DSWD Region III director: Social Work is the noblest profession

Despite various efforts of different social workers, there is still a lot of room to raise the level of awareness of the public towards the profession.

Up until today, misconceptions about the role of the profession are still deeply engraved in the consciousness of people. Media play an important role in how they are depicted in various media materials, especially in news.

To name a few of the most common misconceptions, some people still believe that social workers are in charge of dole-out services such as the distribution of relief goods. They are also used to scare children who dwell in the street.

Social Workers are more than that. The profession uses scientific, research-based approaches and it is regulated by the Professional Regulations Commission.

They provide various interventions to address the gaps that hinder individuals, groups, and communities to function to their fullest potential. They operate based on human rights, strengths, motivations, and resources of people.

DSWD Region III director Jonathan V. Dirain said that after being installed in his position in 2022, he came to believe that social work is the noblest profession in the country.

Glady Quindoza-Bunao, MSW (Chairperson, ASEAN Social Work-Consortium Philippines) said that she feels honored to be given the opportunity to help others, “Let us continue to stand united for the recognition of the value of our profession by fostering meaningful partnerships with other professions,” she said as she called the crowd to action.

In partnership with the Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines – Central Luzon Chapter, the Central Luzon Social Work Consortium (CLSWC) organized the first region-wide celebration of Filipino Social Worker’s Day on 23 June 2023 in Angeles City. The event was spearheaded by Jefran P. Olingay, Chairperson of CLSWC, in partnership with DSWD Region III and Junior Social Workers Association of the Philippines Central Luzon.

DSWD vows to strengthen social work practice as PH celebrates Filipino Social Workers’ Day

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian graces the celebration of 2023 Filipino Social Workers’ Day celebration on Monday, June 19, at the SWADCAP Compound in Brgy. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) showed its commitment to strengthening the social work practice in the country during the celebration of the 2023 Filipino Social Workers’ Day on Monday (June 19), at the Social Welfare and Development Center for the Asia and the Pacific (SWADCAP) Compound in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

In his speech, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian shared the plans of the Department for sustaining responsive Filipino social workers amid the ever-changing landscape of the social welfare practice, including the establishment of the DSWD Academy.

“There has to be a continuing learning facility in the department or in the country that foster specialized training for social workers, continuing learning ninyo (for you all), kasi (because) the world does not stop, it keeps on evolving,” the DSWD chief pointed out.

DSWD Secretary Gatchalian leads the recognition of exemplary social workers and social work organization during the 2023 Filipino Social Workers Day celebration on June 19.

The DSWD Academy, which is the existing SWADCAP facility of the Department in Taguig City, will serve as a learning facility that will provide specialized training, capacity-building activities, and other learning development interventions to social workers to enable them to meet the ever-changing social work landscape.

Secretary Gatchalian underscored the importance of the Academy in this day and age where “there are new technologies out there in terms of social protection, [and] disaster camp management.”

To operationalize the Academy, the DSWD chief signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Chancellor Melinda DP. Bandalaria and heads and representatives of the ASEAN Social Work Consortium-Philippines (ASWC-PH) member-associations. This became the highlight of the Filipino Social Workers Day celebration.

Under the signed MOU, the member-organizations of ASWC-PH and the UPOU will serve as learning service providers for the DSWD Academy as well as partners of the Department in providing technical assistance to social welfare and development intermediaries and other stakeholders.

Part of the Academy’s thrust is the empowerment of social welfare assistants, including those who work at the local government units (LGUs) as social welfare aides, and early child-hood development workers, among others, to learn the skill sets of social workers.

“While we are developing and fostering upgraded skills for social workers, we are also empowering social welfare assistants and private individuals who are conducting social work practice,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Expansion of benefits

Aside from learning and development, the DSWD is also advocating for the expansion of the privileges and benefits of social workers.

Assistant Secretary Janet P. Armas discussed the updates on Republic Act No. 9433, the law which provides for an increase in the compensation and benefits of social workers in the government service.

Recognizing contributions of social workers

During the program, Secretary Gatchalian expressed his gratitude to the social workers, “who dedicate their lives in making a positive difference in our communities, by ensuring that the social welfare and development programs and services are well-implemented.”

The DSWD Secretary led the awarding of recognition to social workers and social work organization for their invaluable contributions to social work and development.

“Our social workers got through all of these things day in and day out but yet, they still do it and they do it with so much love and so much care,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

The awards include the 2023 Gawad Parangal Sa Natatanging Manggagawang Panlipunan and Gawad Parangal Sa Natatanging Asosasyon Ng Manggagawang Panlipunan.

