshops that cover the necessary ingredients for a successful strategy initiation, execution, and sustainability.

During the Boot Camp, the DSWD was welcomed as one of the PGS Movers in strategy management among the institutions which adopted the PGS pathway in its public service delivery.  Other PGS Movers in the Boot Camp were the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

As part of the Boot Camp highlights, Director Jam Karess Z. Banzon of the DSWD Office for Strategy Management (OSM), recounted the story of the Department’s transformation focusing on how the Agency executed its strategy.  She particularly shared the organizations’ journey towards achieving the Proficiency Level and the conferment of the Silver Trailblazer Award.

The re-establishment of an OSM was instrumental in having an effective execution and alignment of mechanisms in order for the Department to pursue its program goals.  The OSM, as a scorecard manager, ensures the accuracy and validity of progress of the Department along its targets, monitored through the Governance Scorecard.

Furthermore, the OSM became the DSWD’s alignment and initiatives manager, ensuring that the budget structure and performance management system are aligned, as well as the quality management system and the enterprise risk management.

As part of its breakthrough initiatives in its PGS journey, the Department’s renewed partnership with the DSWD Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC) revitalized citizen participation in governance.

Although the Department faced many challenges, especially with the pandemic, the DSWD was able to recalibrate its strategy and targets through the PGS, allowing the Department to provide focused and quality public service.

With the noted improvement in the quality delivery of public service, the Department sees PGS as not just a journey towards getting awards and recognition.  The PGS journey of DSWD became a story of positive transformation of the institution and of all its employees towards the ultimate goal of providing quality service to the sectors that it serves.

For DSWD, the PGS journey is a tangible proof of the Department’s pursuit of maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo (fast and compassionate service) for the poor, vulnerable, marginalized and disadvantaged sectors in society. ###

DSWD chief, NDRRMC execs assess effects of TS Agaton in E. Visayas

Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista and officials of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), and Region VIII DRRMC met on April 14 to assess the impact of TS Agaton in the region and to  determine ways to address these.

Secretary Bautista was also joined by NDRRMC Executive Director, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad; OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV;  representatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region VIII;  members of the Tactical Operations Group; and other officers of the uniformed services during an aerial inspection of the landslide areas in Abuyog, Leyte.

After the aerial inspection, Secretary Bautista proceeded to the Abuyog Community College evacuation center and later on to Barangay Kantagnos, Baybay City to check on the condition of the affected families.

Meanwhile, in continuation of the disaster response operations of the DSWD, Secretary  Bautista conducted an ocular visit in areas affected by TS Agaton in Baybay City, Leyte on April 13  to identify the needs of residents and ensure the continued provision of assistance to them.

Together with DSWD Eastern Visayas Regional Director Grace Subong, Secretary Bautista led the distribution of Family Food Packs (FFPs) to 36 family-victims and P10,000 burial assistance each to the five bereaved families of landslide victims in Barangay Bunga.

The DSWD Secretary also visited the evacuation center in Baybay City Senior High School where landslide victims are currently staying.  Some 46 family-evacuees received FFPs and cash assistance of whom nine families received P10,000 each while the other 37 families received P5,000 each, depending on the assessment of social workers.

As of press time, a total of 5,113 FFPs amounting to more than P3.4 million were delivered to the municipalities of Abuyog, Guiuan, and Baybay City as resource augmentation support to the local government units (LGUs).

The DSWD, through its Field Office VIII, continues to coordinate with concerned LGUs for the  provision of relief assistance and other services for their affected constituents.  Under Republic Act 10121 or the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the LGUs are the first responders during disasters. ###

DSWD among top 10 most approved, trusted government agencies  

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomes the results of the  PAHAYAG 2022 First Quarter Survey (PQ1 2022) conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia, indicating that the Department is among the top 10 most approved and trusted government agencies.

Based on the survey results released on April 8, the DSWD garnered a 59.9% approval rating from the respondents, naming the Department as the fifth most approved government agency. Meanwhile, the Department’s trustworthiness rating is at 40.2%.

