Despite the ban on disbursement of public funds implemented by COMELEC, the Department of Social Welfare and Development ensures the public that delivery of services and implementation of programs for the poor will continue.
In a statement, DSWD IX Regional Director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo confirmed that the release of grants to partner beneficiaries will go uninterrupted since most of the assistance that the department is providing is emergent in nature and some will cover daily expenses of indigent families.
“These programs are social assistance and we cannot deprive the people who badly need them from availing. We cannot put monetary assistance to individuals in crisis or emergency situation on hold only because it’s election.” DSWD 9 Regional Director Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo said in a statement.
Considered as the first responders during disasters are the LGUs, DSWD augments the initial assistance provided by LGUs to people affected by any unpleasant eventualities. However, Solamillo emphasized that LGU should take the responsibility of transporting these relief items to their respective cities/ municipalities.
“They have to pay for the hauling of these materials everytime they request for augmentation assistance. This will serve as their counterpart.” Solamillo said during a meeting with DSWD regional staff on Monday.
Last week, DSWD transported 1,468 family food packs to Basilan intended for internally displaced persons in Tipo-Tipo who have been affected by the clash between the AFP and bandits. Meanwhile, some of the Social Welfare and Development Team of Zamboanga del Sur reported that they have provided financial assistance worth Php225,000 to 440 beneficiaries last week. In addition, DSWD was also able to extend Home Materials Assistance in the amount of 5,000 pesos to each of 66 Zamboanga IDPs.
Some of the programs that will be continuously implemented are Social Pension Program with more than 80,000 beneficiaries in the region, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program with 292,132 grantees, Sustainable Livelihood Program with over 20,000 program participants, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, and Supplementary Feeding, among others.
Meanwhile, DSWD assures that they continue to protect their
beneficiaries and programs from undue politicking and reiterates that there are measures in place to empower their beneficiaries so they themselves won’t become victims of such and are able to make informed decisions during the Election Day.