The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is making significant strides toward digital transformation, which Secretary Rex Gatchalian describes as “game changer.”

Secretary Gatchalian said the DSWD recognizes that the success of this initiative is heavily reliant on the recruitment of bright Information and Communications Technology (ICT) talents as well as technology leaders.

The Department is therefore committed to creating an environment that attracts the best and brightest in the industry, according to the DSWD secretary.

The DSWD’s Information and Communications Technology Management Services (ICTMS) is behind the digitalization effort which is aimed at creating a more efficient and responsive organization.

“This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to accelerate digitalization across all government agencies,” said Gorospe, who is also Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) for E-Governance and Digital Infrastructure.

“The department is embracing modern technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data analytics to enable it to become more agile and responsive to the needs of the people,” said Gorospe, who also acts as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Department.

“In addition, this initiative will catalyze change in other government agencies and organizations across the country,” Gorospe said.#

The government, the private sector and everyday citizens must unite and work together in order to protect the Filipino children from the grave threat of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

This was the main call Thursday (May 18) during the official launch of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11930, also known as the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and the Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian described the signing of the IRR as “a meaningful journey towards enhancing the protection of children against online abuse.”

“ The DSWD, as one of the signatories of the IRR, will remain vigilant in making sure that the provisions will be strictly implemented and never abused. Likewise, the Department will continue to craft relevant plans, policies, and programs to address the evolving need for better protection, recovery, and reintegration of victim-survivors,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his message.

Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla pointed out that the Philippines remains a prime target for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, owing to factors such as poverty, fluency in English and widespread internet access.

“It is the responsibility of all, from the government to everyday citizens, to protect the innocence and well-being of our future: the Filipino children,” Secretary Remulla said.

According to the Child Rights Network, the launch of the IRR heralds a groundbreaking milestone in the Philippine battle against OSAEC.

“Data shows an alarming surge in OSAEC-related reports, particularly at the height of the pandemic. This alarming trend is supported by the findings of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which documented a significant rise in suspicious financial transactions linked to online sexual abuse,” Mr. Romeo Dongeto, Convenor of the Child Rights Network, said.

“We are pleased to witness the Philippine government prioritizing this urgent matter. They have actively engaged civil society, the private sector, and even children themselves in shaping how the law will be enforced,” Dongeto pointed out in his message.

The IRR of the Anti-OSAEC law launched on Wednesday (May 17) outlines comprehensive guidelines and mechanisms to combat OSAEC, ranging from effective reporting to robust international cooperation.

The IRR also establishes the National Coordination Center against OSAEC and CSAEM (NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM) under the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). This center will be responsible for developing programs to address OSAEC and CSAEM.

A modern law for a modern crisis

For her part, Senator Risa Hontiveros, main author and sponsor of the Anti-OSAEC Law in the Senate, said the Philippines has created a comprehensive legislation and an IRR that reflect the invaluable input obtained through a nationwide consultation, making it “a true landmark in our legal framework.”

“We can proudly proclaim that we have crafted a holistic legislation that assigns responsibility to every sector – from law enforcement to the private sector. This modern law and its corresponding IRR directly tackle the complexities of our modern world,” Senator Hontiveros said.

The IRR covers the duties and responsibilities of the private sector, especially internet intermediaries and internet service providers, down to internet hotspots, cafes, or kiosks.

The IRR also lists key instrumentalities in fighting OSAEC, including financial investigation of perpetrators, blacklisting of aliens, and age verification protocols.

As provided in RA 11930, an OSAEC and CSAEM Offenders Registry for Filipino nationals and foreigners will also be created.

Rule III of the IRR also delineates how the Philippines can exercise jurisdiction over OSAEC offenses, even if committed outside the Philippines. It also clarifies how international legal cooperation on OSAEC cases can be achieved.

UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov also lauded the newly-launched IRR, calling the document a “reflection of our aspirations for the Filipino children.”

“It stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to create a safer and more secure future for every Filipino child, be it in online or offline spaces,” the UNICEF representative said.

RA 11930 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2209 – primarily authored by Sen. Hontiveros, and House Bill No. 10703 – primarily authored by Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla and sponsored by House on the Welfare of Children Chairperson Rep. Yedda Romualdez.

