The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3 in coordination with the Department of Local Interior and Government (DILG) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) conducted Social Welfare and Development Forum on Devolution in light of Mandanas Ruling for local government units (LGUs). This is in preparation for the upcoming devolution of DSWD programs in 2022. 

The programs that will be devolved following the Mandanas Ruling are: 

1. Comprehensive Project for Street Children
2. Assistance to Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
3. 3. Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP)
4. Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)
5. Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS)
6. Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP)
7. Programs for Older Persons
8. KALAHI-CIDSS

DSWD Regional Director Marites M. Maristela, CESO III wishes to see eye-to-eye with the LGUs in preparation for the devolution. “We respect the autonomy and decision of local government units, but as the DSWD Region 3 head, I advocate for you to prioritize including social programs and services in your budget proposals that your constituents need in this time of pandemic.”

Assistant Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela presented programs and services and the roles that DSWD Region 3 will be playing, she also appealed to the LGUs to adhere with the standards of service delivery. She added, “We are asking each of you to consider absorbing our employees since they are already equipped and trained on handling the programs and services which will be of big help on the implementation of devolved programs and services.”

There will be a number of 485 employees who will be affected by the devolution, 12 regular employees, 24 contractual, and 449 cost of service employees. 

While Assistant Regional Director for Administration Maribel M. Blanco vouches for the workers’ competence and commitment, she also added, “We (at DSWD Region 3) are always present to provide technical support.”