The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to be on alert status to monitor and assist local government units (LGUs) in their relief operations for their constituents who are affected by  the various weather disturbances across the country.

To date, the DSWD has already provided augmentation assistance worth more than Php45 million to localities currently experiencing the effects of the shear line in Regions V, VI, VIII, IX, X, XI, Caraga, and BARMM.

Meanwhile, the Department also provided financial assistance worth more than Php119 million to 24,455 beneficiaries in Regions V, VIII, and X through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

In Eastern Visayas, the DSWD Field Office (FO) VIII has already served a total of 25,045 families from the provinces of Northern Samar, Western Samar, and Eastern Samar.

On January 12, the DSWD FO IX delivered 2,750 family food packs and 599 jerry cans with potable water as initial assistance to families affected by the heavy rains and flooding brought by the low pressure area in the localities of Zamboanga City, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Liloy and Salug, Zamboanga del Norte.

Currently, the DSWD maintains stockpiles and standby funds worth over Php 1.26 billion ready for augmentation to concerned LGUs, if requested.

Upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr and under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Eduardo M. Punay, the Department pledges to ensure that all regions affected by weather disturbances will be provided with sufficient augmentation assistance in a timely manner. ###

Sa pangunguna ng kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingan at Pagpapaunlad ng Lipunan na si Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo, ibinahagi ang 3.5 milyong pisong ayuda sa mga Aeta at Sama Bajao mula Angeles at Mabalacat City, Pampanga kung saan 500 na katutubo ang nakatanggap ng P10,000 bawat isa. Samantalang, 354 na mga benepisyaryo ang nabahagian mula sa Mabalacat City at Angeles City. 

Ayon sa kalihim, ang tulong na ito ay hindi limos kun’di bahagi ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan na naglalayong makatulong sa kanilang pangkabuhayan. Dadag pa niya, ang hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng pangako ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa sama-samang pag-ahon ng mga Pilipino mula sa pandemya.

Nagkaroon rin ng diyalogo kasama ang mga opisyales ng dalawang lokal na pamahalaan at mga lider ng mga nasabing katutubo. Isinangguni ng mga Tribal Chieftains ang kanilang pangangailangan ng farm-to-market roads at lugar kung saan nila maaaring ibenta ang kanilang mga produkto.

Alinsunod sa direktiba ng kalihim, siniguro ni DSWD Regional Director Jonathan V. Dirain na makikipagtulungan ang Departamento sa lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang ahensya katulad ng National Commission on Indigenous People o NCIP para sa proyektong magbubunga ng pangmatagalang solusyon.

Lubos naman ang pasasalamat ng mga katutubo sa kanilang natanggap na tulong mula sa DSWD. 

Kasama sa aktibidad na ito ay ang iba pang opisyal ng DSWD Central Office na sina USec. Denise B. Bragas, USec. Sally Navarro, ASec. Irene B. Dumlao, Asec. Rommel Lopez, at Dir. Marlouie Solima, narron din si DSWD Region 3 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Vens F. Rebuldela. 

Dinaluhan din ito nina Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., kasama ang mga represantante ng mga IP na sina Tribal Chieftain Roque Laxamana at mga kawani mula sa Philippine Statistics Authority (Eina Ruth F. Casasola at Marlene G. Vergara), National Commission on Indigeneous People (Atty. Roman A. Antonio, Philip Salvador P. Acuña, at Dr. Emma Dionisio), Philippine National Police Region 3 (PLt.Col Luis P. Liban at PLt. Noralyn L. Awadi), Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (Gener Nicolas Jr. at Ethel Joy Pangilinan), at Department of Interior and Local Government (Atty. Charmaine Jacqueline I. Paulino). ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the United Nations Children’s Fund present  the findings of the Australian Government-supported study titled “Cost of Raising Children with Disabilities in the Philippines through a public launch on Monday, December 5.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), supported by the Australian Government, released in a public forum on Monday, December 3,  the findings of the “Cost of Raising Children with Disabilities in the Philippines” study, the first such undertaking in the country to understand how much it costs families to raise children with disabilities.

