The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday (Oct. 12) condoled and formally extended assistance to the family of a Filipino migrant worker who was among the two Pinoy casualties in the October 7 attack of Hamas militants along the border of Gaza and southern Israel.

In a report to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary for Operations Group Pinky Romualdez said officials and personnel of DSWD Field Office 3 (Central Luzon) have reached out to the family of 42-year-old Paul Vincent Castelvi who are residing in Pampanga.

Field Office 3 Regional Director Venus Rebuldela directed Officer-in-Charge (OIC)-Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Armont C. Pecina together with the community-based social workers to visit the family of Paul Vincent in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

“ARDO Pecina together with the social workers immediately visited the family of Mr. Paul Vincent Castelvi in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga to express our sympathy to the bereaved family. The team has provided through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program financial assistance amounting to Php 10,000,” Regional Director Rebuldela said in her report to Usec. Romualdez.

The FO-3 regional director advised the parents of the deceased that the DSWD will also provide burial assistance to the family once the transfer of the remains of Paul Vincent to the Philippines is completed, according to Usec. Romualdez.

“The family members were also informed that they will be referred to projects under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to help them in their livelihood since Paul Vincent is the breadwinner of the family,” Usec Romualdez said in her report to the DSWD chief.

The undersecretary for Operations Group said the FO-3 community-based social workers will remain in contact with the family members to continuously provide psychosocial support in the time of bereavement of the family.

“The FO-3 also committed to monitor the repatriation of the wife of Paul Vincent who is currently 8 months pregnant and has expressed the desire to return home to the Philippines along with the remains of her husband,” Usec. Romualdez said.

“Rest assured that the DSWD FO-3 will be delivering the necessary support to the family of the deceased in order to alleviate the impact of this unfortunate event to their family,” Usec Romualdez added.

Secretary Gatchalian has earlier directed the DSWD Operations Group to locate the families of the two Filipinos who were killed in the ongoing conflict in Israel so the Department can extend the necessary assistance to them.

The DSWD chief directed Undersecretary Romualdez to get in touch with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and get the details of the families of the two Filipino migrant workers who were killed when the militant Hamas launched a surprise attack in southern areas of Israel last Saturday (Oct. 7).

Secretary Gatchalian noted that no amount of money can relieve the sufferings of the families who lost their loved ones in the Hamas attack against Israel but he stressed that the DSWD will make sure that all possible assistance will be given to them.

Usec Romualdez said the Field Office-1 (Ilocos Region) was able to get in touch with the family of the slain 32-year-old Pinay nurse in Pangasinan but her mother was still in a state of shock and wanted her privacy.

The Pinay nurse and her Israeli elderly patient were killed by members of the militant Hamas group during the first wave of attack last October 7.

In a Facebook post, the Commissioner for Foreign Workers’ Labor Rights in Israel confirmed that a Pinay nurse named Angeline died after staying with her patient despite the chance to run away.

“Galing sa Pilipinas si Angeline para magtrabaho sa Kibbutz Kfar Gaza. Sa nakamamatay na pag-atake ng terorista sa Kfar Gaza, hindi siya tumakas sa kabila na kaya niya, dahil sa katapatan sa kanyang pasyenteng si Nira,” said the commission in a translated language of Hebrew.

Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said that in addition to receiving financial support under AICS, the families will be directed to their own regional offices where social workers will evaluate them and determine what services they will require in their hometowns.

There are some 30,000 Filipinos in Israel and 137 others live in the Gaza strip, where the militant Hamas launched their attacks.#

Families of the three Filipino fishermen who were killed in the October 2 ramming incident in Bajo de Masinloc have received cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) immediately after the accident.

In a report to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Field Office 3 (Central Luzon) Regional Director Venus Rebuldela said FO-3 personnel have given financial support to the families of the three fishermen who lost their lives in a boat accident in Bajo de Masinloc last October 2.

The three fishermen who died in the ramming incident were Dexter Laundensia, 40, the boat captain, Romeo Mejico, 38, and Benedick Uladandria, 62.

According to Director Rebuldela, the families of the three fishermen each received Php10,000 as burial assistance under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) plus boxes of family food packs (FFPs) for the family members.