The DSWD emphasizes that these numbers were the results of its strong commitment to the Department’s mantra of “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo,” most especially that majority of the Filipinos are still reeling from the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, hike in the prices of fuel products and basic commodities, and even disasters and calamities in the early months of the year. 

Furthermore, the Department noted that the favorable response from Filipinos manifests that the target sectors are satisfied with the service provided to them. The DSWD adds that the result of the survey serves as a motivation for its personnel to continue to work tirelessly as it pledges to strengthen its partnership with local government, civic organizations, and other government agencies to ensure that more families and individuals will achieve a comfortable life as envisioned by the Duterte Administration. ###

SWD partners with social workers’ groups to improve profession, practice

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista (middle), Philippine Association of Social Workers, Incorporated (PASWI) National President Raosauro Luntayao (2nd from right), and Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Incorporated (ALSWDOPI) National President Marybeth Ortiz (2nd from left) present the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sealing their partnership to ensure the development of the social work profession in the country.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Incorporated (PASWI), headed by Mr. Rosauro Luntayao, and the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Incorporated (ALSWDOPI), led by Ms. Marybeth Ortiz, on April 22 to ensure the continuous advancement of the social work practice in the Philippines.

The PASWI is a professional organization committed to strengthen professional competence of social workers to be able to contribute to solutions to emerging social issues and trends, promote a sense of accountability and responsibility among its leaders and members, and strengthen solidarity among its members and key partners in local and global communities.

Meanwhile, the ALSWDOPI is a professional organization of social welfare and development workers which envisions a strong, viable and proactive association with functional provincial, municipal and city chapters and members highly capable of pursuing professional standards in the practice of the social welfare and development work and management with active partnership of agencies, professional groups, and non-government organizations.

In his message during the event, DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista highlighted the influence of social workers as key players in the provision of social welfare and development.

“Social workers are the primary key players in influencing the social welfare and development landscape of the Philippines and in making an impact on the lives of many. Armed with both the sciences – taking into account realities, policies, and theories in the provision of evidence-based recommendations and interventions for the betterment of the people – and the arts – valuing the importance of human relationships and interactions – social work practitioners are catalysts of positive change of our country,” the Secretary said.

Secretary Bautista also expressed his gratitude to the two associations for teaming up with the Department in promoting and enhancing the social work profession for an effective delivery of social services and in protecting the well-being of Filipinos.

“To the officials and members of PASWI and ALSWDOPI, thank you for being our allies in safeguarding the development of social workers. Your support in this endeavor will not only help our practitioners attain personal and professional growth but also guarantee more effective delivery of services and, in turn, uplift the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged,” Secretary Bautista added.

With the upcoming implementation of the Mandanas Ruling, the DSWD, through the Social Welfare Institutional Development Bureau (SWIDB), will collaborate with PASWI and ALSWDOPI in crafting Learning Development Interventions (LDIs) for social workers, and in providing technical assistance to support and promote development programs and projects to local government units (LGUs).

The Department will continue to become active partners of social work organizations in strengthening and improving the social work profession in the country. ###

DSWD continues to implement the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to implement the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa program (BP2) which is open to all eligible Filipinos wanting to start anew in the provinces.

The BP2 Program was enacted through Executive Order (EO) No. 114 to provide measures that can support the decongestion of urban communities through the equitable distribution of wealth and resources, and the provision of social services in the rural areas.

Likewise, it aims to give the beneficiaries who decided to settle in their original hometown or in other resettlement areas, a wide array of opportunities, along with employment, industrialization, and improved quality of services, to start a new life.

Eligible beneficiaries of the program include those who are affected by government projects and legal demolition activities; families living on the street or in danger zones; victims of human-induced or natural disasters, including health hazards such as COVID-19 pandemic; individuals who lost employment or income opportunities; and informal settlers.

Moreover, families belonging to the marginalized, disadvantaged, or vulnerable sectors who may wish to start afresh may also avail of the program.  Other qualifications may include some crisis situations deemed acceptable and valid based on the assessment of the social workers during the period of application.