The bill lapsed into law on July 30, 2022. #

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) marks the 17th anniversary of the enactment of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) or Republic Act 9344, as amended, on May 20, 2023, in Pampanga, with the theme, “Patuloy sa Pagsulong ng Pagbabago para sa Batang Pilipino”. 

This year’s celebration will focus on strengthening children participation with the conduct of a policy forum with children and youth. It aims to showcase the milestones in the implementation of the JJWA, increase awareness of beneficiaries, stakeholders, duty-bearers, and the general public on the law and its implementation, particularly on the Juvenile Justice Management Information System (JJ-MIS), Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program (CLJIP), and protocols, identify means and venues to uphold children and youth participation in JJWA advocacy, and gather policy recommendation relative to strengthening children and youth participation in JJWA advocacy.

“The activity is also seen as a good platform for children and youth to have a sense of involvement in decision-making and participate in the discussions on matters that affect them, particularly on child rights promotion and protection and implementation of the JJWA,” said JJWC Executive Director Atty. Tricia Clare A. Oco.

Among the participants of the activity are residents and social workers from Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA) San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) Pampanga, and JJWC National and Regional Secretariat.

“This forum is a safe space for our children and youth to discuss and share their experiences and perspectives. We at the JJWC are all ears to their opinions and policy recommendations on children and youth participation in JJWA implementation and advocacy,” Atty. Oco emphasized.

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Matagumpay na idinaos ng Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3 sa ilalim ng Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan (KALAHI-CIDSS) ang Groundbreaking Ceremony ng isang unit ng day care center sa Brgy. San Josep, Laur, Nueva Ecija 

Mahigit Php 1,455,085.00 ang nakalaang badyet para sa naturang proyekto. (Php 571,455.33 ang mula sa DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS, Php 845,356.25 mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Laur, at Php 38,283.00 mula naman sa lokal na pamahalaan ng barangay San Josep.)

Itinampok sa aktibidad ang pag turnover ng tseke sa komunidad at ang groundbreaking ceremony ng sub-project bilang hudyat ng pagsisimula nito. Dagdag pa dito ang oath-taking ceremony ng mga halal na community volunteers na mamamahala sa pagtatrabaho sa nasabing proyekto.

Dinaluhan ang aktibidad ng Concurrent Regional Program Coordinator (RPC) ng KALAHI-CIDSS Tomasa T. Lirio, at ilang kawani ng ahensya katuwang ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Laur sa pangunguna ni municipal Mayor Atty. Christopher “Tupe” B. Daus. 

Nagpaabot ng mensahe at pasasalamat si Mayor Daus, “Ito [KALAHI-CIDSS Day Care Center] ang magiging model namin. Lahat ng barangay na walang day care center, patatayuan natin ng day care center at lahat centralized. Maraming maraming salamat sa DSWD huwag kayong magsasawa. Kung pwede forever na kayo dito.”

Dagdag ni RPC Lirio, “Sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng pagtutulungan ng bawat isa mapagtatagumpayan po natin ang construction na ito kasi naniniwala kami with our concerted efforts from the Mayor, from LGU to the barangay level, from the community volunteers, and we, the DSWD staff here present, we can really make a difference.”

Ito na ang pangalawang proyektong imprastraktura na handog ng programa sa Munisipalidad ng Laur ngayong taon.

Layunin ng KALAHI-CIDSS na bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga komunidad na magdesisyon, magplano, at magbigay priyoridad ng mga problema sa barangay. ###

In its continuing efforts to promote and strengthen family unity and relationship, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as Chair of the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), led the Filipino nation in joining families worldwide to celebrate the International Day of Families (IDF) today, May 15.

This year’s celebration highlights the subtheme: “Pamilyang Pilipino: Pagtugon aa Nagbabagong Pananaw At Panahon,” from the United Nations’ International Day of Families’ Theme: “Families and Demographic Change.”

“We are gathered here today in observance of the International Day of Families. This momentous occasion is a celebration of having strong, resilient and united families amid global issues and ever-changing society,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his video message during the short program to mark the event.

“The DSWD, as the Chair of the NCFF, together with the regional inter-agency committee on Filipino family, will likewise continue to strengthen and promote the family as the foundation of the nation, its basic social institution, as well as the protection of marriage as the foundation of the family,” the DSWD chief pointed out.

