DSWD Field Office 3 – Central Luzon on food poisoning incident: 44 symptomatic staff are now recovering

 

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###



DSWD supports launching of PH’s 5-year plan of action for senior citizens

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. #



KALAHI-CIDSS Knowledge Exchange Forum ginanap sa Gitnang Luzon

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.



DSWD chief, DTI execs to finalize details of SLP cash aid for small rice retailers

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with the executives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the DSWD Central Office on Wednesday (September 6) to discuss the finer points in the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for small rice retailers affected by the imposition of price controls.
Secretary Gatchalian and DTI representatives led by Undersecretary Carol P. Sanchez discussed how the DSWD’s SLP cash payout will be smoothly implemented in line with Executive Order No. 39 that set a price cap on regular milled and well milled rice effective September 5.
“We are going to use the program [SLP] to make sure that our retailers [of rice] are taken care of during this unforeseen time,” Secretary Gatchalian said during the meeting, which was also attended by the DSWD Operations Group led by Undersecretary Josefina Romualdez.
Secretary Gatchalian also reminded the DTI to coordinate with the rice retailers’ group following the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that all stakeholders are on board during the implementation of the cash aid from DSWD.
“In this case, the DTI was tasked to work with the rice retailers association to identify who the small rice retailers are. They’ll pass on the list to us and on the ground we do payouts,” the DSWD chief pointed out.
The meeting, according to Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, was held to expedite the completion of the list of qualified small rice retailers across the country who are the target beneficiaries of the cash aid with a maximum of Php 15,000 per qualified retailer under the SLP.
“The completion of the master list of the intended beneficiaries is the meeting’s top agenda in order to carry out the actual payouts as soon as possible,” Asst. Secretary Lopez, who is also DSWD spokesperson, said.
Asst. Secretary Lopez emphasized that while the DSWD is mandated to facilitate the distribution of cash aid, the DTI will be in charge of the grievance and complaints component of the program.
“The DTI will use their current grievance mechanism to address complaints from the ground,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Quezon Province 1st District Rep. Mark Enverga, Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, also attended the meeting to discuss the House initiative to raise Php 2 billion from unprogrammed funds to be used as augmentation for the DSWD’s SLP.
Also present in the meeting were DSWD Undersecretary for General Administration and Support Services Group (GASSG) Atty. Justine Orden; Asst. Secretary for Specialized Programs Florentino Loyola Jr., Director Rhodora Alday of the Policy Development and Planning Bureau (PTPB), and SLP-National Program Management Office Director Edmund Monteverde.
For the DTI, present during the meeting were Asst. Secretary  Agaton Uvero and Director Fhillip Sawal.
“The collaborative effort between DSWD and DTI underscores the government’s commitment to provide immediate support to rice retailers affected by the rice ceiling policy,” Asst. Sec. Lopez said.#


DSWD chief assures small rice retailers of financial aid amid price ceilings

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is ready to provide cash assistance to small rice retailers who may incur losses due to the Malacanang-mandated price ceiling on rice which became effective Tuesday (September 5).

DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said he was directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to use the department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to help small rice retailers recover their would-be losses from the temporary price cap.

“Napag-usapan namin ng Pangulo kaninang umaga (Monday, Sept. 4) na gagamitin ulit ‘yung Sustainable Livelihood Program ng DSWD para naman matulungan ‘yung ating mga maliliit na retailers na naapektuhan nitong pansamantalang price cap sa bigas,” Secretary Gatchalian told reporters on Monday.

(We discussed with the President that we will use the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program once again so that our small retailers affected by this temporary price cap on rice can be assisted.)

Under Executive Order No. 39 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 31, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is P41 per kilo while the mandated price cap for well-milled rice is P45 per kilo.

The DSWD chief said the SLP currently has a Php5.5 billion budget which can be immediately used to help cushion the impact of the price cap on rice particularly among small rice retailers who have very small inventory.

The SLP is a capacity-building program that provides start-up capital for those who wish to start a small business; capital build for cases similar to the effects of the EO 39 to small businesses; and employment grants.

The DSWD chief said the Department is just waiting for the list of qualified small rice retailers which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“Hopefully by next week ay makapagbigay na tayo ng payout under the sustainable livelihood grant para sa ating mga apektadong rice retailers,” Secretary Gatchalian said in a radio interview Tuesday.

(Hopefully, by next week, we can conduct a payout for the sustainable livelihood grant to our affected rice retailers.)

To date, the DTI and the DA are currently coming up with a list of the affected rice traders and rice retailers who will receive the government’s assistance.

Secretary Gatchalian pointed out that the DSWD is ready to begin the nationwide payout to the qualified recipients of the financial aid amounting to a maximum of Php15,000.

“Bagamat kino-compute pa ng DTI at DA ang dapat matanggap ng bawat tatamaang rice retailers, ang maximum na ibinibigay ng programang SLP ay P15,000. One time big time,” the DSWD chief pointed out.

Also on Monday, the  DSWD chief had a meeting with Speaker Martin Romualdez who vowed to raise Php 2 billion to help augment the SLP budget for the benefit of more small rice traders and retailers.

“I told Speaker Romualdez that the SLP’s Php 5.5 billion is enough to help the distressed small rice retailers. But I also welcome the additional budget as this would mean more Filipinos will be given assistance under the SLP,” Secretary Gatchalian said. #



Munisipyo ng Laur, Nueva Ecija nakatanggap ng Mahigit ₱3M sa DSWD Region 3


Laur, Nueva Ecija – Magkasunod na na-i turn over ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 3 sa pamamagitan ng Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) ang dalawang subprojects sa dalawang barangay ng Laur, Nueva Ecija.