Providing the needed assistance

In support of this initiative, the DSWD provides transportation assistance and conducts psychosocial support activities for the returning families to assess their situation and facilitate their reintegration into their former or new communities.

Furthermore, the Department is ready to provide immediate relocation and transitional packages, including food, electricity, water, and other basic needs, to help BP2 beneficiaries settle in their hometown or in a new environment. Likewise, livelihood settlement grants will also be provided to sustain their livelihood or continue their economic activities.

The DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) will also provide other interventions, particularly community grants for eligible local government units with returning families to fund projects such as farm-to-market roads, isolation facilities, multi-purpose hall, and other highly-prioritized needs of the community. 

Since 2020, more than 1,800  families were provided with BP2 packages amounting to more than Php104 million.  Meanwhile, more than Php114 million funds were utilized for community grants to fund community sub-projects.

The DSWD encourages those who want to avail of the program to inquire through the DSWD email, address balikprobinsya@dswd.gov.ph, or call the hotline (02) 8952-0697 or (02) 8931-8101, local 513.

The BP2 program is the Department’s contribution to the government’s overall goal to provide hope for a better future to Filipinos through inclusive and balanced urban and rural development across the country. ###

DSWD sends aid to LGUs hit by ‘Agaton’

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) started its response operations to aid local government units (LGUs) affected by Tropical Storm Agaton, the first cyclone to hit the country this year.

Based on the April 12, 6PM report, the Department already provided more than P16.9 million worth of humanitarian assistance to affected localities in Region XI. Likewise, LGUs in Regions VI and Caraga have distributed aid worth more than P4.2 million to their affected constituents.

The Department also assured the public that it has sufficient resources for its disaster response operations. The DSWD maintains stockpiles and standby funds amounting to more than ₱1.22 billion. Of the amount, around P146 million is the available standby funds of the Central Office and the Field Offices. 

Meanwhile, the current stockpiles being maintained by the Department amount to more than P1.078 billion composed of more than 500,000 family food packs, non-food items and other food items.

The breakdown of the abovementioned P1.22 billion in funds and stockpiles is as follows: DSWD Field Office (FO) V has more than P60 million available standby and stockpile funds; FO VI has more than P29 million; FO VII has more than P44 million; FO VIII has more than P36 million; FO X has more than P78 million; FO XI has more than P39 million; FO CARAGA has more than P133 million; and DSWD Central Office and other DSWD FOs with more than P800 million ready to be tapped for disaster response.

The Department, through its concerned FOs, is closely coordinating with concerned LGUs to monitor the situation of affected families.

Alert and prepared for the Lenten Season

Meanwhile, the DSWD also assured the public that it will continue to be on standby during the country’s observance of the Holy Week or ‘Semana Santa” and that Quick Response Teams (QRTs) of its Field Offices nationwide are activated to render service.

As part of DSWD’s preparedness measures, the Department’s Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) will continue to monitor weather conditions and maintain its coordination with regional counterparts.  In addition, the DSWD-National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) and other regional warehouses are ready with FFPs for augmentation support.

The Department also reminded the public to continue to adhere to the minimum health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Lenten Season. ###

DSWD to launch operations manual for emergency cash transfer during disasters

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), with support from the World Bank (WB), will launch the Operations Manual (OM) for the implementation of the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) During Disasters on April 18, 2022 at the Malasakit Building, DSWD Central Office.

The ECT is “an adaptive strategy in bridging the gaps between immediate disaster relief, humanitarian response, and early recovery support through the provision of unconditional cash to victims of disasters and emergency situations requiring interventions.”

The ECT program reduces the financial and administrative costs of the DSWD in delivering various food and non-food items to the affected areas and population. The program also minimizes security risks for personnel and logistical demands since it utilizes financial service providers for the conduct of digital payouts.

Likewise, the program complements existing disaster response support by empowering affected vulnerable families to decide on their own needs using available local resources, thus, supporting the early revival of local markets and acceleration to normalcy of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

As underscored in the DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 17, Series of 2019 or the Guidelines in the Implementation of the Emergency Cash Transfer During Disasters, the launch of the OM of the ECT Program is a key milestone of the Department’s continuing development of programs, projects and strategies to appropriately address the increasing and evolving needs of victims of disasters and calamities. The OM shall serve as guide to the implementers in managing the ECT implementation with the end in view of having its beneficiaries attain immediate normalcy.