The celebration was attended by social workers from across the country and from the different member organizations of ASWC-PH including The National Association for Social Work Education, Inc. (NASWEI), The Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc. (ALSWDOPI) and the Philippine Association of Court Social Workers, Inc. (PACSWI).

Present during the celebration were the representatives from the Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines, Inc. (ACCAP), DOH League of Medical Social Workers (DOH-LMSW), Association of Medical Social Workers of the Philippines (AMSWPI), Association of DSWD Social Workers, Inc (ADSWI), National Council of Social Development (NCSD), and the Area Based Standards Network (ABSNET).

The DSWD Secretary expressed his gratitude to all Filipino social workers for their commitment to the country’s inclusive and sustainable development. #

DSWD chief discusses food stamp program with ADB execs

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with newly-appointed Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Pavit Ramachandran and former Country Director Kelly Bird during a courtesy call at the DSWD Central Office on Monday (June 19).During the meeting, the DSWD Chief and ADB executives, together with World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Deputy Country Director Dipayan Bhattacharyya and Department of Finance – International Finance Group Officer-in-Charge Paola Gabrielle Matanguihan, discussed the upcoming pilot run, focusing on the intervention modality and financing modality of the Food Stamp Program (FSP), the newest addition to the Marcos administration’s anti-hunger program.

Secretary Gatchalian reiterated the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos. Jr. to make sure that the implementation of the FSP will not be hampered after the pilot run.

“The President said, please make sure that the project doesn’t get cut off. When the pilot is successful, then suddenly there’s no money or there’s a gap before the money comes in,” the DSWD chief pointed out.

On Tuesday (June 13), Secretary Gatchalian announced the approval of President Marcos on the pilot run and implementation of the FSP, noting that the chief executive provided some provisions to expand the program, such as the inclusion of single-parent as well as pregnant and lactating mothers to the list of program beneficiaries.

For the pilot run, the DSWD has identified five sites coming from different geopolitical characteristics – one in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in what used to be a former conflict area; one in geographically isolated regions or provinces; one in urban poor setting; one in calamity-stricken areas; and one in a rural poor area.

The ADB will provide U$3 million for the six-month pilot run of the food stamp program. #

DSWD leads signing of IRR of Parent Effectiveness Service Program Act

In its continuing efforts to empower every Filipino family, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), headed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, led the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 11908 or the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Program Act at the DSWD Central Office on June 15 (Thursday).

In his message, Secretary Gatchalian said the DSWD ensured that there will be necessary programs and services for the parents and other parent-substitutes to expand their knowledge and skills in proper parenting.

The DSWD chief pointed out that with the signing of the IRR of RA 11908, “parents and parent-substitutes will be equipped with lessons that will enrich their understanding of themselves as parents and guardians.”

“Likewise, they will be able to respond more effectively to their parental duties and responsibilities, especially in the areas of early childhood development, behavior management of younger and older children, husband-wife relationships, prevention of child abuse, health care, and other challenges of parenting,” DSWD Chief said.

RA 11908 and its IRR aim to assist Filipino parents and parent-substitutes in strengthening their knowledge and skills in responding to their parental duties and responsibilities, protect and promote children’s rights, foster positive early childhood development and advance their educational progress.

The law will also increase parents’ awareness and understanding of themselves that affects their role performance as fathers, mothers, and carers towards children under their care and custody as well as develop and enhance parental values, attitudes and behavior as they learn and grow to fulfill their duties and responsibilities towards their children, family and the community.

The DSWD secretary mentioned that the signing of the IRR “signifies our collective commitment to upholding the values and principles enshrined in this legislation and our dedication to ensuring its effective implementation for the betterment of our society.”

Secretary Gatchalian also expressed the DSWD’s gratitude to the lawmakers who championed the enactment of RA 11908 and to the partner-agencies in crafting the IRR.

The DSWD, in coordination with other concerned agencies that assisted the Department in the implementation of the PES Program, spearheaded the crafting of the IRR.

“As our partners in crafting the IRR, may you once again be one with us in making sure that the law will be fully implemented and that all children and families will benefit from it,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Signing the IRR with the DSWD Secretary were Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla represented by Assistant Secretary Majken Anika S, Gran-Ong; Interior and Local Government Secretary Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., represented by Assistant Secretary, Rolando Puno; Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, represented by Assistant Secretary Maylene Beltran, and Early Childhood Care and Development Council Officer-in-Charge Vice Chairperson Rommel Isip. #

Ang Buhay Maggugulay

Hindi namin ikahihiya ang ganitong hanapbuhay. Nasa silong man kami ng sikat ng araw at patak ng ulan, laging may putik ang makakapal naming palad, amoy pawis araw-araw. Subalit ikararangal namin ito, dahil ito ang nagsisilbing hagdan namin upang akyatin ang tagumpay.

