The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the Filipino people, vowing to provide enhanced social services that are attuned to the evolving socio-economic landscape in 2024. Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, Irene Dumlao, announced that the DSWD’s budget of P245 billion for 2024 will be allocated towards financing existing social welfare and development programs, as well as implementing innovative measures in digital transformation.
Under the leadership of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the agency will prioritize the development and deployment of automated systems for its priority frontline services. This move aims to streamline benefit disbursement and promote financial inclusion. By embracing technology, the DSWD seeks to improve efficiency and accessibility in delivering services to the Filipino people.
Recognizing the changing demands of its target beneficiaries, the DSWD will also focus on retooling its current programs to be more inclusive and flexible. Programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Program, the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program, the Oplan Pag-Abot Program, and the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP) will undergo upgrades to better address the needs of the people.
Collaborating with local government units (LGUs), the DSWD will continue to provide interventions to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) who are graduating or leaving the program. The department will closely monitor their well-being to ensure they do not fall back into poverty, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable support.
In its efforts to enhance social work and community development practices nationwide, the DSWD anticipates the full operation of the DSWD Academy this year. This academy will serve as a platform for local government units and social welfare organizations to provide social protection services, further strengthening the country’s social welfare system.
Additionally, the DSWD will launch the Buong Bansa Handa initiative, a new disaster preparedness effort aimed at enhancing the government’s existing disaster supply chain through public and private partnerships. This initiative reflects the department’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring their safety during times of crisis.
Expanding its disaster response and management operations, the DSWD will establish the new Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC). This centralized hub will operate 24/7, facilitating disaster monitoring, reporting, data and information management, and relief efforts between the DSWD Central Office and its Field Offices. With this new command center, the DSWD aims to improve coordination and response efficiency during times of calamity.
Through these various programs and initiatives, the Department of Social Welfare and Development assures the public of a stronger and more efficient delivery of social welfare and development services in 2024. The DSWD remains committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos in need, ensuring that their welfare and well-being are prioritized. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, the DSWD is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times