The OM launch will be attended by DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, DRMG Undersecretary Felicismo C. Budiongan, Assistant Secretary Rodolfo M. Encabo, Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad, Senior Economist Yoonyoung (Yoon) Cho of the World Bank (WB), Humanitarian Country Team – Cash Working Group (HCT-CWG), other United Nations agencies, donors and International organizations.

As Vice-Chair for the National Disaster Response, the DSWD assured the public that it will uphold the integrity of the ECT process to guarantee the efficient and effective delivery of services and programs to disaster-stricken families.  ###

DSWD extends more assistance for peace-building, 4Ps beneficiaries now enjoy benefits and DSWD aims at improving service delivery

DSWD extends more assistance for peace-building.. initiatives in Western visayas

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Rene Glen Paje (in red vest) together with a family-beneficiary during the turnover of housing units to KAPATIRAN members in Aklan. The housing project is under the efforts of the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn and the Socio-Economic Reintegration Cluster (SERC).

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Rene Glen O. Paje represented Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista during the awarding of housing units to KAPATIRAN beneficiaries in Ibajay, Aklan last March 10, 2022.

The DSWD, in its continuing effort to support the peace-building initiatives through the delivery of social welfare and development services, turned over 16 housing units constructed by the 53rd Engineering Brigade at the Peace and Development Community (PDC) in Barangay Rivera, Cabugao, and San Jose in Ibajay, Aklan. This program is under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) and Socio-Economic Reintegration Cluster (SERC) chaired by Undersecretary Paje. Other participating agencies are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, National Housing Authority, Technical Education and Skill Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Education, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Trade and Industry, National Irrigation Administration, local government units, and other private partners.

Through the PAMANA project, the DSWD partly funded and participated in the turnover of the housing units to the KAPATIRAN members. The PDC site already comprised of the Community Store granted under the Livelihood Settlement Grants (LSG) of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and the Integrated Coco Mill Facility. Installation of electric poles for electricity and solar panels for water pumps is further being developed to include an Emergency Food Reserve Production Plant and 28 more housing units under Phases 2 and 3 of the housing program. PAMANA, led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), is the Philippine government’s framework for peace and development. The DSWD is one of the agencies supporting its implementation by providing socio-economic projects and other interventions to geographically isolated and disadvantaged

areas and conflict-affected and -vulnerable areas. This support comes in the form of livelihood assistance, agricultural infrastructures, and other social services.

The turnover ceremony was led by Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. Aside from Undersecretary Paje, DSWD Field Office (FO) VI Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, and DSWD FO VI Promotive Services Division Chief Luna Moscoso.

During his stay in Aklan, Undersecretary Paje also visited the DSWD projects being implemented in the municipality of Tangalan. He inspected the Social Pension payout in Barangay Tangas, and the Local COVID-19 Center constructed under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in Barangay Tondog.

In addition, the Undersecretary also met with the beneficiaries who were able to establish and operate the Hi-Way Kandingan Resto which already earns P3,000 – P11,000 per month; and the Dumlog Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DUCOFA) Bakery which received LSG worth P15,000 under the SLP. The DUCOFA supplies products to nearby towns and provinces. It also caters to online orders and allows resellers to further their reach in the market.

Lastly, the Undersecretary’s visit is a testament of the commitment of the Department to ensure the provision of anti-poverty initiatives and social protection programs in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities, as part of the peace-building programs of the Duterte administration. ###

4Ps beneficiaries now enjoy benefits.. of transactional accounts

Following the national government’s thrust of an inclusive financial system, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has shifted to a more efficient and safe transaction account for cash grants distribution and other financial transactions for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

With the shift from a cash card to a transaction account, the 4Ps beneficiaries can now receive funds from other sources and store their money in the account which can help them save more money and empower them to become more financially independent.