Ako si Liza B. Domingo, 37 taong gulang, asawa ni Cipriano C. Domingo 47, taong gulang. Sa loob ng 18 taon naming pagsasama kami ay nagkaroon ng 3 anak. Dati kaming naninirahan sa Laur, Nueva Ecija. Pagtatanim ng gulay na din ang hanapbuhay namin doon. Taong 2011 nang kami ay nagsimulang manirahan sa Sitio Banahaw, Barangay Dibaraybay, Dinalungan, Aurora, sa isang lupang sakahan na pag aari ng isa naming kamag anak. Dito na namin ipinagpatuloy ang pagsasaka. Palay ang sinasaka namin noong una. Subalit nabaon kami sa utang dahil sa sobrang taas ng presyo ng mga pestisidyo at mura naman ang halaga ng palay. Lumalaki ang aming mga anak at lumalaki din ang aming gastusin. Dahil dito, ay nagpasya kaming mag asawa itigil ang pagtatanim ng palay.

Taong 2019, nagsimula kami sa paggugulayan. Talong ang una naming itinanim. Umutang kami ng pera sa halagang sampung libong piso (10,000.00) upang maging puhunan. .Sa unang ani ay maganda naman ang aming kita. Nadagdagan ang aming mga tanim ng iba pang uri gulay tulad ng ampalaya, sitaw, okra, petsay, mustasa, sili at upo. May ilan-ilang gulay din sa aming paligid tulad ng saluyot, pako sa gilid ng sapa, alugbati malunggay, gabi at iba pa. May mga tanim din kaming mga saging sinubukan din naming gumamit ng organikong pataba subalit kailangang maghintay ng mahabang panahon bago anihin. Kaya ang ginawa namin ay paghaluin na lang ang organic at synthetic na pataba.

Dahil ang aming mga anak ay natuto na din sa gawaing bukid kung kayat kami na din ang gumagawa dito upang makabawas na din sa gastusin. Ang aking asawa ang nagbubungkal ng lupa, ang aming mga anak ay tumutulong din sa paggagamas, pagtatanim, pagdidilig at pag aani. Hindi naman kasi kumikita araw-araw dito. Kaya ang matitipid namin ay gagamitin na lang na aming mga anak sa kanilang pag-aaral. Lalo pa at sobrang taas ng presyo ng bilihin ngayon. Umuupa naman minsan kung kinakailangan. Kaming mag aasawa na din ang nagtitinda ng aming mga ani at umaabot kami sa ibang bayan. Unti-unti nakakabayad kami sa mga utang. Subalit isang pangyayari ang hindi inaasahan. Dumating ang COVID 19. Ang pandemyang muling nagpabagsak sa aming ikinabubuhay. Maraming nasayang na produkto dahil naging limitado ang paglabas ng aming ani dahil sa lockdown. Maraming nasira. Hanggang sa ipamigay nalang namin ang iba. Nawala uli ang puhunan namin. Muli ay pinaghinaan kami ng loob at nandoon din ang panghihinayang. Subalit salamat dahil hindi namin naging problema ang pagkain dahil may sarili kaming gulayan. Nalugi man kami ay hindi naman nagutom ang aming pamilya dahil my libre kaming pagkain.

May mga ayuda din kaming natatanggap mula sa ating gobyerno. Nabigyan din kami ng Tulong Puhunan ng DA sa halagang 25,000.00. Muli, ito ang aming naging puhunan. Habang nagiging maayos at lumuluwag na uli ang COVID 19 protocols, nagsimula uli kami sa pagtatanim. Dito ay unti-unti kaming nakakabawi sa pagkalugi. Pumupunta na sa bukid ang mga buyer at ang sobra naman ay dinadala na namin sa Cabanatuan.

Kasabay ng aming paggugulayan, nag-aalaga rin kami ng mga hayop tulad ng bibe at manok. Ito rin ang nagsilbing tulong sa amin noong panahon na wala na kaming kita sa gulayan. Nagkaroon din kami ng alagang baka at baboy ngunit naibenta namin ito dahil sa pagkakasakit naming mag asawa at isa naming anak.

