President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a heartfelt message to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the agency’s 73rd founding anniversary in Quezon City. He emphasized the importance of serving the Filipino people with kindness, understanding, and compassion, referring to the DSWD as the “headquarters of war against poverty.”
Addressing the employees of the DSWD, President Marcos described them as the “country’s social welfare forces” who are always on red alert. He acknowledged the constant distress calls from disaster victims and disadvantaged sectors, highlighting the tireless efforts of the DSWD in putting people out of harm’s way and onto the road to recovery and a better life.
President Marcos emphasized the significance of treating the poor and vulnerable with care and compassion, as it is a hallmark of public service. He acknowledged the DSWD as the forefront of government welfare services and mentioned that Congress increased its budget to P245 billion for 2024, a significant increase from the previous year’s P196.5 billion.
The President highlighted the impact of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Senior Pension, which received an allocation of P106 billion and P49.8 billion respectively. These programs aim to benefit millions of Filipino families, including incentives for super-seniors and centenarians. Additionally, the DSWD’s food catering operations have a P4.1 billion allocation to provide hot meals to 2.027 million preschool children in different communities.
To address hunger, President Marcos mentioned the implementation of a food stamps program that provides P3,000 each month to 50,000 families. He commended the DSWD for its comprehensive approach, operating orphanages for children in need and homes for the elderly. The agency also plays a crucial role as first responders to disasters and frontliners in community development.
President Marcos emphasized that DSWD programs are not viewed as handouts but as a hand-up, designed to help people overcome helpless situations. He emphasized the importance of aid that empowers individuals, allowing them to regain their independence and dignity.
In addition to his address at the anniversary celebration, President Marcos and DSWD Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian launched the Buong Bansa Handa Project and its 24/7 Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC). These initiatives aim to expedite the provision of assistance to disaster-affected families, ensuring that no one is left behind during calamities.
The DRCC will serve as the central hub for disaster monitoring, reporting, preparation, and response coordination. This project showcases the DSWD’s commitment to continuously enhance its capabilities in disaster management, aligning with its leadership role in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Response and Early Recovery Pillar.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s address and the launch of the Buong Bansa Handa Project and DRCC highlight the government’s dedication to serving the Filipino people with compassion, especially during times of crisis. The DSWD’s unwavering commitment to social welfare and disaster management demonstrates its crucial role in uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable members of society.
Source: The Manila Times