The study revealed that households with children with disabilities incur extra costs at 40% to 80% higher than households with children without disabilities depending on the severity of the disability. The extra costs, when factored into poverty rates or the percentage of poor, imply that children with disabilities are likely to experience poverty rates at 50% higher than other children.

Alongside the steep costs of raising children with disabilities are systemic problems, such as the inadequacy of services for children, that lead to failure to enroll in school, forgone health treatment and consultations, and lack of assistive devices – severely limiting the development and participation of these children.

Citing the findings of the study, DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo emphasized the importance of alleviating poverty for the most vulnerable populations.

“The DSWD has been intervening, has been helping families with children with disabilities, however, we have to do some more, have to add more. Because I feel and I believe it is not enough. We will help families with children with disability to lighten the burden of expenses. It is really expensive, particularly the maintenance, if you have a child or member of a family who has a disability,” the Secretary said.

The nationally representative survey covered 240 cities/municipalities across all 17 regions and 69 provinces in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region. A total of 2,753 interviews were conducted with two groups: households with children with disabilities who have a disability card and households with children without disabilities who live in the same areas.

Overall, the study found that families with children with disabilities incur a higher cost of living expenses. Health expenditure accounts for the largest source of extra costs (fees for consultations and therapies, medicines, and assistive devices and their maintenance), followed by transportation and education.

Health expenditure represents 10.7% of all consumption expenditure for households with a disability card and only 3.7% for those without a disability card.

For education, the share of expenditure is also higher among households with a child with a disability card compared with other households, but the difference is relatively small at 5% compared to 4.2%. Although the difference in education expenses is small, the study noted that 31% of those children with a disability card were not enrolled compared with 6% of households with other children.

“The situation of children with disabilities has long challenged the way we approach inclusiveness in development and nation-building. This study comes at a time when we are recovering from a pandemic that has exacerbated pre-existing difficulties for vulnerable children. UNICEF calls on government and development partners, NGOs, and CSOs to make public policy work for children with disabilities and ensure that their voice is heard in legislation,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

The study recommends providing various support to families living with disabilities, such as a disability allowance, to help them overcome financial barriers and attain comparable living standards as households without disabilities. It adds that the government should include the extra costs of disability in establishing eligibility requirements for social protection programs and determining poverty rates.

Supported by the Australian Government and UNICEF Philippines, the study was conducted by Oxford Policy Management with guidance from technical experts from DSWD and UNICEF and oversight from a Special Research Advisory Committee composed of experts from different government agencies.

The Australian Embassy’s Counsellor for Development Mr. Thanh Le PSM said, “Australia’s development programs prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities. And this is reflected in our partnership with the Philippines and our support for inclusive social protection. This study is significant as it provides evidence and strategic directions on how children with disabilities from low-income households can have better access to quality programs and services. When we look after the needs of children with disabilities, we are helping them maximize their potential, increase their participation in society and move out of poverty.” ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as the Vice Chairperson for the Disaster Response of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), welcomes the result of the recent ‘Tugon sa Masa’ survey on the National Government Performance Rating on Selected Programs, indicating the highest approval rating of 75% on the government’s response to the needs of disaster-hit communities.
The survey was conducted by OCTA Research from October 23-27, 2022, with 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 years and above.

The participants answered the poll question: “Could you please tell us your opinion about their performance on each program in the first 100 days of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.”
Other government programs listed in the poll include ensuring food security; access to quality education; managing inflation; and poverty reduction, among others.

To maintain this positive rating, the Department vows to continue to strengthen its consistent on-the-ground coordination with the local government units (LGUs) – which are the first responders; the national government agencies (NGAs); private sector; and international partners in responding promptly to disasters and calamities. ###

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo hands over the cash aid earned by a beneficiary of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services’ (KALAHI-CIDSS) Cash-for-Work (CFW) program for Persons with Disabilities on Saturday, December 3.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.  to bring the programs of the government closer to persons with disabilities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a nationwide simultaneous payout activity for its Cash-for-Work (CFW) for persons with disabilities on December 3, 2022.