The DSWD FO-3 also rendered assistance to the 11 fishermen who survived the accident by providing them with cash assistance of Php5,000 each as well as boxes of FFPs for their families.

“Our Central Luzon Field Office will continue to monitor and provide the necessary assistance to the families of the affected fishermen,” Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said.

On October 2 around 4:30 in the morning, the Filipino fishing boat FFB Dearyn was rammed by a foreign commercial vessel as it was traveling through the waters of Bajo de Masinloc. Three fishermen lost their lives in the unfortunate incident while 11 fishermen suffered injuries.

The survivors were all from Barangay Calapandayan in Subic, Zambales.

Along with the DSWD, the local government units (LGUs) of Masinloc and Subic also assisted the affected fishermen and their families.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his support in strengthening the partnership and coordination between the Philippines and receiving countries involved in adoption and alternative child care during the 17th Philippine Global Consultation on Child Welfare Services at the Hilton Hotel, Pasay City on Tuesday (October 10).

“We hold this global consultation every two years to discuss issues and address concerns to improve the policies, systems, and procedures on child welfare services. These discussions have paved the way toward better programs and policies for children,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his speech.

The DSWD chief, in his message, also emphasized the need to address emerging concerns on the processes of legal adoption and foster care.

“The task of supporting adoptive families and foster families must continue to be enhanced, especially in terms of strengthening the capacity of prospective adoptive parents about their new roles and other measures to prevent adoption disruption,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.

The DSWD chief added: “Moreover, it is also important to bolster our partnership and coordination to prevent the trafficking of children, especially with the ease of using social media to facilitate such criminal activity.”

The global consultation serves as a venue for central authorities, foreign adoption agencies, embassy partners, child caring and child placement agencies, as well as other allied professionals to discuss concerns and address emerging issues affecting the placement and adoption of Filipino children.

With the theme “The Premise and the Promise of Republic Act No. 11642”, the global forum focuses on Republic Act No. 11642 or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, which establishes a simpler and inexpensive process of domestic adoption and streamlined alternative child care services that uphold the best interest of children.

Organized by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) headed by Undersecretary Janella Estrada, the global consultation started on October 9 and will culminate on October 13. #

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 3 – Central Luzon provided financial assistance to the bereaved families of 3 fisherfolks who died and the families of 11 surviving fisherfolks on the boat collision in the waters covered by Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). 

Moreover, the families were given Family Food Packs amounting to ₱10,800.00, financial assistance amounting to ₱55,000.00, and ₱30,000.00 burial assistance. 

In addition, the local government unit of Masinloc also provided financial assistance. 

DSWD Field Office 3 – Central Luzon commits to continuously assist and monitor the fisherfolks and their families.

For more information, you may contact our staff,  Karen Kristel P. Cunanan via kkpcunanan@dswd.gov.ph###

As part of the government’s efforts to ensure sufficient food supply among poor households, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of rice in three municipalities in Bulacan province on Monday (October 9).

Some 3,000 beneficiaries received premium-quality rice during a series of distribution activities spearheaded by Sec. Gatchalian in the towns of Calumpit, Paombong, and Obando.

The DSWD chief said the continuous rice distribution is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide rice and other food assistance to the ‘poorest of the poor’.

“Una, pinararating ng ating Pangulo, ang kanyang assurance o pagsisigurado na meron tayong sapat na bigas, mura at accessible sa lahat ng tao,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

(The President is emphasizing his assurance or guarantee that we have enough rice that is affordable and accessible to everyone.)

The DSWD chief said the Marcos administration exerts effort to ensure food security and good supply chain by addressing the issues of hoarding and smuggling.

“Puspusan ang galaw ng gobyerno para mahanap itong mga hoarders na ito at kino-confiscate yung mga bigas na kanilang hino-hoard,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

(The government is intensifying its efforts to identify these hoarders and confiscate the smuggled rice from these individuals.)

Sec. Gatchalian pointed out that the rice being distributed is part of the more than 42,000 sacks of rice that were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City last May, and later donated to the DSWD for distribution.

“Patuloy na hahanapin itong mga hoarders na ito at kukunin ang mga bigas na kanilang hino-hoard at ibibigay sa ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries,” the DSWD chief said.