The IDF celebration provided an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting families.

Among the topics discussed during the forum organized by the NCFF were the profile of the Filipino household based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, teenage pregnancy in the Philippines and Continuing Professional Development Programs for Filipino Families.

Recognizing natatanging pamilyang Pilipino

The IDF is also an opportune time to cite model Filipino families to inspire others to also excel and contribute in community-building.

One family that deserves to be on center stage is the Adjaro family, the 2022 winner of the  Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino (NPP) Award given by the NCFF.

The NPP aims to recognize and award exemplary Filipino families who have significantly contributed towards nation-building and the development of the family as the foundation of Philippine society and to develop a pool of ambassadors in promoting Filipino values.

Both descendants of the Ibaloi Tribe, Mr. Adjaro, a teacher, and Mrs. Martina Adjaro, a midwife, met and married in Baguio City in 1976.  The Adjaro couple raised their six children, namely Mary Anne, Janette, Aileen, Jenny, Johnny Jr., and Janzen, through their hard work as teacher and midwife.

Having a big family has been a challenge for the couple. Mrs. Adjaro had to stop working to attend to the needs of the children and her family.

“Dapat give and take… Di dapat ikaw lang ang nasusunod, kailangan nakikinig ka rin sa asawa mo… Alagaan mo na lang yung mga bata kaya siya na lang ang nag-work, ako naman ang nag-full time sa mga bata. Doon na lang ako nag-midwife” (You have to practice give and take… You shouldn’t be the only one making decisions, you also need to listen to your husband…I take care of the children and he’s the one who works. I just practiced my midwife profession in taking care of my children), Mrs. Adjaro said.

The Adjaro couple also doubled their efforts to send their six children to school by farming, planting highland vegetables, and raising dairy cows, pigs, and other animals, among other jobs.

Mr. Adjaro also helped her children apply for scholarship programs to further support their studies and help the couple with the educational expenses.

“Ang turo ko talaga sa kanila ay ang aking pagiging example bilang magulang. Kasi ang challenge sa akin, ang aking mga magulang, hindi sila interesado sa edukasyon… Papasok sana ako sa seminaryo para sa  high school. Kaso sabi ng parents ko, ‘doon ka na lang sa field’ kasi may rice field kami dyan sa Kennon Road (I taught them my experiences as a parent. Growing up was a challenge for me because my parents were not interested in education. I planned to enter the seminary for high school students. However, my parents said, ‘just work in the field’ because we have a rice field in Kennon Road), “ Mr. Adjaro narrated.

With the Adjaro couple’s guidance and perseverance, all their children have graduated from college and are now professionals.

Active members of the community and church

The Adjaro family is also well-known for their active participation in the community and church.

“Si Sir Adjaro ay matagal ng presidente ng Knights of Columbus and isa siyang officer sa Parish Pastoral Council. Dito sa barangay ay isa siyang Lupon Tagapamayapa. Ever since na umupo kami noong 2008 bilang Kagawad, bago ako nag Punong Barangay, isa siyang member ng Lupon. Lahat ng activities na kailangan namin ang tulong, nandyan sila” (Sir Adjaro has long been the president of the Knights of Columbus and is an officer in the Parish Pastoral Council. Here in the barangay, he is a member of the Lupon Tagapamayapa. Ever since I sat in 2008 as Kagawad, before I became a Barangay Captain, he was a member of the Lupon. Their family is always present whenever the barangay needs help), said Captain Josephine T. Balusdan  of Santo Tomas Proper, Barangay Lower Balacbac.#

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Tuesday (May 16) that the ‘Listahanan’ poverty database program will end this year with the full implementation of Republic Act No.  11315 or the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Act beginning 2024.

The newly-confirmed DSWD Secretary made this known during the Committee on Appointments (CA) panel meeting, a few hours before Secretary Gatchalian was confirmed by the CA plenary.

“The beauty about next year is the CBMS law that Congress passed.  Listahanan will end its life this year.  We will no longer be creating another Listahanan. So with CBMS being the main driver for a database, LGUS (local government units) will be empowered to make it more responsive,” Secretary Gatchalian said in reply to a question from Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte.