The activity entitled, “BUHAYnihan or Buhay at Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan Cash-for-Work for Persons with Disabilities”  was spearheaded by the DSWD Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).

About 264,186 persons with disabilities around the country received assistance from the CFW program of KALAHI-CIDSS.

The CFW aims to distribute cash support to beneficiaries in exchange for their rendered community work. It also aims to provide short-term intervention by giving temporary employment to low income or no income families with members who have disabilities.

In case the person with disability-beneficiary cannot perform the assigned job because of physical  limitation, they may recommend a member of their family to do the task on their behalf.

Each beneficiary was given the opportunity to work for six to ten days with the corresponding daily wage based on the 2022 Regional Daily Wage Rate of their region.

The payout of the CFW program was held in various regions across the country and was graced by DSWD executive committee members, including Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo who attended the activity in Pililla, Rizal.

During his message at the payout activity, Secretary Tulfo regarded the contributions of persons with disability in the growth of the country. He said, “Hindi po limos ang ibinigay sa inyo ng gobyerno. Ito po ay pinagtrabahuhan ninyo ng ilang araw sa ilalim po ng tinatawag na cash-for-work program ng DSWD. Kaya huwag ninyong iisipin na kayo ay walang silbi sa mundong ito. Kayo po ay may silbi. Ang tatanggapin ninyo ay pinaghirapan ninyo. Hindi naniniwala ang gobyerno na kapag kayo ay may kapansanan ay wala na kayong silbi. May silbi kayo. Habang may buhay ay may pag-asa. (What you have received from the government is not alms.  It is in exchange of what you have worked for in the past few days under the cash-for-work program of the DSWD. So do not think that you are useless in this world. Each one of you has a contribution to share. What you will receive today is a fruit of what you have worked for. The government does not believe that if you have disabilities you are useless. You are important, and as long as there is life there is hope).”

Meanwhile, Gerry Sto. Domingo, one of the persons with disabilities who received cash assistance, expressed his gratitude for being one of the chosen beneficiaries of the CFW program.

“Ako po ay isa sa mga nakilahok sa paglilinis sa aming barangay, kabilang ang pamahalaang barangay, barangay center, barangay covered court, barangay day care center, at kasama ang pagtatanim ng halaman sa paligid ng aming barangay. Sa mga gawain pong ito napatunayan ko po na ang isang person with disability na kagaya ko ay may puwang at silbi sa ating pamayanan. Kasama na rin po nito ang pagpapahalaga ko sa aking sarili. At napatunayan ko na ang aking kapansanan ay hindi hadlang upang ako ay makapag-ambag ng isang makabuluhang gawain sa ating lipunan. (I am one of those who participated in cleaning our barangay, including the barangay main office, barangay center, barangay covered court, barangay day care center, as well as planting around the office’s vicinity. Through these activities, I have proven that a person with disability like me has a valuable contribution to our community. My self-esteem also increased because I have proven that my disability is not an obstacle in providing meaningful contributions to our society),” Sto. Domingo shared.

The Department hopes to create more transformative solutions that will help empower persons with disabilities to improve their capabilities and, eventually help break the social barriers that hinder their full participation on an equal basis with others.  ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region III through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) spurs Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Training for Community Volunteers in Nueva Ecija and Zambales.

KALAHI-CIDSS ensures that the seeds of sustainability are planted during the initial orientation and early stage of the social preparation, intensified during the progress of the implementation.

Thus, O&M Training is one of the strategies of KALAHI-CIDSS that creates a venue for creative dialogue on potential issues and problems along with the operation and maintenance of the community sub-project.