Upang higit na mapalawak ang aming kaalaman, dumalo din kaming mag asawa sa ibat-ibang trainings at seminar tulad ng Farmers Field School on Vegetable Production, Organic Agriculture Urban Gardening and Edible Landscaping 2020, at iba pa. Board of Director din ang aking asawa sa Sitio Parang Vegetables Growers Association at Pangulo naman sa Patubig-Bial Talaytay Irrigators Association.

Taong 2020, isa ang aming gulayan sa napili upang maging entry sa Search for Organic Agriculture Urban Gardening and Edible Landscaping 2020. Subalit hindi na ito naipagpatuloy dahil na rin sa pandemya. Nasayang ang aming paghahanda at pagod. Taong 2022, nagkaroon ng Demo ang Department of Agriculture sa pagtatanim ng sibuyas, at muli isa ang aming bukirin sa walong napili dito sa Bayan ng Dinalungan Aurora upang pagtaniman ng nasabing produkto. Sa kabutihang palad, malaki ang aming kita dito. Sulit ang pagod dahil sa DA lahat galing ang pananim at pataba. Naging matagumpay ang ginawang pagtatanim ng sibuyas dito sa atin at muli itong isasagawa ngayong darating na Nobyembre 2023.

Ang ganitong uri ng kabuhayan ay hindi naging madali para sa aming mag asawa. Mainit ang sikat ng araw at maari ring maulanan. Kailangan pag-aralan ang lupa at kailangang alamin ano ang mga dapat gawin upang maging malusog ang mga tanim upang mamunga ito ng sagana. Kailangan ang malaking halaga upang maging puhunan lalo na kung ito ang pagmumulan ng income para matustusan ang pangangailangan ng pamilya. Sipag at tiyaga ang puhunan. Mula sa bahay na sako ang dingding ay unti-unti namin itong naipaayos bagamat maliit pa rin dahil kailangan naming unahin ang pag aaral ng aming mga anak. Nakakapundar din kami ng mga gamit sa loob ng bahay at higit sa lahat ay sagana ang aking hapag sa mga masusustansyang pagkain.

Nabibigyan din namin ang aming mga kapitbahay ng libreng gulay dahil hindi naman lahat ay maaaring ipagbili. May ilan na din ang nagsimulang magtanim sa kanilang bakuran upang hindi na daw sila humihingi nalang. Ang iba naman bagamat kakaunti pa lang ay nagsisimula na din silang magtinda ng kanilang ani. Natuto sila dahil nakikita nila kung paano kami magtanim at kung paano ito nakakatulong sa aming pamilya.

Masaya kami sa aming ginagawa subalit ayaw namin itong ipamana sa aming mga anak. Magsisikap kami upang sila ay makatapos ng pag aaral. Alam naming nararamdaman nila ang hirap ng aming ginagawa dahil sila mismo ay sumusuko sa init ng araw. Hindi namin ikahihiya ang ganitong hanapbuhay. Nasa silong man kami ng sikat ng araw at patak ng ulan, laging may putik ang makakapal naming palad, amoy pawis araw-araw. Subalit ikinararangal namin ito, dahil ito ang nagsisilbing hagdan namin upang akyatin ang tagumpay.

DSWD, World Bank discuss ways to enhance Beneficiary FIRST Project

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the World Bank (WB) held a technical discussion on Thursday (June 1) focusing on how to further enhance the ongoing implementation of the Beneficiary FIRST Social Protection Project (BFIRST Project) at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

During the wrap-up session attended by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop, the findings and agreements during the recently concluded Mid-Term Review (MTR) Mission of the project were addressed.

Among the crucial things discussed during the meeting were the DSWD’s efforts in digital transformation, standardization of the targeting system for social protection programs, and unification of the beneficiary database with PhilSys integration.

While the Project aims to increase the number of PhilSys-verified individuals listed in the unified beneficiary database, Secretary Gatchalian maintained there would be “no deprivation to beneficiaries who are not registered on PhilSys.”

World Bank Task Team Leader Dr. Yoonyoung Cho, who presented the summary of major findings, agreements and recommendations from the MTR Field Visit and Technical Discussion held on May 23 to 31 this year, commended the new DSWD leadership for its initiative to pursue the digital transformation of the Department.

Part of the key features of the BFIRST project is to achieve digital data governance and digital payments, including the transactional accounts for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps beneficiaries.

Secretary Gatchalian expressed his gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support of the fulfillment of the DSWD’s mandate to improve social protection delivery in the country.

“We are partners in trying to end the intergenerational poverty,” the DSWD chief said.