Isang unit ng High School Classroom Building sa Barangay San Isidro na nagkakahalaga ng ₱1,549,123.47, (₱1,084,386.43 ang mula sa DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS at ₱464,737.04 mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Laur.) at isang unit ng Day Care Center sa Barangay San Josep na nagkakahalaga ng ₱1,455,085.18 (₱571,445.33 ang mula sa DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS, ₱845,356.25 mula sa lokal na pamahalaan ng Laur at ₱38,283.60 naman sa Barangay ng San Josep).

Sa ngalan ni Regional Director Jonathan V. Dirain, dinaluhan din ito ng Area Coordinating  Team ng KALAHI-CIDSS, katuwang ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Laur sa pangunguna ni Municipal Mayor Atty. Christopher “Tupe” B. Daus. Kasama rin sa magkasunod na seremonya ang Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer. Jezreel DF. Talanay, San Isidro Brgy. Captain Amado Galvez, San Josep Brgy. Captain Philip Fuertes, mga konsehal ng dalawang barangay at mga community volunteers.

Lubos ang pasasalamat ni Mayor Daus sa proyekto na binaba ng programa, “Pinaparating ko po ang pasasalamat dahil sa tulong po ng DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS ay unti-unti may nangyayaring pagbabago sa ating bayan.”

Layunin ng KALAHI-CIDSS na bigyang pagkakataon ang mga komunidad na magdesisyon, magplano, at magbigay priyoridad ng mga problema sa barangay na patunay sa pagkakaroon ng pagbabago at kaunlaran sa kanilang mga komunidad.



You possess an undeniable spark!

Director Jonathan V. Dirain lead the induction of the newly elected officers of the Pag-asa Youth Association Regional Federation III on 22 August 2023 at the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

The new president is Bulacan’s very own Roel G. Abraham, together with other youths from different provinces in Central Luzon.

“You possess an undeniable spark,” the social welfare director said to about 500 attendees. His inspirational message gave new meaning to life’s setbacks and challenges. Here is the full copy of his message to all the youth:

To the vibrant and resilient PYAP youth of Central Luzon,

You possess an undeniable spark, a potential that knows no bounds. Life’s journey may have led you away from traditional classrooms, but remember, education and growth are not confined within four walls. Your unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations are your teachers now.

In the face of adversity, you can rise as a self-made scholar of life. Every obstacle you conquer, every setback you overcome, adds to the wisdom that shapes your character. Your determination is your compass, guiding you through uncharted territories toward the shores of success.

Embrace the power of curiosity and self-discovery. Seek knowledge in every interaction, every experience. Life is your canvas, waiting for you to paint your dreams with vivid strokes of passion and purpose.

Remember, your journey is your own, and it’s not about where you start, but where you choose to go. Believe in your potential, for within you lies the ability to shape your destiny. Let your story be an inspiration, a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Keep your dreams alive, set your goals high, and work relentlessly towards them. Let nothing deter you, for your resilience is your greatest asset. The world awaits your unique contributions, and your determination will carve a path toward a future filled with achievement and fulfillment.

Believe in yourself, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. Your journey may be unconventional, but it is yours to own and celebrate. The Philippines and the world eagerly anticipate the greatness you will undoubtedly bring forth.

Stay determined, stay inspired, and let your light shine brightly for all to see.

End of speech.

Other inducted officers are Krista Mae Angeles (Tarlac), Juliana Marie S. Baluyot (Bataan), Christian B. David (Pampanga), John Eruel D. Alipio (Bulacan), Jenica G. Capulong (Nueva Ecija), Madelaine Catusalem (Aurora), and John Carlo Marcos (Pampanga).

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DSWD Region 3 Katuwang ng PYAP sa Gitnang Luzon

Kabahagi ang Deparment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 3 sa pagdiriwang ng 49th Founding Anniversary ng Pag – Asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) na ginanap sa SM Pampanga.

Ang anibersaryo ay may temang “Pagpapahalaga ng Bawat Kabataan sa Kalusugang Pangkaisipan Tungo sa Matiwasay na Kinabukasan”.

Parte ng mandato ng DSWD na suportahan ang mga Non-government organizations katulad ng PYAP na naglalayong tulungan ang mga disadvantaged youth, na malayo sa mga bisyo at ‘di magagandang gawain.

Mahigit 220 na kabataan ang dumating galing sa ibat ibang lalawigan ng ikatlong rehiyon.

Pinangunahan din ni Regional Director Jonathan V. Dirain ang pag Oath Taking ng mga newly elected officer ng PYAP ma sina Noel Abraham – President,  Kris Angeles – Vice President, Mr. Christian David – Secretary, Madelaine Catusalem – Assistant Secretary, at Jenica Capulong – Business Manager

Dinaluhan ang pagdiriwang nina Peace Corps Philippines volunteers Dr. Aida Lapira at Brian Smith,

Nagpaabot ng pasasalamat si  Regional Federation President Roel Abraham , “Maraming maraming salamat po sa mga opportunity na ibinibigay niyo sa aming kabataan at sa Pag-Asa Youth Association . Kayo po ang pangalawa naming tahanan na dumidinig at tumutulong sa mga kabataan higit lalong lalo sa proyekto ng Pag-Asa Youth Association”.