Three municipalities from Nueva Ecija (Pantabangan, Talugtug, and Laur) and two from Zambales (Botolan and Palauig)  participated in the training. Cabangan, Zambales is scheduled  December 12-13, 2022.

Josephine V. Lorenzo, Community Volunteer, expressed her gratitude regarding the event, “Sa training na ito marami po akong natutunan tulad ng mga responsibilidad at duties ng Operation and Maintenance Team. Ituturo ko at ibabahagi sa aking mga kasama kung ano ang nararapat gawin bilang isang miyembro ng KALAHI.” 

This will empower the community volunteers to provide sustainability of the project through Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach, a globally recognized strategy for achieving service delivery, poverty reduction and good governance outcomes.

Story by: Dennis Daniel M. Cunanan

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring the programs of government closer to persons with disabilities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted a nationwide simultaneous payout activity for its Cash-for-Work (CFW) for persons with disabilities on December 3, 2022.

The activity entitled, “BUHAYnihan or Buhay at Bayanihan para sa Mamamayan Cash-for-Work for Persons with Disabilities” was spearheaded by the DSWD Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).

A total amount of P337,500.00  was allotted in the Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan

 About 75 persons with disabilities in Guiguinto, Bulacan received P2,250.00 each for their five (5) days of work while the other five (5) days of work is expected to be paid out on December 12, 2022.

 The CFW aims to distribute cash support to beneficiaries in exchange for their rendered community work. It also aims to provide short-term intervention by providing temporary employment to low-income or no-income families with members with disabilities.

 If the person with disability beneficiary cannot perform the assigned job because of physical limitations, they may recommend a member of their family to do the task on their behalf.

 Each beneficiary was allowed to work for six to ten days with the corresponding daily wage based on their region’s 2022 Regional Daily Wage Rate.

 The payout of the CFW program was held in various regions across the country. In Field Office III, it was graced by DSWD executive committee members, including Assistant Secretary Diana Rose Cajipe, Regional Director in Field Office III, Dir. Jonathan V. Dirain, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, ARDO Venus F. Rebuldela, and other KALAHI-CIDSS RPMO staff, attended the activity in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

 After the message of Secretary Tulfo and the simultaneous payout at the activity, Dir. Dirain encouraged and pledged his support for Persons with Disabilities (PWD). He said, “Naniniwala tayong bawat buhay ay mahalaga at sama-samang nating iaangat ang mga mamamayan mula sa laylayan. Kaya naman ang programang ito ay isa sa ating mga paraan upang bigyang halaga ang karapatang pantao ng mga kababayan nating Persons with Disabilities. Isa ito sa mga direktiba ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Sa paraang ito, nasisiguro nating nabibigyan kayo ng pagkakataon upang maipakita ang inyong kakayahan at lakas ng walang panghuhusga at walang alinlangan. Asahan ninyong patuloy kaming aagapay, gagabay, at kakalinga sa inyo dahil bawat buhay ay mahalaga sa DSWD. Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang mga kababayan nating may kapansanan!”

 Meanwhile, Norina A. Galacio, one of the persons with disabilities who received cash assistance, expressed his gratitude for being one of the chosen beneficiaries of the CFW program.

 “Dito po sa Cash-for-Work program para sa PWD napakalaking tulong po nito para sa aming may kapansanan dahil halos po ang iba sa amin ay walang trabaho. Ito pong handog ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos at ni Secretary Tulfo ay napakalaking tulong po nito lalong-lalo na po sa may kapansanan, at may sakit pong kasamahan ko ng PWD. Gusto ko din pong magpasalamat sa bumubuo ng DSWD sa laaht po ng staff, at sa nag organize po ng progamang ito. Napakabuti po nila sa amin. Di po nila pinaramdam sa amin na ibang tao kami. Tinulad din po nila kami sa isang normal na tao,” Galacio shared.

 The Department hopes to create more transformative solutions that will help empower persons with disabilities to improve their capabilities and, eventually, help break the social barriers that hinder their full participation on an equal basis with others. 

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