In addition, beneficiaries no longer need to line up in an automated teller machine (ATM) or go directly to the bank to deposit their money, thus, reducing travel costs and other expenses. Most importantly, transaction accounts are a safe, secure, and efficient way to save more money without the need to enroll in a separate bank account.

The 4Ps transaction account is in the form of a deposit account or e-money or e-wallet.

The 4Ps beneficiaries used to receive their cash grants through their cash cards. Cash cards have limited features such as cash withdrawal through an ATM or over-the-counter. They cannot deposit nor receive money from other sources.

The transition to transaction accounts aims to empower 4Ps beneficiaries to be more financially independent and upskill them to manage their finances effectively and to access financial services responsibly.

Also part of this transition is the conduct of financial literacy sessions through the Family Development Sessions. In the previous year, beneficiaries have been provided with foundational topics on financial literacy such as financial planning, budget and saving; and introduction of transaction accounts. This year, additional topics will be provided along with the basics of banking and consumer protection.

With this effort, DSWD has aligned with the national financial inclusion strategy which is expected to transform the country into a more financially inclusive and empowered society.

The DSWD commits to assist more families to be self-sufficient through the 4Ps and its other programs and shall continue to deliver its social protection efforts able to contribute to building poverty-free communities.

4Ps is a national poverty reduction strategy and a human capital investment program of the Philippine government, led by the DSWD, that invests in the health, nutrition, and education of poor eligible households. ###

DSWD aims at improving service delivery with newly inaugurated facilities in Zamboanga Peninsula

In line with its commitment to enhance service delivery, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista led the inauguration of the Php 17.7 million newly-built Regional Operations Center, Isolation Facility, and Storage Building of the DSWD Field Office IX on March 11. Equipped with an Information and Communications Technology System, the Regional Operations Center will serve as a conduit of the Agency Operations Center that will be

used for monitoring, collecting, analyzing, storing, and processing of data and or information on the various social welfare programs and projects.

Meanwhile, the 600-square meter Regional Storage Building will serve as a repository of the food and non-food items (FNFIs) that will ensure the availability of resources that can be augmented to neighboring localities during disasters and calamities.

In the past years, the Department rented three storage facilities yearly for the safekeeping of financial documents and FNFIs for disasters and calamities.

“In due time, we can transfer our food and non-food items to our storage facility. In a way, it is a big saving for us,” Secretary Bautista said.

In addition, the Isolation Facility, registered as one of Zamboanga City and Department of Health’s (DOH) Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMF), is a 212-square-meter center with a 14-bed capacity and two rooms for Persons with Disability (PWD).

The construction of these newly-inaugurated facilities is part of the Department’s effort to further improve the delivery of “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo.”

honoring partners, employees in Zamboanga

Part of the Secretary’s visit to the Zamboanga Peninsula is the recognition of the exemplary employees and partners from the Field Office (FO) IX for their exceptional contribution to the DSWD’s goal of empowering the disadvantaged and marginalized sectors.

“Despite the pandemic, disasters, and other crises encountered, I am very proud of Field Office IX for remaining true to its duty. As the lead agency in social protection, we cannot afford to let our clients down no matter what happens. And you went beyond expectations in providing “Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo” not only to Zamboanga peninsula, but also to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, through the delivery of social protection programs and services,” Secretary Bautista said during the 71st Founding Anniversary celebration of the Field Office IX.

The DSWD Secretary was joined by Field Office IX Regional Director Atty. Sittie Raifah Pamaloy-Hassan and Assistant Regional Directors Riduan Hadjimuddin and Fatima Caminan, in conferring the awardees for various categories under the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence or PRAISE awards, Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan or PaNata Ko sa Bayan Awards, as well as Loyalty Awards.

“Let us all continue to work together towards the attainment of ‘Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay’ para sa mga Pilipino,” Secretary Rolando added.

The 71st Founding Anniversary centered on the theme “DSWD@71: Napapanahon na Pagtugon sa Suliranin ng Taong 2022, Kabalikat at Katatagan ng Bawat Pilipino.” ###