Listahanan is a poverty database, indicating where and who the poor are, which was created by the DSWD as a primary reference for the identification of possible beneficiaries of social protection programs and services.

According to the CBMS Act, the creation of a database will be the responsibility of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).  Compliant to this provision, DSWD will no longer be creating another Listahanan database in support to the full implementation of the CBMS law by 2024.

“Listahanan is not responsive as naging kongkreto na yung bahay, nasa Listashanan pa din. Humirap na yung tao pero wala pa din sa listahan (concrete houses are in the Listahan, while those households which became poor are still not included in the list.),” the DSWD secretary pointed out.

Rep. Villafuerte manifested that the DSWD should carefully study the list of beneficiaries, such as the list of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The Camarines Sur congressman also suggested that DSWD should entrust to LGUs the pay-outs of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) since the Department lacks the manpower.

Secretary Gatchalian agreed and said that the DSWD looks at the LGUs as partners in development.

He added that a MOA for partnership has already been forwarded by the Department for the information of the LGUs.

As DSWD continues to innovate its services and validate program beneficiaries, Secretary Gatchalian assured that the Department will work with the LGUs with due respect to their infrastructures and their knowledge of their constituents.

Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that the LGUs are DSWD’s core partners in development to more efficiently respond to the social welfare and developmental needs of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors. #

Newly-confirmed Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday emphasized that it is high time for the government to increase the budget for the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) to ensure that its goal of addressing hunger and malnutrition in the country is attained.

“Iyong masabi lang na may feeding program pero hindi naman natin pinondohan nang tama, ay nakalulungkot (It is sad to say that we have a feeding program, but we do not fund it properly),” Secretary Gatchalian said in reply to Senator Grace Poe’s query during the deliberation of the CA’s Committee on Labor, Social Welfare, and Migrant Workers.

Secretary Gatchalian called for the support of various stakeholders, particularly of the legislators, saying that “we really need to put the effort in moving that budget to 27 pesos per head or else we are going around the circle or if I may dare say so, that it is going to be wasteful spending.”

Currently, a Php21.00 fund per child enrolled in the Child Development Center (CDC) and Supervised Neighborhood Play was allotted for the implementation of the feeding program.

“We would again push for 27 pesos because iyong 21 is not enough. Parang ang nangyayari lang, nilagyan natin ng pondo para masabi lang na may feeding program tayo (It seems like what’s happening is that we allocated funds just to say that we have a feeding program),” the DSWD chief pointed out.

According to Secretary Gatchalian, a massive survey among the program implementers of the SFP was conducted by the DSWD to determine which among the different modalities of feeding program is the most effective.

The feeding program modalities include a central kitchen, raw goods procurement by DSWD, and local government direct implementation, the DSWD secretary said.

Secretary Gatchalian also mentioned that the DSWD partnered with the Department of Health (DOH), the World Bank (WB) and other concerned agencies to implement the Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Program (PMNP) in an effort to harmonize the delivery of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to reduce stunting in targeted localities around the country.

“While DOH takes care of the nutrition-specific program, the DSWD takes care of nutrition sensitivity. Meaning, study shows it is not just about feeding them but also about the overall quality of the environment for the first 1000 days,” the Secretary  explained.

For its part, the DSWD will focus on providing and holding community-based nutrition service delivery and multi-sectoral nutrition convergence through the Kapit-Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) program, including the construction of WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools) facilities and improvement of food security facilities among others.

“It is a community-driven program that says ano ba ang kulang sa iyong maliit na lugar. So these are the poorest LGUs with the highest stunting rates. They have been pre-selected… Sa amin kasi, nutrition-sensitive so meaning wala ka bang wash facilities? Wala ka bang day care center? Things that will aid nutrition” (It is a community-driven program that aims to identify what is lacking in your small area. So these are the poorest local government units (LGUs) with the highest stunting rates. They have been pre-selected… For us, it is nutrition-sensitive, meaning, do you lack wash facilities? Do you lack a daycare center? Things that will support nutrition), the Secretary added.

Among the goals of the PMNP  is to achieve key impacts on the health and nutrition of every Filipino child, as well as to strengthen the LGUs’ capacities in terms of primary healthcare delivery of maternal and child health services. #