(These hoarders will be sought after, and the rice they are hoarding will be taken and given to our 4Ps beneficiaries.)

The recipients, who were mostly beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), were handed out 25-kilo sack of Jasmine rice each.

Assisting the DSWD chief in the rice distribution were Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma, Field Office 3 (Central Luzon) Regional Director Venus Rebuldela, FO-3 Assistant Regional Director for Operations Armont Pecina, and the local chief executives of the concerned local government units (LGUs).

To date, the DSWD has distributed a total of 23,665 bags of rice to various parts of the country such as Roxas City; San Jose de Buenavista in Antique; Kalibo in Aklan; Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay; Zamboanga City; General Trias in Cavite; Iriga City in Camarines Sur; Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte; Dinagat Islands; and the cities of Taguig and Manila in the National Capital Region.

The Marcos administration will continue to go around the country in the coming days to finish the distribution of rice to the needy and vulnerable sectors. #

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 3 – Central Luzon management has immediately coordinated with the board and lodging service provider that was involved in the food poisoning outbreak that affected 44 staff who participated in the capacity-building activity of the agency. 

Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela confirmed that the affected staff who showed symptoms were immediately rushed to the adjacent hospitals to receive proper medical intervention.

Likewise, asymptomatic staff have been given a proper medical check-up provided by the Department of Health and Clark Development Corporation to ensure their health and safety. 

This afternoon, the hospitalized staff were already discharged from their confinement and are now focusing on recovery. 

The board and lodging service provider have also committed to shoulder all medical expenses related to the incident. 

For more information, you may contact our staff,  Alexine Bianca RdS. Castañeda via abrdscastaneda@dswd.gov.ph###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed its full support for the launching of the Philippine Plan of Action for Senior Citizens 2023-2028 (PPASC 2023-2028), which seeks to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by the country’s elderly population.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Irene B. Dumlao represented Secretary Rex Gatchalian in the soft launching of the 5-year development plan for older persons which was held on Monday (October 2) after the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Mabini Social Hall in Malacanang Palace.

“The lead social protection agency fully supports this initiative, which is very a significant milestone in pursuit of protecting and promoting the wellbeing of the senior citizens,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

The 5-year plan aims to create an inclusive and age-friendly society that serves and protects the rights and privileges including the health and well-being of senior citizens across the country.

The plan was developed by the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), key national government agencies, and development partners through several planning activities, workshops, briefings, and a national validation summit.

Asst. Sec. Dumlao said the launch of the PPASC 2023-2028 is very timely as the country is celebrating the Elderly Filipino Week from October 1-7.

“The launch of the plan further emphasized the government’s commitment to elevate the status and welfare of senior citizens in the country,” Asst. Sec. Dumlao said.

The activity was spearheaded by the NCSC, led by Chairman Franklin Quijnao, and was attended by representatives from the WHO, other national government agencies, local government units, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector. #

Pinangunahan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa pamamagitan ng Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) ang Knowledge Exchange Forum (KEF) para sa Community Driven Development na ginanap noong September 15, 2023 sa Subic, Zambales.

Layunin ng KEF na palalimin at palakihin ang pagpapahalaga ng mga mambabatas at partner stakeholder sa konsepto ng Community-Driven Development approach; at bumuo ng suporta at rekomendasyon para sa CDD institutionalization Bill.

Sa ngalan ni Regional Director Jonathan V. Dirain, dinaluhan din ito ng Division Chief ng Promotive Services Division, Ms. Vilma R. Serrano na nagpahayag din ng mensahe, “The road ahead may be challenging, but we are not daunted. Our journey is guided by the beacon of hope that is KALAHI-CIDSS, by the indomitable spirit of our communities, and by the transformative power of unity. Let us walk this path with courage, open hearts, and a commitment to the service of our nation and its people”.

Dinaluhan ito ng mga kinatawan ng mga District Representatives, local chief executives, mga katawan sa probinsya ng Nueva Ecija at Zambales, at mga kawani ng KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Management Office.

Nagsisikap ang programa tungo sa CDD institutionalization sa pamamagitan ng pagpasa ng CDD Bill na ngayon ay inaprubahan ng House Committee on Poverty Alleviation ang consolidated CDD Bill at babalik sa Plenary para sa 2nd reading.