BFIRST is a joint project of the DSWD and the World Bank that aims to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on poor Filipino families and to strengthen the DSWD’s social protection delivery systems to become more adaptive and efficient. #

Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija tatanggap ng mahigit 13M mula sa DSWD Region 3

Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija – Pormal nang inilunsad ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa pamamagitna ng Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), at ng Department of Health (DOH) ang Philippine Multi-sectoral Nutrition Program (PMNP) ngayong araw, June 6, 2023.

Nilagdaan ng DSWD Region 3, DOH at lokal na pamahalaan ng Cuyapo ang Memorandum of Agreement kasabay ang pagbibigay ng kaalaman tungkol sa PMNP.

Mahigit P13,515,000.00 ang grant allocation na ibibgay ng DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS PMNP habang P2,027,250.00 naman ang local counterpart contribution (cash o in kind) ng Lokal na pamahalaan.

Ang munisipyo ng Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija ang nag-iisang munisipyo sa Gitnang Luzon na napiling magimplementa ng KALAHI PMNP.

Dinaluhan ito ni DOH Regional Director Corazon I. Flores, MD, MPH, CESO IV, Cuyapo Municipal Mayor Hon. Florida P. Esteban, National Nutrition Council Regional Program Coordinator Ana Marie Rosaldo, at DSWD Promotive Services Division Division Chief Vilma. R. Serrano, RSW.

Nagpahayag naman ng suporta sa programa si Ms. Rosaldo, “Makakaasa po kayo na ang National Nutrition Council Region III ay magiging katuwang po ng DSWD, DOH, at ng Cuyapo na naisakatuparan ang lahat ng mga plano na nakapaloob sa PMNP Regional Work Plan.”

Nilalayon ng programang ang sama – samang pagtutulungan ng bawat isa upang maitaas ang antas ng nutrition at kalusugan ng mga kabataan, pamilya at komunidad sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pag-implementa ng mga nutrition sensitive na mga programa at proyekto, pagkakaroon ng malinis na kapaligiran at pagapapalakas ng edukasyon sa nutrition at pagpapalawak ng access sa mga serbisyo sa pangangalagang nagkulusugan.

Nakatakdang simulan ang pagbuo ng Barangay Nutrition Council kada barangay ngayong buwan ng Hulyo upang maging katuwang sa pagiimplementa sa programa sa barangay. ###

DSWD reminds clients to avail AICS in satellite offices near their residences

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday (June 1) reminded its clients availing of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation AICS) to go the satellite offices that are nearest to their places of residence.

“Beginning today, June 1, AICS clients should go to the DSWD satellite office nearest their areas of residence as this will be more convenient and economical for them,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said.

AICS serves as a social safety net or a stop-gap mechanism to support the recovery of individuals and families from unexpected crises such as illness or death of a family member, natural and man-made disasters, and other crisis situations.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered the establishment of AICS satellite processing areas in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide government assistance in the easiest and fastest way possible to those in need.

Asst. Secretary Lopez reiterated that clients residing in Northern Metro Manila, which covers the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, should go to Camanava satellite office located at the Victory Trade Plaza in Monumento, Caloocan City.

Residents of the southern Metro Manila cities of Pasay, Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas can request for their AICS at the Baclaran Satellite Office located at the Victory Food Market beside Baclaran Church, according to the DSWD spokesperson.

Residents in the municipalities of Norzagaray, Sta. Maria, Angat and the city of San Jose del Monte (SJDM) in Bulacan will be serviced by the SJDM Satellite Office situated at Starmall in Barangay Kaypian.

Those residing in the cities of Manila, San Juan, Mandaluyong and Makati can get their AICS at the DSWD NCR Regional Office along Legarda Street in Manila while those residing in Quezon City can go to the DSWD Central Office in Batasan Road.

Assistant Secretary for Community Engagement Uly Aguilar said the setting up of AICS satellite offices was primarily aimed at bringing DSWD’s various services and interventions closer to Metro Manila and Bulacan province residents.

“This initiative is one way of decongesting our existing AICS payout areas, and to deliver services under AICS directly to our clients from different parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” Asst. Secretary Aguilar said.

Asst. Secretary Aguilar said the DSWD will also soon open satellite offices in Pasig City and Rodriguez, Rizal to service those living in the Eastern part of Metro Manila and Rizal.

The Pasig satellite office aims to deliver various forms of assistance under the AICS program, directly to clients residing in the eastern Metro Manila cities of Pasig, Marikina, Taguig and the municipality of Pateros. #